claude-backup

Back up user-authored ~/.claude content to timestamped folders and restore additively.

24|6|Updated Mar 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tobyilee/toby-plugins --skill claude-backup
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: claude-backup
Source: https://github.com/tobyilee/toby-plugins/tree/main/plugins/toby-claude-config/skills/claude-backup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tobyilee/toby-plugins --skill claude-backup

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires rsync, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Back up the user-authored parts of ~/.claude/ to a timestamped folder and restore from it later.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Creates timestamped backups under ~/.claude-backup/claude-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS and mirrors key dotclaude content to enable safe restoration.
  • Restore is additive by default and supports a dry-run first via restore.sh, with --apply to perform the actual restore.
  • Includes slash-command wrappers for explicit invocation when natural-language triggering isn't desirable.

Quick Start

Run the backup script to create a timestamped backup, then run the restore script to recover from that snapshot.

Frequently Asked Questions about claude-backup

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I back up my Claude configuration files and settings?▼

You can back up your Claude configuration by running a backup script that mirrors user-authored parts of ~/.claude, including CLAUDE.md, settings.json, commands, and skills, into a timestamped folder under ~/.claude-backup.

Can I restore Claude settings from a backup without overwriting existing files?▼

Yes, restoring Claude settings from a backup is additive by default, meaning it will not overwrite existing files, and you can perform a safe dry-run first before applying the actual restore.

What is the best way to migrate Claude configuration to a new machine?▼

Migrating Claude configuration is done by creating a timestamped backup of your ~/.claude directory content and then restoring that snapshot on the new machine using the restore script.

Does backing up Claude config require any specific dependencies?▼

Backing up Claude config requires the rsync dependency to mirror the user directory content, including plugin manifests and plans, to the backup destination.

What parts of the ~/.claude directory are included in a configuration backup?▼

A Claude configuration backup includes user-authored content such as CLAUDE.md, settings.json, commands, skills, plans, hud, teams, and plugin manifests.

How does the dry-run option work when restoring Claude configuration?▼

The dry-run option allows you to preview the additive restore process of your Claude configuration without making actual changes, requiring the --apply flag to execute the restoration.