Overview
ARI includes a built-in backup system that lets you export, import, and verify your data. Access backup features in Settings > Backups.
Export
Export your entire ARI database to a backup file. The export uses a 3-tier table discovery process to ensure all data is captured:
- Core tables — System tables for authentication, settings, and configuration
- Module tables — Data from all enabled modules
- Dynamic tables — Any additional tables created by custom modules
The export captures a complete snapshot of your data at the time of export.
Import
Restore data from a previously exported backup file. The import process verifies data integrity before applying changes to ensure your database is not corrupted by a partial import.
Verification
Before importing, ARI verifies the backup file:
- Checks file format and structure
- Validates data integrity across all tables
- Reports any issues before applying changes
Encryption
Backup files can be encrypted for secure storage and transfer. When encryption is enabled, the backup file is encrypted with a password you provide. You will need this password to restore from the backup.
Scheduled Backups
For production deployments, you can schedule automatic backups using Vercel cron jobs. This ensures regular backups without manual intervention.
Configure the backup schedule in Settings > Backups to set the frequency and retention policy.
Supabase Backups
If you are using Supabase as your database provider, Supabase also provides automatic daily backups on paid plans. These are independent of ARI's built-in backup system and provide an additional layer of protection.
See Database Connection for more on Supabase configuration.
Best Practices
- Export a backup before upgrading ARI
- Store backup files in a secure, separate location
- Use encryption for backups stored in cloud storage
- Test restoring from a backup periodically to verify your backups work
- Enable scheduled backups for production instances