# Why export a story?
Exporting lets you grab a complete copy of your story in a single file. It is handy to back it up off-platform, duplicate it, transfer it between environments, or hand it to a third-party tool.
A self-contained copy
The exported file holds everything needed: steps, links, characters, elements, variables, events, the encyclopedia, narrative arcs, explorations and cover images.
# The .lar format
A story is exported as a .lar file. It is a compressed archive bundling three parts:
- manifest.json - package metadata (format version, export date)
- story.json - the full narrative content of your story
- images/ - cover, character and element images
An open format
The .lar format is a documented public contract. Third-party tools can generate or read .lar files, paving the way for external editors and generation scripts.
# Exporting a story
Open your author space
Go to the dashboard that lists all of your stories.
Click the Export button
Each story card has an export button next to Edit. The button is also available in the header of a story's dashboard.
Get the .lar file
The download starts automatically. Keep this file in a safe place: it is your backup.
# Importing a story
From the author space, the Import button opens a window where you drop a .lar file. You then choose between two modes.
| Mode | Effect | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Create a new story | The file creates a standalone story in your author space. | To restore a backup, duplicate a story, or import a story received from someone else. |
| Replace an existing story | The chosen story is fully wiped, then the file is re-imported. | To update an already-published story from a version reworked offline. |
Replacement is irreversible
In replace mode, all current content of the target story is permanently deleted before re-importing. Export a safety copy of the story you intend to replace first.
# What changes on import
A few fields are never imported as-is, for security and consistency reasons:
- The author of the imported story becomes the current account.
- Badges (official, featured) and the access tier are reset.
- The story is created in Draft state; you publish it yourself when ready.
- The public link is regenerated automatically.
# Validation errors
Before any import, the .lar file is checked. If the format is invalid, a version is incompatible, or an internal reference is broken, the import is rejected and the exact errors are shown in the window. No partial story is left behind: on failure, everything is rolled back.
Best practice
Export your important stories regularly. A .lar file is a complete backup you can archive and re-import at any time.