---
layout: '@/layouts/DocsLayout.astro'
source: pirform
description: Learn how to work with Shine Forms' backup features to keep your certificates safe.
---


Shine Forms makes it easy to keep your certificates safe. Whether you're using the Lite Edition or the Premium Edition for sharing certificates, reliable access to your certificates is ensured for years to come.

:::success{title="Store certificates online for free"}
Use online storage like Dropbox or OneDrive to store your certificates. It's free and easy to set up. [Learn more here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-online).
:::


# How to keep your certificates safe

:::info{title="Keep your certificates safe"}
The key to making sure you never lose any of your certificates is very simple:
:::

***Make sure you keep either a backup file containing the certificate or an export file of the certificate safely somewhere outside of your computer.***


Keep copies of your certificates outside your computer to ensure access in case of damage, theft, or breakdown.

:::tip{title="Where are certificates stored?"}
Learn where Shine Forms stores your certificates [here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/where-certificates-are-stored).
:::


Need help finding a missing backup file? Read [this guide](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-find-missing).

# Backups and export files

Shine Forms offers two ways to save certificates off your computer:

* [Backups](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-create): Save all certificates and company data in one file.
* [Exports](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/certificate-sharing): Save individual certificates in separate files.

:::tip{title="Create backups easily"}
Backups can be created anytime. Click [here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-create) for details.
:::

:::info{title="Export availability"}
[Export files](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/certificate-sharing) are available in the Premium Edition or Lite with Certificate Sharing.
:::


Shine Forms automatically takes backups and exports for you after something has changed.

| What | When |
|---|---|
| Automatic backups | When closing the program after making any changes |
| Automatic certificate export | When closing the certificate after making any changes |

:::tip{title="Automatic PDF and circuit chart"}
Shine Forms generates a PDF and any relevant circuit charts when exporting certificates automatically.
:::


# Storing certificates outside your computer

:::success{title="Store your certificates online for free"}
Use Dropbox or OneDrive to store certificates online securely. [Learn more here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-online).
:::


Affordable and reliable storage options include Dropbox, OneDrive, or other online facilities. They work in the background to store files while you're connected to the internet. OneDrive is included with Office 365 plans.

* Sign up for a Dropbox [here](https://db.tt/8h28DQ4b).
* Sign up for to OneDrive [here](https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-gb/).

Other storage options include external hard drives, network-attached storage, or USB keys.

:::note
If you are part of a company where your IT is managed by another team then they will be able to assist in setting up where these should be stored.
:::


# Backup and export storage locations

Control where Shine Forms saves backups and exports in the [Shine Forms Options](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/options#shine-forms-options).

![Shine Forms options showing saving and backup configuration](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/_img/pirform-options-saving-and-backup.png)

Files can be manually copied off the computer, but online storage is recommended.

:::success{title="Online storage for free"}
Use Dropbox or OneDrive for online storage. [Learn more here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup-online).
:::

:::tip{title="Access your data folders"}
Quickly access your data folders [here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/save-and-backup-locations#accessing-your-data-folders).
:::


# Automatic backups

Automatic backups occur before the program closes after changes. Restore backups using steps found [here](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/restore-from-incremental-backup).

## Closing without backup

You can close Shine Forms without taking a backup doing this by selecting **File > Exit > Exit Without Backup** in the Home Screen ribbon.

![Shine Forms home screen with exit without backup option highlighted](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/_img/home-screen-exit-without-backup.png)