---
title: "Update, back up and remove"
description: "Replace the app safely and understand what happens to your files."
canonical: https://editmd.app/docs/updates/
markdown: https://editmd.app/docs/updates.md
status: pre-release, waiting list open
generated: editmd-website
---

# Update, back up and remove

Replace the app safely and understand what happens to your files.

## Before an update

Save open documents and keep a backup of important work. Check the version and compatibility information supplied with the official package. Quit editmd before replacing the app.

## Replace the app manually

1. Obtain the new package from the [official download section](/#download).
2. Open the disk image, or extract the ZIP.
3. Move the new **editmd.app** to **Applications** and confirm replacement of the existing app.
4. Eject the disk image if you used one.
5. Open editmd from Applications and check **About editmd** for the installed version.
6. Reopen a saved document and check your normal writing workflow.

Replacing the application bundle is separate from your Markdown files. Keep those files and their backups in the folders you chose. Do not delete your documents as part of an app update.

## Back up the writing

Use a backup method you control, such as Time Machine or a separate copy of your document folder. Include attachments. A sync service mirrors changes and may mirror deletions too; understand its version-history and recovery options.

App session recovery is bounded and is not a replacement for a backup. Save recovered content after inspecting it.

## Reset local app data

Reset is for clearing local application state, not for updating or changing a theme.

1. Save all changes you want to keep and close other editmd instances.
2. Open **More actions → Preferences… → Local app data** and choose **Review local reset…**.
3. Read the unsaved-document summary. Acknowledge any recovery copies that will be discarded.
4. Choose separately whether to remove editmd's stored AI keys.
5. Choose **Erase local data and quit**. In the macOS confirmation that follows, choose **Erase and quit**, or **Cancel** to keep the current state.
6. Reopen editmd if you want to start with a new local session.

Saved documents and exports remain on disk. Reset does not remove provider records, backups, clipboard contents or other apps' copies. Deleting a local key does not revoke it at the provider.

## Uninstall

If you want to clear local state, perform the reset before removing the app. Then quit editmd and move **editmd.app** from Applications to Trash. Removing the app alone may leave preferences or Keychain items behind.

Keep or remove your document folders separately. Avoid deleting broad Library or Keychain folders, which can contain data for other apps.

Group: Reference. Handbook index: https://editmd.app/docs.md