Where Do Ren'Py Games Store Save Files?
Where Ren'Py visual novels keep saves and persistent data on Windows, macOS, and Linux, per game.
Last updated
Ren'Py games share one engine level save root with a folder per novel inside it: %APPDATA%\RenPy on Windows, ~/Library/RenPy on macOS, ~/.renpy on Linux. Each game folder holds its numbered save slots plus persistent data like unlocked galleries.
The catch is naming. Folders carry the internal project name with a numeric suffix, which often differs from the store title. When in doubt, save in game and sort the RenPy folder by date: the newest folder is yours. Copy the whole folder, since persistent data travels with the slots.
Where Ren'Py stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\RenPy
One subfolder per game (internal name plus digits) holding save slots and persistent. Paste %APPDATA%\RenPy into Explorer. Steam Cloud covers some titles, but the local folder is the complete record.
~/Library/RenPy
Same per game folders as Windows. Finder hides Library, so use Go > Go to Folder. Itch and Steam builds share this root, so sideloaded and store copies of a novel read the same saves.
~/.renpy
Same layout under the home dot folder. Show hidden files to browse it. Proton run Windows builds use the Windows shaped path inside the prefix instead, so check compatdata when a Steam novel shows no folder here.
Frequently asked questions
how do i back up renpy game saves
Copy the game's folder from %APPDATA%\RenPy to the same path on the new PC. Each game gets its own project folder, so you can move one novel without touching the others. Keep the exact folder name or the game starts fresh.
why is there no folder named after my game
Because the folder uses the project's internal name plus a short hash, like delivering-a-dove-1683948123. Search the RenPy folder for part of that internal name, or sort by modified date after saving in game to spot the right one.
can i move renpy saves between pc and mac
Yes, with the folder name translated per platform (%APPDATA%\RenPy on Windows, ~/Library/RenPy on macOS, ~/.renpy on Linux). Copy the project folder across and rename nothing. Achievements tied to Steam stay with the store account regardless.
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