> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/workstations-and-servers/file-level-backup.md).

# File-level backup

#### File-level backup protects selected directories and individual files on your device.

***

## Creating a backup plan

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Log in to **Xopero ONE Management Service**, go to the **Backup** tab (**Plans** > **Backup**) and click the **+ Add plan** button in the top toolbar.

<figure><img src="/files/4vnONYo4CncYWJyACJ9Z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Devices** from the platforms list.

<figure><img src="/files/yVkZcxR0fqG19URiCqnW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the next aside, select **Files & folders** option and choose one or more devices for the plan to apply to (you can also select the plan to include all activated devices).

<figure><img src="/files/ZfVZX73MVWnNKxZnVQxP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Define the name of the backup plan.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **Data to protect** section, select the data you want to include in the backup plan:

1. **Global rules** allow you to define locations that will apply to all selected devices. This method offers three options to choose from:
   1. **Path** — allows you to manually enter the file or folder path.
   2. **System variable** — enables the use of OS variables such as `USERPROFILE`, `ALLUSERSPROFILE`, or `SystemRoot`.\
      \
      ‼️**When specifying a variable in Xopero ONE, percent signs `%`** <mark style="color:red;">**must be omitted**</mark>**.**<br>
   3. **Xopero variable** — provides a predefined list of variables such as `SYSTEM_DISK`, `ALL_DISKS`, and `HOMES`.

<figure><img src="/files/t3IDj0POUTtet8O9TuII" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Select from device** — this method allows you to choose paths individually for each device by connecting remotely to its file system.

<figure><img src="/files/YNNvZt51TVv01hdRQOtU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When creating a backup plan, you can use filters to gain better control over the files being backed up.

{% hint style="success" %}
All information about filters and how to use them can be found in [this article](/xopero-one-en/management/backup-plans/filters.md).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Filters are available <mark style="color:red;">**only in the file-level backup plan**</mark>.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Specify the backup location by choosing from the available storage options within your service.

<figure><img src="/files/4yrtNWOP6QdbOdVuuJNz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Configure the [**Scheduler & data retention** settings](/xopero-one-en/management/scheduler-and-retention.md) by defining when backups should run and which types of backup copies to use.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Set the retention policy to determine how long backups are stored — any copies exceeding this period <mark style="color:red;">**will be automatically deleted**</mark>.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/bx4LToMAT5TMI7uEH94L" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Go to the **Advanced settings** section to customize additional options, including encryption, compression levels, and bandwidth limit. These settings provide greater flexibility and help optimize the backup process.

<figure><img src="/files/EAfRvWiCoIgYF8JYkw7r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
After completing the configuration, click the **Save** button. The protection plan will then automatically begin protecting your devices according to the schedule you defined.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
You can also click **Save\&Run** button to immediately start the backup process, regardless of schedule.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}