# Importing and Exporting Inventories

_Published September 20, 2026_

Backing up an inventory to a file and loading it back in, on this device or another one.

Every inventory can be saved to a plain `.json` file and loaded back in later — useful as a backup, or for moving an inventory from one browser or device to another, since none of this data ever leaves your device on its own (see [How to Use Your Inventory](/guides/using-your-inventory) and our [Privacy Policy](/privacy)).

## Exporting

On `/inventory`, next to the item list, tap **Export to file**. Your browser downloads a `.json` file named after the inventory, containing its name, icon, color, edition/version, and every item — nothing more, and nothing is sent anywhere first; the file is built and saved directly on your device.

## Importing

Tap **Import inventory from file** near the bottom of `/inventory` and pick a previously-exported `.json` file. It's added as a brand-new inventory (never overwriting one you already have) and immediately becomes active. If its name matches an inventory you already have, a " (2)", " (3)", and so on is appended automatically so nothing gets confused with what was already there.

## When to use this instead of a share link

File export/import is the right tool when **you're** moving your own data — switching browsers, backing up before clearing site data, or keeping an offline copy. If you want to hand a copy of your inventory to *someone else* without either of you dealing with files, use a share link instead — see [Sharing Your Inventory](/guides/sharing-your-inventory), a separate, link-based mechanism with different privacy properties (a share link never includes your inventory's icon or color, for instance).

[Go to your inventory →](https://anvilcalc.com/inventory)

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I use this to move an inventory between devices?**

Yes — that's exactly what file export/import is for. Export to a .json file on one device, then import that same file on another browser or device to bring the inventory (name, icon, color, edition/version, and items) along with you.

**What exactly is in the exported file?**

The inventory's name, icon, color, edition/version, and every item in it — nothing more. Nothing is uploaded anywhere first; the .json file is built and saved directly on your device.

**Should I use a file or a share link to hand my inventory to someone else?**

Use a share link instead — see Sharing Your Inventory. File export/import is for moving your own inventory between your own devices; a share link is built for handing a copy to someone else and deliberately leaves out your icon and color.