# Import & Export Rules

## Overview

Chronoid lets you export your entire rule set as a JSON file and import it on another device. This is useful for:

- Setting up a new Mac with the same rules
- Sharing rule configurations with teammates
- Creating a backup before making major changes

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## Export Rules

1. Open the **Rules Configurator** for any category
2. Click the **Export** button
3. Choose a save location
4. Chronoid saves a `.json` file with all your rules

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The exported file includes every rule across all categories — distraction rules, project assignment rules, and ignore tracking rules.

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## Import Rules

1. Open the **Rules Configurator**
2. Click the **Import** button
3. Select a previously exported `.json` file
4. Choose an import mode:

| Mode | Behavior |
|------|----------|
| **Merge** | Adds imported rules alongside existing ones. Duplicates are skipped. |
| **Replace** | Removes all existing rules and replaces them with the imported set. |

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> Use **Merge** when combining rules from multiple sources. Use **Replace** when restoring from a backup or setting up a fresh configuration.

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## What Gets Exported

The JSON file contains:

- **Categories** — Name, color, and productivity type (productive, neutral, distracting)
- **Rules** — Type, operator, match value, priority, active/inactive state, and linked category

Rule priorities and active/inactive states are preserved, so your imported configuration works exactly like the original.

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## Tips

- **Export before major changes** — Use export as a safety net before reorganizing your rules
- **Keep a backup copy** — Store an export in cloud storage so you can restore on any device
- **Review after import** — Open the Rules Configurator after importing to verify everything looks correct

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For help, email [support@chronoid.app](mailto:support@chronoid.app)

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Source: https://www.chronoid.app/docs/rules/import-export