> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lumixsolutions.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Backups > Snapshot your server files and restore them on demand. The **Backups** tab takes point-in-time snapshots of your server's files. Use them before risky changes, scheduled regularly, or as part of your disaster recovery plan. ## Creating a backup 1. Click **Create Backup**. 2. Give it a name (e.g. `pre-update-2026-06-09`). 3. Optionally add **ignored files / paths** (one per line, glob syntax). Useful for skipping huge log dirs. 4. Optionally lock the backup to prevent automatic rotation. 5. Click **Start Backup**. The backup runs in the background. You can keep using the server - it stays online. ## Restoring a backup Click the row menu and choose **Restore**. You'll be asked whether to: * **Truncate** the server directory first (clean restore), or * **Merge** the backup into the current files (overwrite matching paths only). The server is stopped during a restore and started again when it completes. ## Downloading and deleting * **Download** pulls the backup as a `.tar.gz` to your machine. * **Delete** is permanent and ignores the lock flag once confirmed. ## Limits and rotation Each plan includes a number of backup slots. When you hit the cap, the oldest **unlocked** backup is removed when you create a new one. Locked backups are never auto-removed. Pair Backups with [Schedules](/lumi-panel/configuration/schedules) to run a backup every night at 4am - set and forget.