docs/help/backup-automation.md
Normally, Ludusavi only runs when you launch it and manually request a backup. However, it is possible to set up automatic backups that run in the background. You can do this using any task automation app that can invoke Ludusavi's command line.
On Windows, you can use the built-in Task Scheduler app. This is how to use it on Windows 11:
Search for Task Scheduler in the Start Menu and click to launch it.
On the right side of Task Scheduler, click Create Basic Task....
In the popup window, enter the task name (e.g., Ludusavi).
Click next.
Select how often you'd like the backup to occur (e.g., daily).
Click next.
If you want, you may adjust the exact date and time for the task to start.
Click next.
Set the task action to start a program.
Click next.
Use the browse button to select the full path to your copy of ludusavi.exe.
In the add arguments field, enter the following exactly: backup --force
You can leave the start in field blank.
Click next.
On the last screen, click finish to create the task.
You can always view or edit the task on the left side of the main Task Scheduler window,
in the Task Scheduler Library section.
cronOn Linux, one option is cron.
For example, run crontab -e in your terminal to begin editing the list of tasks,
then add a daily backup task by adding this line:
0 0 * * * /opt/ludusavi backup --force
(Use the actual path to your copy of ludusavi instead of /opt/ludusavi)
systemd timersOn Linux, another option is systemd timers.
For example, create two files:
~/.config/systemd/user/ludusavi-backup.service:
[Unit]
Description="Ludusavi backup"
[Service]
ExecStart=/opt/ludusavi backup --force
(Use the actual path to your copy of ludusavi instead of /opt/ludusavi)
~/.config/systemd/user/ludusavi-backup.timer:
[Unit]
Description="Ludusavi backup timer"
[Timer]
OnCalendar=*-*-* 00:00:00
Unit=ludusavi-backup.service
[Install]
WantedBy=timers.target
Then run systemctl --user enable ~/.config/systemd/user/ludusavi-backup.timer in your terminal.