Version History
Chitmunk automatically saves snapshots of your work throughout each session, so you can always go back to an earlier state. Version History gives you a timeline of every checkpoint, auto-save, and session start for your project.
Auto-save
Chitmunk captures a version snapshot automatically in three situations:
- Session start: A snapshot is created when you first open the editor with an existing project. This gives you a clean restore point before any edits in the current session.
- Every 10 minutes: While you are actively editing, Chitmunk saves a snapshot every 10 minutes. If you step away for more than a minute, the timer pauses until you return.
- Before destructive actions: When you load a new template or restore a previous version, Chitmunk saves your current state first so you can always undo the operation.
Tip: The save status indicator in the bottom bar shows the time of the most recent snapshot. A "Saved locally" message confirms your work has been captured.
Manual Checkpoints
In addition to automatic snapshots, you can create a named checkpoint at any time:
- Press Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on macOS), or click the Save button in the toolbar.
- Enter a name for the checkpoint (for example, "After adding card backs" or "v2 layout").
- Click Save. The checkpoint appears at the top of the Version History list.
Named checkpoints are the most reliable restore points because they capture your intent. Use them before making big layout changes, after finishing a major design phase, or before experimenting with a new style.
Restoring a Previous Version
To browse and restore saved versions:
- In the editor toolbar, open the Help dropdown (top-right) or use the Save dropdown and select Version History.
- The Version History drawer opens on the right, showing a list of all snapshots sorted by time. Each entry shows the name, type (auto, manual, session start, pre-destructive), and timestamp.
- Click any version to preview its details.
- Click Restore to load that version. Your current state is automatically saved as a "Before restore" snapshot first, so you can always come back if you change your mind.
Note: Restoring a version replaces your entire project state, including all card types, CSV data, icons, and assets. The operation is safe because a pre-restore snapshot is always created automatically.
Version Types
Each snapshot in the list is labeled with its type so you can quickly identify what triggered it:
- Manual: A checkpoint you created explicitly by pressing Ctrl+S or clicking Save.
- Auto: An automatic snapshot captured every 10 minutes during active editing.
- Session start: The snapshot taken when you first opened the editor in the current session.
- Pre-destructive: A safety snapshot taken automatically before a potentially irreversible action such as loading a new template or restoring a version.
Cloud Sync
Chitmunk offers two cloud storage options for your projects:
- Chitmunk Cloud: Save projects directly to Chitmunk's cloud infrastructure. Common (free) users get 1 GB of storage; Rare subscribers get 50 GB. Cloud projects can be opened from any browser and shared with collaborators for real-time editing. Use the Save dropdown in the toolbar to save to Chitmunk Cloud.
- Google Drive: When you have Google Drive connected (see the Google Drive & Sheets guide), named checkpoints are eligible for cloud sync. Synced versions are available across devices and act as off-site backups.
For Google Drive sync:
- Only manual and pre-destructive snapshots are synced to the cloud. Auto-saves and session-start snapshots remain local to save storage.
- The sync status is shown next to each version in the Version History drawer.
- Cloud sync runs in the background after a checkpoint is created. You can continue working immediately.
Tip: If you work on multiple computers, save to Chitmunk Cloud for the easiest cross-device experience. Alternatively, create a named checkpoint and sync via Google Drive before closing the editor on one machine.
Project Export (Download Project File)
For long-term archiving or sharing your project with someone else, use the Download as File option from the Game Home dashboard. This downloads a ZIP file containing:
- The complete project design (all card types, faces, and elements)
- All images and custom fonts stored in your browser
- Territory maps, card frames, and symbol libraries
- Your icon library
To reload an exported project file, open it from the Game Home dashboard or drag the ZIP file onto the editor. The project loads with all assets intact.
Project export is free and available to all signed-in users. It is the most portable format for backups and collaboration.
How Many Versions Are Kept?
Chitmunk keeps up to 100 versions per project in your browser's local storage. When the limit is reached, the oldest non-manual snapshots are pruned automatically to make room for new ones. Named (manual) checkpoints are always kept until you delete them explicitly.
Next Steps
- Export & Validation: Learn all available export formats.
- Google Drive & Sheets: Connect Drive for cloud save and Sheets for live data sync.
- Getting Started: Review the basics of the editor interface.