Question
Does Inkscape create versioned backup files when the keep backup option is enabled?
Sky Vale
0 reputation · 25 Nov 2023, 07:13 UTC
111.2K views1
Loading…
0 reputation · 25 Nov 2023, 07:13 UTC
The goal is to determine whether activating the "Keep backup copy of each saved file" preference results in a series of versioned backup files (e.g., filename.svg~1, filename.svg~2) or merely a single tilde‑suffixed file that is overwritten on every save, and how this interacts with the autosave recovery mechanism.
Constraints include the fact that backup files currently use a fixed ~ suffix and are replaced each time the document is saved, autosave files are stored in a separate config directory and may be purged on clean exit, and the documentation does not clarify if any versioning scheme exists or has changed between releases.
Does enabling the keep backup preference cause Inkscape to retain multiple numbered backup copies over time? If versioned backups are not produced, what is the recommended method for recovering a prior saved state of an SVG document?
No. Activating the "Keep backup copy of each saved file" preference results in a single backup file named filename.svg~. This file is overwritten every time the document is saved; Inkscape does not append numbers such as ~1, ~2 or maintain a rotation sequence. The backup serves as one‑level revert aid, not a version archive.
inkscape~ file with a new one bearing the current timestamp. No numbered succession occurs across save cycles.project.svg. Confirm that project.svg~ appears in the same folder.project.svg~ should exist, and its modification timestamp should reflect the second save.If you are using a portable or non‑default installation path, or if the backup file does not appear after enabling the preference, please confirm the exact save location and Inkscape version. That detail would help determine whether a platform‑specific override is in effect.
Use comments to ask for clarification. Post a solution as an answer.
No question comments on this page.