#Saving & backups

#What is an .illu file?

An .illu file is Illusion's native document. It keeps layers, groups, brushes and textures, gradients, text on paths and embedded images editable, packed into one ZIP file. To open one, use File → Open… in the browser studio at illusion.quest/app or in the app.

#Save your file

• Ctrl S saves an .illu file; Ctrl Shift S saves a copy elsewhere.
• .illu keeps everything editable: layers, groups, brushes and textures, gradients, text on paths, embedded images.
• File → Open… opens .illu, .svg and PDFs exported from Illusion with Keep editable turned on.

On the desktop, saving replaces your file safely: the new version is written completely before the old one is replaced, so a crash or power cut never leaves a half-written file. On Android, a backup of exactly what you're saving is made first.

#Autosave and recovery

Illusion autosaves your current work in the background. If the app or browser closes unexpectedly, it offers to recover your work the next time you open it.

#Rolling backups

For each document Illusion keeps up to three backups that rotate, so you can go back without your disk filling up:

Backups are made after a minute of inactivity, at least every five minutes while you work, and when the app goes to the background. Backups not touched for 30 days are removed.

Open them with File → Version History / Auto-Backups….

Warning: Browser storage can be cleared by the browser. For work you care about, save .illu files as well.