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// ai chat

Creating a chat backup

Why chat backups matter

basebox stores your chats locally in your browser. This means: if you clear your browser data or switch devices, your conversations are gone. For important work results, you should therefore create backups regularly.

Important to know

There is currently no automatic export function in basebox. All backups must be created manually.

Method 1: Copy the chat as text and save it as a PDF

Here's how to create a PDF backup:

  1. Open the chat – Select the conversation you want to back up
  2. Select the entire chat – Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac)
  3. Copy the content – Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac)
  4. Open Word/Google Docs – Open a word processing program
  5. Paste the content – Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac)
  6. Export as PDF – Use "File" → "Export as PDF" or "Save as PDF"
  7. Name the file – Enter a meaningful name

Method 2: Save the chat as a plain text file

When this makes sense: For simple text editing, or if you want to keep using the content further.

How to save it as a text file:

  1. Select the entire chat – Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac)
  2. Copy the content – Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac)
  3. Open a text program – E.g., Notepad, TextEdit, or Word
  4. Paste the content – Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac)
  5. Save the file – Use a meaningful name

Advantages: Easy to edit, searchable, small file size Disadvantages: Formatting is lost

Method 3: Taking screenshots

When useful: For visual documentation, or if you only need parts of the chat.

For individual responses:

  • Windows: Windows + Shift + S for the snipping tool
  • Mac: Cmd + Shift + 4 for a region screenshot
  • Browser extensions: Use tools like "Full Page Screen Capture"

For longer chats:

  1. Use a screenshot tool – Browser extensions for full pages
  2. Scroll through the chat – Create multiple screenshots
  3. Save in a structured way – Number the images (01, 02, 03…)

Common issues and solutions

Copying text doesn't fully work:

Problem: Very long chats are not captured completely Solution:

  • Copy the chat in sections
  • Scroll down and copy further parts
  • Create multiple text files

Formatting is lost:

Problem: The chat's structure is no longer recognizable Solution:

  • Manually add separator lines (e.g., "--- User ---", "--- AI ---")
  • Use screenshots for important formatted content
  • Combine text + screenshots

Screenshots are too large:

Problem: Files become very large Solution:

  • Use compression
  • Choose PNG instead of BMP
  • Capture only relevant areas

Regular backup routine:

  • Daily: Back up important work chats right away
  • Weekly: Go through all relevant conversations
  • Monthly: Clean up and archive your backup folder

Backup checklist

Before the backup:

  • Is the chat fully loaded?
  • Have you identified the important parts?
  • Is the storage location prepared?

After the backup:

  • Was the file saved successfully?
  • Has the backup quality been checked?
  • Is the filename meaningful?
  • Was the folder structure followed?

Important note

Since basebox currently does not offer a direct export function, these manual methods are the only way to back up your chats.

For more information on handling chat data, see Chat history & data.