A fundamental principle of record-keeping is that any collection of data—whether it is a physical stack of notebooks or a digital database—is only as secure as its duplicates. A single point of failure is a significant risk for any niche hobby. True data security relies on the concept of redundancy: a record should never exist in only one single place. If a physical notebook is lost or a single digital device fails, the history contained within is gone forever unless a portable copy exists elsewhere.
For home coffee roasters, this principle is especially critical. Roasting is a craft defined by incremental trial-and-error over years of practice. A roaster’s log represents the specific path taken to achieve a reproducible profile, including precise timing, temperature data, and bean characteristics. Should these records be lost, reconstructing those years of experimental data from memory is difficult, if not impossible.
Understanding export formats: CSV vs. ZIP
As developers of recording tools, we believe that you should always own your data. We provide two distinct formats for backing up your roasting history, each designed for a different management need.
| Feature | CSV Export | ZIP Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Three separate files: Roast Sessions, Beans, and Bean Lots. | All CSV data plus every attached photo and a manifest file. |
| Best Used For | Data analysis in spreadsheets or custom tools. | Full restoration of your library after a device change or app reinstall. |
| Data Detail | Includes temperature-profile data points directly in the roast file. | A complete “snapshot” of the app’s local database. |
Because these tools are essential for basic data safety, both CSV and ZIP export and import are free for all users and are not restricted to the Pro tier.
Restoring and importing data
Maintaining a backup is only half of the process; the ability to restore that data accurately is what ensures long-term portability. In Roast Book, data can be restored from either a CSV or a ZIP file through a dedicated import service. This process includes a confirmation step to ensure the data is handled correctly before the import completes.
There are specific considerations when restoring data to a free-tier account:
- Record Limits: The free tier supports up to 15 roast records. If a backup file contains more than 15 records, the app will skip the excess entries and notify you of how many were skipped.
- Photo Limits: While the Pro tier allows up to three photos per roast, the free tier is limited to one photo per roast. Consequently, even if a ZIP backup contains multiple photos for a single session, only one photo per roast will be restored on the free tier.
App management and CTA
Whether you prefer the tactile security of photocopying a paper journal or the convenience of a digital backup, the habit of making regular copies is what protects your progress. At Kore Apps, we designed Roast Book as a local-first application, meaning your data stays on your device, but the tools to move it remain entirely in your hands.
You can begin building your secure roasting library today:
- Free Tier: Includes full access to CSV/ZIP export and import, the roast timer, and management for up to 15 roast records.
- Pro Tier: Available as a one-time purchase, unlocking unlimited roast records, inventory management for bean lots, and advanced temperature profiles with Rate of Rise (RoR) graphs.
Download Roast Book on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roast-book/id6763713928
Summary
The goal of data portability is to ensure that your roasting history belongs to you, not to a single piece of hardware or a specific notebook. By utilizing structured export formats like CSV for analysis and ZIP for full snapshots, you can apply the universal principles of backup redundancy to your hobby. Consistently moving your records into a second location is the only way to guarantee that your hard-won roasting insights remain available for years to come.
For the photos this backup restores, see our guide: The Photo That Says More Than “Medium Brown”
For a broader look at how these records fit into a full recording system, see our hub article: Notebook, Spreadsheet, or App? Making Your Roasts Actually Repeatable
This article’s sources: Reconstructed by the editorial team from official sites, public information, and specialist media, from a recording and organizing perspective. Numeric, spec, and safety-related statements prioritize primary sources.
For roasting conditions and equipment operation, please refer to official information from your equipment manufacturer or bean supplier.
This article organizes information from a recording and organizing perspective. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us. Last verified: August 2026
