---
id: backups.what-is-the-difference-between-restore-and-export
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-is-the-difference-between-restore-and-export
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Versions and restoring"
question: "What's the difference between Restore… and Export… in a backup version?"
alt_questions:
  - "Restore vs Export Data Backup"
  - "Export… backup files"
  - "Should I restore or export?"
  - "Export Here vs Restore Here"
short_answer: "Restore… suggests the set's original folder, for putting items back; Export… copies them to any folder you choose. Neither overwrites existing files in place."
tags: ["restore", "export"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-restore-a-single-file-from-a-backup", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/will-restoring-a-backup-overwrite-my-files"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between Restore… and Export… in a backup version?

Both copy the files you selected out of a backup version; they differ in where they suggest putting them.

- **Restore…** is for putting items back where they belong. The folder picker starts at the set's original folder, and the button reads **Restore Here**.
- **Export…** is for taking a copy somewhere else — another folder, a drive, a place to compare versions side by side. The button reads **Export Here**.

In both cases existing files aren't overwritten in place, and you can pick any folder you like.