Auto-Save is a core functionality for continuously saving work in progress. No manual save actions are required anymore in this mode. This effectively helps preventing data loss in case of unexpected events like a power failure or a system error. It is available from ChemProject 7.2.0 on.

               

For scenarios where where manual save mode is preferred, the user can uncheck the Auto-Save checkbox to stop the auto mode and to reveal the manual save toolbar button. Manual and automatic save modes can switched at any time while working on a project. The last save mode is remembered when leaving the application. 

   


How Auto-Save Works


Auto-Save does not save every keystroke, nor does it save the project at regular time intervals. Both strategies are inefficient in their own ways and may save the project in an incomplete or error state. Instead Auto-Save stores the project state whenever the user completes a valid action. This may be after entering a material containing at least an amount, a unit and a name - but not when any of these still is missing during entry. Also, no Auto-Save occurs when any of the input boxes are in an error state. A green dot in the top right corner of the application window indicates when an auto-save operation actually occurs. 


In the Documents section, all operations like document addition, deletion, refresh sync, etc. are covered by Auto-Save. This also includes in-place editing, where a document is opened in its native external application after double clicking: Whenever the document is saved in the external application, Auto-Save catches this event and embeds the new document state into the project on-the-fly. 


Please note that only project related data are covered by Auto-Save. Edits to the global Price Lists currently still need to be saved manually.