# Save, open and restore project versions

> Learn how Nodespell Projects and Project Snapshots work, and how to save a named version, view it read-only, edit it, delete it or restore it.

Source: https://docs.nodespell.com/projects/projects-and-snapshots/ · Last updated: 2026-11-10

A Project Snapshot is a named, saved version of a Nodespell Project that you can return to later. A Project is the editable workspace that holds your graph and panel layout; it saves automatically as you work. A snapshot captures the Project at one moment so you can view that state read-only, compare it with the live Project, or restore it.

## How are Projects and Project Snapshots different?

|                  | Live Project                             | Project Snapshot                                                                       |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| What it is       | The current, editable state of your work | A named copy of the Project at one moment                                              |
| How it is saved  | Automatically, as you edit               | Only when you choose **Save Version ...**                                              |
| Can you edit it? | Yes, in the tab that is editing          | No, a snapshot opens read-only                                                         |
| Where it appears | Projects dashboard                       | **File** > **Versions** inside the Project, and the snapshot count on the project card |

Nodespell does not create snapshots for you. Automatic saving of the live Project is covered in [Saving and recovery](https://docs.nodespell.com/projects/saving-and-recovery/).

## What a snapshot keeps

A snapshot records the Project's nodes, connections, parameters, layout and stored previews, plus which [take](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/) each node is using. It refers to existing generated media rather than making separate copies of it. If a take used by a snapshot is later deleted, that result can be unavailable when you open the snapshot.

When you open a snapshot, node history shows only results that had finished by the time the snapshot was saved.

## Save a version of your project

1. Make sure you are on the live Project and editing it. If a change is still in progress, finish it first.
2. Open **File** and choose **Save Version ...**.
3. In **Save snapshot**, enter a **Name**, pick a **Color**, and optionally add a **Comment** (for example, what changed or why you saved it).
4. Select **Save**. A progress percentage shows while the version uploads, then **Snapshot saved** appears.

If saving fails, the message says your project is unchanged. Common messages include **Finish your current edit, then save the version again.**, **Another version is being saved or restored. Try again in a moment.**, and **Versions can only be saved from the live project while you’re editing it.**

## Open and browse saved versions

1. Open **File** and point to **Versions**. Each snapshot is listed with its colour, name and how long ago it changed, newest first.
2. Select a snapshot. The Project switches to that version in read-only mode, and the version bar appears.
3. Inspect nodes, parameters and takes. You can copy settings, but you cannot change the snapshot.
4. Choose **File** > **Go To Live Version** to return to the live Project.

Use **View** > **Show Version Bar** or **Hide Version Bar** to toggle the bar.

If a version cannot open completely, Nodespell can offer **View available data**. This opens a partial, read-only view with a warning banner and a searchable list of the records it could verify, each with **Copy settings**. A partial view cannot be restored or published.

## Rename or recolour a snapshot

While a snapshot is open, choose **File** > **Versions** > **Edit**. In **Edit snapshot**, change the **Name**, **Color** or **Comment**, then select **Update**.

## Restore a snapshot

Restoring makes a snapshot the live version of the Project again.

1. Open the snapshot from **File** > **Versions**.
2. Choose **File** > **Versions** > **Restore ...**.
3. Read the confirmation, then select **Restore this version**.

The confirmation explains that the live version is replaced and that changes made since the snapshot will be lost. Save a version of the current state first if you might want it back. In some cases Nodespell reviews the restore first, shows how many nodes are added, changed and removed, and saves a version named “Before restoring _name_” so you can return to it.

Restoring does not delete any node's result history. New runs after the restore appear in history as normal.

## Delete a snapshot

While a snapshot is open, choose **File** > **Versions** > **Delete ...**, then **Delete version**. The live Project is not affected.

> **Caution:** Deleting a snapshot is permanent. Restoring a snapshot replaces the live Project. Check you have the right version selected before either action.

## How long are snapshots kept?

Snapshot retention depends on your plan and is shown as **Snapshot retention** under **Plan usage** in your subscription settings.

| Plan    | Snapshot retention |
| ------- | ------------------ |
| Starter | 30 days            |
| Pro     | 1 year             |
| Studio  | 2 years            |

See [Plans and credits](https://docs.nodespell.com/account/plans-and-credits/) for the full plan comparison.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Nodespell save versions automatically?

No. Your live Project saves automatically, but snapshots are created only when you choose **File** > **Save Version ...**.

### Can I edit a snapshot?

No. A snapshot opens read-only. To work from it, restore it with **Restore ...**, or return to the live Project and make your changes there.

### Does deleting a snapshot change my project?

No. **Delete version** removes only that saved version. The live Project is not affected.

### Why is Save Version unavailable?

**Save Version ...** works only on the live Project while your tab is editing it. It is disabled while you are viewing a snapshot.

## Related

- [Projects dashboard](https://docs.nodespell.com/projects/dashboard/): create, open and archive Projects.
- [Saving and recovery](https://docs.nodespell.com/projects/saving-and-recovery/): how the live Project saves.
- [Takes](https://docs.nodespell.com/graph/takes/): the results a snapshot points to.
- [Team projects](https://docs.nodespell.com/teams/team-projects/): versions in shared Projects.
- [Plans and credits](https://docs.nodespell.com/account/plans-and-credits/): retention by plan.