Export and import
Export, import, and sync PixPin settings. Learn what configuration files contain, how imports merge values, and what to check when moving between systems.
Export/Import saves a configuration copy, reuses settings on another computer, or syncs them through your account. It handles preferences; screenshots, pin content, and history are not packed into configuration files.
Open Configuration → Export/Import. The page has one Export/Import group: sync controls above, Export Configuration and Import Configuration side by side in the middle, and Do not bold non-default configuration items below.
| Your goal | Entry point |
|---|---|
| Keep a configuration copy before many changes, or carry settings to another computer | Export configuration, then import as needed |
| Keep syncable settings consistent across computers using the same account | Enable Automatic Sync Configuration or click Sync |
| Stop highlighting changed settings in bold | Check Do not bold non-default configuration items |
Sync configuration
The sync area contains a checkbox, a button, and the last result. Hiding the configuration sync feature also hides this entire area.
| Option | Usage |
|---|---|
| Automatic Sync Configuration | Checked by default. When signed in and sync is available, the app periodically checks local changes and checks cloud changes when account information updates. Uncheck it to stop automatic triggers |
| Sync | Attempt a sync now, even with automatic sync off. During syncing, the button shows Syncing and cannot be clicked |
| Last sync result | Show the success time, or failure time and reason. This row stays hidden until there is a result in the current app session |
Sync reads the cloud first, then submits newer local changes. If the same setting changed on both sides, the newer modification time wins. It is neither upload-only nor download-only. Restoring defaults and deleting custom actions can also sync.
Automatic sync does not complete immediately after every change. Before switching computers, click Sync on the current one, confirm success, then sync the other computer using the same account. On failure, resolve the indicated network or account issue and retry.
Export a configuration file
Export for manual migration or to retain current custom settings; no prior cloud sync is needed.
Click Export Configuration. If Export Reminder appears, read the translation API and image-path notes, then click OK. Don't ask again only hides this reminder in future; it does not change export scope.
Choose a location and name in the save window. The default is PixPin.pixconf; you can use a recognizable name such as PixPin-办公配置.pixconf.
After saving, Export configuration successful appears. Take the file to another computer and open it with Import Configuration.
What the file contains
The exported file contains modified settings that can migrate. Unchanged defaults, items restored with Restore Default, and deletion records for removed actions are omitted.
| Content: | Included in migration |
|---|---|
| Exportable preferences, modified shortcuts, and custom actions | Included; some items are also separated by operating system |
| Translation-service API settings, quick save and auto save paths, and quick recording settings | Omitted; check or set them again on the destination |
| Local settings such as startup, network proxy, and tray icon | Omitted, including Windows-local administrator, context-menu, and capture-engine options |
| Pin groups, screenshot and pin content, and history | Omitted; this file cannot recover these data |
Filename rules within image paths also remain local with the path, but this does not exclude every option on the Save page. After migration, check paths, formats, and auto save behavior in Save settings. Cloud sync also skips these local-only settings.
Import existing configuration
Import directly applies usable items in the file, without per-item selection or overwrite confirmation. Export first to retain current custom settings, but items absent from an old file still need manual restoration.
Click Import Configuration and choose a .pixconf file exported by PixPin.
The app reads and saves configuration after opening the file. Visit the relevant pages to check important values, shortcuts, and actions.
Import does not clear existing settings first
Usable items present in the file apply locally; absent items stay unchanged. For example, if the file contains Dark mode but no wheel zoom step, the theme changes while the local zoom step remains.
Therefore, importing an old file does not roll all settings back to their former state. Custom actions deleted on the original computer are not deleted on another computer merely by importing this file. Adjust or restore absent settings on their respective pages.
Check actual results after import, not just the success message. For read failures, check the file location and permissions. If an item stays unchanged, first verify that the file contains it, it can migrate, and it matches the current operating system.
Do not bold non-default configuration items
Unchecked by default: settings different from defaults have bold names so you can find your changes. Checking removes the bold display and changes neither values nor export or sync scope.
For example, changing Follow the system to Dark mode makes Theme Mode bold. Checking this option restores normal text weight while dark mode remains active.
What to check when moving between systems
Windows and macOS both offer this page, but some settings are stored separately per system. A Windows export does not directly apply its global shortcuts and actions, built-in shortcuts, shortcut ignore list, or theme font to macOS; the reverse is also true. Cloud sync preserves the same distinction.
After migration, check three areas:
- Shortcuts and actions: Recheck combinations and custom actions on the destination system; do not merely replace Ctrl with Command.
- Local paths and services: Recheck save folders, translation APIs, proxy settings, and startup behavior.
- Mouse gestures: Global mouse does not use the same per-system storage rules as the shortcuts above. After cross-system import, verify physical modifiers using Global mouse settings; do not confuse Windows' Win with macOS Command.
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