Questions
- How do I set up Auto-Backup in Notability to save my notes to the cloud?
- What file formats can I choose when backing up my Notability notes?
- Can I back up password-protected notes in Notability?
- If I delete a note in Notability, will it also be deleted from my backup?
- Does Notability support backing up to iCloud, or only third-party services like Google Drive and Dropbox?
- How do I change the folder where Notability saves my backups?
- How do I restore notes from a Notability backup?
Environment
This article applies to anyone using the Notability app for iPadOS or macOS.
Resolution
Enable Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup
- In Notability's Library, tap the gear icon.
- Tap Connected Services.
- Enable Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup.
- Tap a cloud service to select it:
- Box
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- Tap Backup On to enable Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup.
Destination Folder
Backups go to a folder named Notability by default, but you can choose a different folder.
- In Third-Party Backup's settings, tap Destination.
- Navigate to the desired destination folder.
- Tap Back Up To [folder's name].
File Format Options
You can back up your notes in one of several file formats.
- In Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup's settings, tap File Format.
- Tap a format:
- PDF - To include background lines and colors, enable the Paper toggle after you select PDF as your file format. Bookmarks and audio recordings will not be included.
- RTF - This is a good way to export typed text that you want to edit in another app.
- Note - This is Notability's custom file format. It includes audio recordings and keeps everything in a note editable if you import the file back into the app. This is a good way to share notes with others who use Notability.
- PDF + Recording - This makes .zip files that contain a PDF and a folder of .m4a audio files. This is a good way to share recordings with people who do not use Notability. Notability cannot open .zip files, so you will have to unzip them to import their contents back into Notability.
- RTF + Recording - This makes files that contain an RTF and a folder of .m4a audio files. Notability cannot open .rtfd files, so you will have to unzip them to import their contents back into Notability.
Subjects to Back Up
By default, Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup does not back up password-protected notes. You can enable backups for password-protected notes and disable backups for other notes.
- In Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup's settings, tap Subjects to Back Up.
- Tap a subject to check or uncheck it.
- If a subject is locked, type in its password and tap OK.
Restoring Backups
Notability cannot restore subjects and dividers from a backup automatically, so they must be remade manually. You can import an entire subject of backup files into Notability at once by following the Ginger Labs guide listed in the Additional Resources section.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I delete a note in Notability, is the backup copy deleted?
No. The backup copy stays in your backup service.
When are notes backed up?
- When you enable Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup or change its settings, all of your notes are backed up.
- When you edit a note and return to the Library, that note is backed up.
Can notes be backed up to iCloud?
Auto-Backup / Third-Party Backup only integrates with Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and WebDAV servers. You cannot create a one-way Notability backup with iCloud. You can sync notes across multiple devices via iCloud Sync.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources