Saving projects in ATLAS.ti

Function: Save

Using this function, you save your work. But be aware: you can only open it again on the same device and only while using the software.
You can NOT find the file back on e.g. your storage disk, which also means that you can't create a back up copy or share the project with someone else in that way.

To save the project, you can choose the tab File in the blue bar with tabs/options:



You will get an overview of all actions that are available under this File tab.
Here, choose Save:



The file will be saved under the name you have given the project when you created it and you will see a notification that it has been saved.

Function: Snapshot
 

This saves the work under another name (a name is suggested, but you can change it). You are, actually, saving copy of the file. The original file remains opened and remains the file you are working on, unless you switch between versions yourself. (The snapshot function is similar to the save as function in e.g. Word, but there the ‘save as’ file is actually opened automatically so you continue working in it by default).
You can only access the new (copy) file on the same device and only via the software.
The file can NOT be found on e.g. your hard disk and you cannot make a backup copy of it or share it with someone else.

To save the file, choose the tab File in the blue bar with tabs/options:



You will get an overview of all actions that are available under this File tab.
Here, choose: Snapshot.



You will see the following screen with a suggestion for the new file name:



Create the snapshot (if necessary, change the file name first).

The snapshot will be stored on your device and you keep working on the original file.

Function: Export

If you want to be able to:
- open the project on another device yourself;
- share the project with others;
- save the project on a specific location of your choice:

you have to create a Project Bundle.

Here's how to do it:

Save the file as you always do (check Saving (Save))

Save the project using the Export function
After you have saved the newest version of the file through Function - Save, you will still see the options that are available under the tab Function.
Choose: Export



In the next screen, at the bottom, choose: Project Bundle.

You can now enter a name and location of your choice to save the Project Bundle.
The Project Bundle automatically gets the file format .atlasti and you can import and edit it on other devices (your own or others') in ATLAS.ti (see Import an existing project).

Creating a Project Bundle is essential for being able to open the project on another device. Even if you're the only one working on a project and/or if you do not need to switch between devices, it is important to regularly create a Project Bundle of your work. This is the only way to ensure that no work is lost in case of e.g. a computer crash (a regular back up of your computer is not sufficient)! Please make sure you also store the Project Bundle in a responsible way somewhere else than on the device itself!

Check out Library Guide Datamanagement, e.g. Storing and sharing research data
Check out How safe are USB sticks? for important insights according USB-sticks.