Backup

The need for backing up your DeepMeta data and how to do it

DeepMeta downloads your portfolio data from the iStock / Getty Images ESP servers and keeps a local copy of that data for efficient editing. Changes are sent back to the iStock / Getty Images ESP servers. This means you can always re-fetch your iStock data, in case you'd lose the local copy that DeepMeta keeps.

However, there is certain local DeepMeta data that is not stored by the iStock servers, and therefore cannot be retrieved from there:

Local File Paths

The local disk path of files you have uploaded with DeepMeta.

Pending Uploads

Files you have added to DeepMeta and have not yet uploaded to iStock. This includes all titles, descriptions and keywords you have added.

Critical: For this reason, it is important that you make regular backups of the local DeepMeta data!

What data to backup

To find out where this data resides on your disk, read the article Data Storage. Depending on your usage pattern, it is advised to include this folder in your daily or weekly backup routine.

DeepMeta Database

The local file-based database containing all your metadata, file associations, and project information.

Configuration Files

Application preferences, settings, and custom configurations that are not synced with the server.

Work in Progress

Files prepared locally with metadata but not yet uploaded to Getty/iStock servers.

macOS

To remind you of the need for backups and for easy access to the location where DeepMeta keeps its data, there is a main menu option 'File' | 'Backups', which pops up following window:

Easy Access: This dialog provides direct access to your DeepMeta data folder, making it simple to include in your backup routine.

Backup Methods

Time Machine (macOS)

Include the DeepMeta data folder in your Time Machine backup to ensure automatic, regular backups.

Cloud Storage

Sync the DeepMeta data folder to cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive for off-site backup.

External Storage

Copy the data folder to external drives or network attached storage for additional redundancy.

Manual Backup

Regularly copy the DeepMeta data folder to a backup location, especially before major updates or changes.

Attention

Data Loss Warning: Although a large amount of effort went into making the DeepMeta local data store reliable and resilient to glitches, there is always a possibility of data loss!

On one occasion, we've seen a user lose a few hundreds of prepared images, with fully assigned descriptions and keywords. These files hadn't been uploaded to iStock yet, and there were no backups, so all that work was lost.

Lesson learned: Backup your data!

Backup Best Practices

Regular Schedule

Establish a daily or weekly backup routine depending on how frequently you work with DeepMeta.

Multiple Locations

Keep backups in multiple locations (local external drive, cloud storage, network storage) for maximum protection.

Before Major Changes

Always create a backup before updating DeepMeta, moving data folders, or making significant system changes.

Test Restores

Periodically test your backup by attempting to restore data to ensure your backup process is working correctly.

Backup Checklist

✓

Locate Data Folder

Use File → Backups menu to find your DeepMeta data storage location.

✓

Choose Backup Method

Select appropriate backup solution (Time Machine, cloud storage, external drive).

✓

Set Schedule

Configure automatic backups or set reminders for manual backup routines.

✓

Verify Backups

Regularly check that backups are completing successfully and test restore procedures.

Recovery Tips

Complete Loss Recovery

If you lose your entire DeepMeta data folder, restore from your most recent backup and then run a sync to update with any server-side changes.

Partial Recovery

For database corruption issues, you may be able to recover uploaded files by syncing from the server, but local work-in-progress will need backup restoration.

Prevention is Key

The best recovery strategy is prevention - maintain regular, tested backups before you need them.

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