How do I create or restore a backup of my Mendeley database?

Follow these steps to create a backup from within Mendeley Desktop:

1. In Mendeley Desktop, Click 'Help' in the top menu.
2. Select 'Create Backup…'.
3. Specify where you wish to save your backup files.

If you're using a version of Mendeley Desktop prior to v0.9.4, or need to manually create a backup due to a problem with Mendeley Desktop, you by following these steps:

1. Locate your database. Where your database files are stored depends on your operating system. The default location for the different operating systems is:

   • Windows 7,8,10: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Mendeley Ltd.\Mendeley Desktop\
   • Mac OS X: /Users/< Your username> /Library/Application Support/Mendeley Desktop/
   • Linux: ~/.local/share/data/Mendeley Ltd./Mendeley Desktop/
2. Copy your database somewhere safe (e.g. another computer, a USB stick, or another folder on your computer).

Follow these steps to restore a backup:

1. In Mendeley Desktop, click 'Help' in the top menu.
2. Select 'Restore Backup'.
3. Select the last backup that was made or 'Other' to revert to browse for an older version and follow the onscreen instructions.