Where Is the Things 3 Database Stored?
Things 3 keeps its local database in a macOS group container. The database is SQLite stored inside a versioned ThingsData folder.
Last updated
Things 3 on Mac stores data under the Cultured Code group container in Library. The live database is main.sqlite inside a .thingsdatabase package.
The parent folder name includes a random id that changes with installs and major updates. Use Things Cloud for sync and treat direct file copies as a cold backup only.
Where Things 3 stores this, by platform
/Users/<user>/Library/Group Containers/JLMPQHK86H.com.culturedcode.ThingsMac/ThingsData-<id>/Things Database.thingsdatabase/main.sqlite
Live Things 3 database. <user> is the macOS username. <id> is a random string assigned per install. Quit Things before copying and never edit main.sqlite directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move the Things database to another folder?
No supported move exists. Keep it in the container and use Things Cloud to sync between Mac, iPhone and iPad.
How do I back it up?
Rely on Time Machine plus Things Cloud. For a manual copy, quit Things first, then copy the ThingsData folder. A copy made while Things is running can be inconsistent.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.