---
id: backups.what-are-the-backup-modes
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-are-the-backup-modes
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "When backups run"
question: "What's the difference between \"As things change\", \"On a schedule\" and \"Only when I ask\"?"
alt_questions:
  - "backup modes explained"
  - "Which backup mode should I pick?"
  - "As things change vs schedule"
  - "manual only backup mode"
  - "When to back up options"
short_answer: "As things change backs up shortly after each edit (the default); On a schedule runs at times you pick; Only when I ask waits for Back up now. Change it with Change… on the set's card."
tags: ["schedule", "modes", "manual"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-schedule-a-backup", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-also-make-one-version-a-day-do"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between "As things change", "On a schedule" and "Only when I ask"?

They decide what starts a backup for that set:

- **As things change** — the default. Backs up shortly after you change something. Best for documents and work in progress.
- **On a schedule** — backs up at the times you choose. Good for large, rarely changed folders, or for anyone who wants backups to happen overnight.
- **Only when I ask** — nothing happens until you press **Back up now**. Useful for an archive you update once in a while.

Change the mode with **Change…** on the set's card. Whatever the mode, **Back up now** always works.