Where Does Ansel Store Data?
Ansel keeps preferences, presets and the image library database in a config folder in home on Linux. What to back up.
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Ansel splits the library index from image files. Preferences, develop presets and the database live in a config folder in home. Raws and sidecars live in photo folders.
That split keeps the config portable across machines with matching storage layouts. Copy it with the app quit and the collections return. Missing images after restore point to mount paths, not settings.
Where Ansel stores this, by platform
~/.config/ansel
Preferences, presets and the library database below one root. Back up with Ansel quit. Photos stay outside in picture folders with sidecars beside raws.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up Ansel?
Copy the ansel config folder with Ansel quit, plus the photo folders holding raws and sidecars. Preferences, presets and the library database travel with the folder while pixels travel as files. Reopen the same library path on the new machine.
Where are my photos?
In photo folders wherever imports put them, commonly Pictures, with .xmp sidecars beside raws. The config folder only holds the library index plus preferences. Check storage settings for the active library root.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.