Data and backups
What OpenFolks stores locally and what to keep.
OpenFolks keeps application state under ~/.openfolks: configuration, transcripts, attachments, device pairing, and the SQLite message store.
Back up
Close OpenFolks before a filesystem-level backup so SQLite and config files are captured together. Preserve the entire .openfolks directory. Do not cherry-pick individual database files.
Do not copy secrets casually
Packaged builds may protect credentials with operating-system secure storage. Copying the JSON directory to another machine does not necessarily make those credentials usable there, and it is not a portable credential export.
Disposable computer filesystems
Local VM workspaces are mounted durably. A self-hosted VPS container filesystem is intentionally disposable. Move important artifacts to a durable workspace, repository, or connected app before removing or upgrading a container.