> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stagemic.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Show Files and Autosave Recovery

StageMic restores its locally autosaved show when it opens.

Separate `.mic` files provide backups and allow you to move between saved versions.

## The wrong show opens

StageMic restores the current autosave, which may differ from the last separate file you saved.

Use **Load** to open the intended `.mic` file.

If you want to keep the currently restored work, save it under a different filename before replacing it.

## A saved file is missing recent changes

Autosave does not continuously update your separately saved `.mic` file.

If StageMic still has the newer show open, select **Save** to write an updated copy.

If you are about to investigate recovery, first save any currently open work you want to keep under a new filename.

## Locate autosave

The default autosave location is:

### macOS

```text theme={null}
~/Library/Application Support/stagemic-desktop/autosave.mic
```

In Finder, choose **Go → Go to Folder** and enter:

```text theme={null}
~/Library/Application Support/stagemic-desktop/
```

### Windows

```text theme={null}
%APPDATA%\stagemic-desktop\autosave.mic
```

Enter `%APPDATA%\stagemic-desktop\` in File Explorer’s address bar to open the folder.

These are application-data locations, rather than the folder containing the app.

## Preserve a possible recovery copy

If you find an autosave you want to investigate:

1. Quit StageMic.
2. Copy `autosave.mic` to another folder.
3. Give the copy a recognisable filename.
4. Keep the original untouched.
5. Reopen StageMic and use **Load** to open the copy.

If a file may contain recoverable work and StageMic is currently closed, copy it before launching the app.

## Autosave is not version history

Autosave records edits, including deletions and replacements.

Creating a new show or loading another one changes the current autosaved show. Autosave does not retain every previous production or plotting revision.

Look for separate `.mic` backups or copies in your own backup system if the desired work is no longer in autosave.

## StageMic rejects a file

Check that you selected a StageMic `.mic` file.

CSV exports, PDFs and copied tables cannot be loaded as shows.

If a file has been edited manually or damaged during transfer, preserve the original and try another saved copy. Avoid repeatedly editing the only copy.

Include the error message when contacting support.

## The file opens in a text editor

This is usually an operating-system file association.

You can open the file using **Load** inside StageMic regardless of its current association.

To change the default application:

* **macOS:** use **Get Info → Open with → StageMic → Change All**.
* **Windows:** use **Open with** and choose StageMic as the default.

## After recovery

Check the production name, scene order, allocations and actor links.

Save the recovered show as a separate `.mic` file before continuing work.

Do not send the entire application-data folder with a bug report. It contains machine-specific settings and may include licence or Crew authentication data. Send only the relevant show file if requested.


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