15 Everyday use

Export and Import a Character

Move one character between computers without mixing her data.

Local Waifu 1.7.3 macOS Windows

plain English first

Follow the bold button names and numbered steps. Technical names are included only when you need to recognize a model or file inside the app.

Character export is the recommended self-service method for moving a companion to another installation.

Export a character

Goal

Create a portable JSON file for one character.

Steps

Open Settings → Characters.
Find the character row.
Select the download/export icon.
Save the suggested file, named like localwaifu-character-YYYY-MM-DD.json.
Store the JSON securely because it can contain private messages and memories.

Expected result

A JSON package contains the character and associated data such as messages, memories, relationship state, and knowledge entities.

Import a character

Goal

Create a new character from an exported JSON file.

Steps

Open Settings → Characters.
Select Import JSON.
Choose the exported character file.
Wait for the summary of imported messages, memories, and entities.
Select the imported character.
Continue chatting while semantic embeddings are rebuilt.

Expected result

The import creates a new character; it does not overwrite an existing one.

If something goes wrong

Import failed: the JSON is damaged, incomplete, or incompatible. Export it again from the source installation.
Temporarily weaker recall is expected while embeddings rebuild.
Character export does not carry installed models, API keys, Telegram credentials, global preferences, or a Direct license activation.
For a whole-app recovery, also keep a full backup. Version 1.7.3 has no complete Restore UI.

Delete a character

Deleting a character is destructive and requires confirmation. If the deleted character was active, Local Waifu selects another available character or leaves no active character. Export first if you may need the character later.