Export & Import

MakerVault lets you export all your library metadata (tags, notes, sources, file links) as a portable JSON file and import it on another machine or after a fresh install.

What gets exported

Data	Included
Files	Path, tags, notes, source, purchase URL, bundle name, timestamps
Tags	Name, color, parent hierarchy, UUIDs
File-tag associations	Which tags are on which files
File links	Related file relationships
Sources	Name, URL, UUIDs

Your actual design files are not included in the export — only the metadata MakerVault has about them. The files stay on your disk.

Exporting

1. Open Settings and click the Data tab.
2. Click Export.
3. Choose a location and filename in the native save dialog.
4. MakerVault writes a .json file containing all your library metadata.

Importing

1. Open Settings and click the Data tab.
2. Click Import.
3. Select a previously exported .json file.
4. MakerVault merges the imported data with your existing library.

Merge strategy

Import uses a last-write-wins merge based on updated_at timestamps:

• Files: Matched by path. If a file exists at the same path, the newer metadata wins.
• Tags: Matched by UUID. If a tag exists with the same UUID, the newer version wins.
• Sources: Matched by UUID. Newer version wins.
• File links: Recreated if both files exist in the library.

This means you can export from Machine A, make changes on both machines, then import on Machine B without losing work from either side.

Use cases

• Moving to a new Mac — Export on old machine, import on new one. Re-add your watched folders and MakerVault reconnects your metadata to the files.
• Backup — Periodically export as a backup of all your tagging and organization work.
• Sharing — Share your tag structure and notes with another maker who has the same files.