# ZIP archive vs folder sync for NotebookLM backup

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/zip-archive-vs-folder-sync  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free + Pro

A ZIP archive is a one-off snapshot of a NotebookLM notebook in a single file; one full archive is free. Folder sync writes the same content into a folder you choose and, on later runs, writes only what changed without deleting local files. Folder sync is a Pro feature.

## Side by side

|  | ZIP archive | Folder sync |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Result | One .zip file | Files in a folder |
| Repeat runs | A new full ZIP each time | Only changes are written |
| Good for | A dated backup, moving a notebook | A living copy, an Obsidian vault |
| Restore to a new notebook | Yes, with Pro | Create a ZIP first |
| Plan | 1 free, unlimited with Pro | Pro |

## Which to choose

- Choose **ZIP archive** if you want a dated copy to store or to restore into another account.
- Choose **Folder sync** if you keep working in the notebook and want a folder that stays current.

## Frequently asked questions

### ZIP archive or Folder sync: which is better?

Neither in general. Choose ZIP archive if you want a dated copy to store or to restore into another account. Choose Folder sync if you keep working in the notebook and want a folder that stays current.

### Does folder sync delete files when I delete a note?

No. It never deletes local files, so removed items remain in the folder until you delete them.

## Related guides

- [Back up a whole NotebookLM notebook as a ZIP archive](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notebook-to-zip-backup)
- [Sync a NotebookLM notebook to a local folder](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notebook-to-local-folder)
- [Folder sync: keep a NotebookLM notebook current on disk](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/features/folder-sync)
- [Batch export vs merged export in NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/batch-export-vs-merged-export)
- [Link source vs text source in NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/link-source-vs-text-source)
- [NotebookLM Google Docs export vs a Word file](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/google-docs-export-vs-word-file)