Introduction

Evernote Backup Tool is a desktop application that allows you to create local backups of all your Evernote notes. Whether you're concerned about data loss, want to migrate to another app, or simply want an offline copy of your notes, this tool makes it easy.

In this guide, we'll walk through the entire process from installation to export, covering all features and options along the way.

System Requirements

macOS

• macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
• 100 MB free disk space
• Internet connection for sync

Windows

• Windows 10 or later
• 100 MB free disk space
• Internet connection for sync

Step 1: Download and Install

For macOS:

Download the .dmg file from our website
Open the DMG and drag the app to your Applications folder
First launch: Right-click the app and select "Open" (required for unsigned apps)

For Windows:

Download the .exe installer
Run the installer and follow the prompts
Launch from Start Menu or Desktop shortcut

Step 2: Configure Settings

When you first open the app, you'll see the Settings section at the top. Here's what each option means:

Settings Options:

Database file: The filename for your local database. Default is en_backup.db
Backend: Choose evernote for International or china for Yinxiang (印象笔记)
Use system SSL CA: Enable this if you encounter SSL certificate errors

Tip: Click "Save Settings" to remember your preferences for next time.

Step 3: Initialize Database

This step creates your local database and authenticates with Evernote.

For Evernote International (OAuth):

Click the "Init DB" button
A browser window will open for Evernote login
Log in to your Evernote account
Click "Authorize" to grant access
Return to the app - it will confirm success

Note: If your token expires later, use the "Re-authorize" button to refresh it without recreating the database.

Step 4: Sync Notes

Now download all your notes to the local database.

Click the "Sync Notes" button
Watch the progress bar as notes download
The log panel shows real-time progress
Wait for "sync completed" message

Advanced Sync Options:

Include tasks: Also backup Evernote Tasks
Download workers: Number of parallel downloads (default: 4)
Cache limit: Memory limit for download cache (default: 256 MB)

Screenshot needed: Sync in progress with progress bar and log output showing notes being downloaded

Good to know: Subsequent syncs are incremental - only changed notes are downloaded, making them much faster.

Step 5: Export to ENEX

Export your backed-up notes to ENEX files that can be imported into other apps.

Activation Required: The Export feature requires a Pro license. Click the "Activate" button and enter your activation code.

Set the Output directory (default: "output")
Configure export options as needed
Click the "Export Notes" button
Wait for export to complete
Click "Open" button to view exported files

Export Options:

Single notes: Create one ENEX file per note (instead of per notebook)
Overwrite files: Replace existing ENEX files
Include trash: Also export deleted notes
Notebooks filter: Only export specific notebooks (comma-separated)
Tags filter: Only export notes with specific tags

Quick Backup Feature

Want to run all steps with one click? Use the Quick Backup button!

One-Click Backup

The green "Quick Backup" button in the header automatically runs Init DB → Sync → Export in sequence. Perfect for regular backups!

Screenshot needed: Header area showing the green "Quick Backup" button

Troubleshooting

"Authentication token expired" error

Your Evernote token has expired. Click the "Re-authorize" button to refresh it.

"Database already exists" message

This is normal! It means you've already initialized. The app will continue to sync as expected.

SSL certificate errors

Enable "Use system SSL CA" in Settings → Advanced options.

Sync is very slow

The initial sync downloads all notes and attachments. Increase "Download workers" in Sync → Advanced for faster downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are my backup files stored?

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/EvernoteBackupTool/

Windows: %APPDATA%/EvernoteBackupTool/

Can I import ENEX files to other apps?

Yes! ENEX files can be imported to Apple Notes, Notion, Joplin, OneNote (via converter), and many other note-taking apps.

How often should I backup?

We recommend weekly backups for active users. Since sync is incremental, regular backups are fast.

Conclusion

You've now learned how to use Evernote Backup Tool to create secure local backups of your notes. Regular backups ensure you never lose your valuable data, even if cloud services change or become unavailable.

If you have questions or need help, contact us at support@aluo.app.

How to Use Evernote Backup Tool: Complete Step-by-Step Guide