Where Does BookWyrm Store Books and User Data?
Where self hosted BookWyrm keeps books and data on Linux servers, plus media roles. Full paths are listed below.
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BookWyrm is federated reading with server storage. The database holds users, shelves, and follows. Media covers sit in the storage directory. The release version matters for restores.
Same folder plus database means same instance. Exact paths vary by Docker versus bare metal installs, with env files deciding volumes. Keep backups of both database and media together. One without the other restores shelves without covers. For moves, stop services first to avoid partial dumps. Screenshots of settings help when support asks for reproduction steps later.
Where BookWyrm stores this, by platform
/var/lib/bookwyrm (database plus media, paths vary by install)
Users and shelves live in the database on your server with covers beside it. Back up both together with services stopped. Match releases before restore.
Frequently asked questions
How do I migrate BookWyrm to a new server?
Back up the BookWyrm database plus media directory with services stopped, then install the same release on the new server before restore. Users and shelves follow the database. Mixed releases can refuse the restore, so match versions first.
Where are BookWyrm books stored?
In the PostgreSQL database on your server with covers beside it in media storage. The app holds login plus reading cache only. Export shelves as CSVs from settings for records, since devices never hold the master library alone.
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