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Find your data file

Your data file is the encrypted database Big Picture Money uses for accounts, transactions, and settings. The passphrase unlocks this file — moving or copying the file does not change the passphrase.

Prerequisites​

  • Your data file is unlocked.

Steps​

  1. Open Settings → General.
  2. Scroll to Data file.
  3. Note the Folder and File paths shown.
  4. Click Open folder to reveal the folder in your file manager.

Open or create another file​

  • Open existing… — pick another Big Picture Money .db file on disk. The app locks and asks you to unlock with that file's passphrase. You can also use Open existing… on the Unlock screen if the wrong file is selected before you unlock.
  • Create new… — name a new database file created in the same folder as your current file. You set a passphrase for the new file (at least 12 characters). Validation messages — for example if the passphrase is too short or the confirmation does not match — appear in the Create new data file dialog. You can also use Create new… from the Unlock screen.

Safety notes​

  • Back up the folder before moving files manually.
  • Each data file has its own passphrase.
  • Only one data file is active at a time.

For full backup guidance, see Back up your data file.

Expected result​

  • Settings → General shows the current folder and database file name.
  • Open folder opens the correct folder in the OS file manager.
  • Open existing… and Create new… lock the app and send you to the unlock screen for the selected file.
  • If Create new… fails validation (short passphrase or mismatched confirmation), the error stays in the dialog so you can correct it.
  • After you unlock a newly created empty file, Home shows Getting started until you add an account (see First steps on Home).