# Export and recover the real reference

Download real CSV, PDF and project files, save an isolated copy, and restore or refuse backups.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/findbench/guides/save-and-restore

Audience: Operator

## Export and recover the real reference

1. **Start a lookup**

   Start a lookup.

   FindBench reads the local reference you choose. It does not fetch stock data or confirm where goods are now. All values in this lesson are synthetic.

2. **Choose the prepared reference CSV**

   Choose the prepared reference CSV.

   This prepared CSV enters the real file chooser. Review the rows and choose the columns before loading. Nothing has been uploaded.

3. **Map the exact code column**

   Map the exact code column.

   Choose Part as the code column. Every value stays exact text, including leading zeroes.

4. **Map the description column**

   Map the description column.

   Choose Text for the descriptions. Different descriptions for one code remain visible.

5. **Map every listed location**

   Map every listed location.

   Choose Bin for locations. Repeated rows are retained, and a blank location stays explicitly not supplied.

6. **Keep the relevant note column**

   Keep the relevant note column.

   Choose Comment for notes. The Ignore column is left out and will not be saved with the reference.

7. **Name the reference**

   Name the reference.

   A clear title appears with the lookup, downloads and saved work. It is your declared context, not a verified authority.

8. **Declare when the reference was prepared**

   Declare when the reference was prepared.

   This date comes from the file owner. Loading it today does not prove it is current.

9. **Load the reviewed reference**

   Load the reviewed reference.

   Load all six mapped rows. The original file and excluded column are discarded; the exact mapped values and row numbers remain.

10. **Read every matching row**

   Read every matching row.

   Look up 000017. Four rows match, including two locations, an identical repeat and a conflicting description. Check every row, not just the first.

11. **Download all matching rows as CSV**

   Download all matching rows as CSV.

   The real CSV keeps row numbers, exact codes, descriptions, locations, notes and the duplicate/conflict flags. Import codes as text in a spreadsheet.

12. **Download the actual lookup PDF**

   Download the actual lookup PDF.

   The real PDF includes the reference context and every matching row. A download does not confirm printing or stock authority.

13. **Download a recoverable project**

   Download a recoverable project.

   This portable project is generated by the ordinary product exporter and contains only the synthetic reference and query.

14. **Save the isolated practice reference**

   Save the isolated practice reference.

   The normal Save action writes only this Help session’s private database. It cannot read or overwrite your normal saved references.

15. **Start new temporary work**

   Start new temporary work.

   Confirm the genuine replacement question. This session’s private saved reference remains available until the practice frame ends.

16. **List the saved practice reference**

   List the saved practice reference.

   Only isolated practice work is listed here. Your ordinary FindBench references are never read.

17. **Restore the saved practice reference**

   Restore the saved practice reference.

   The real bounded project store validates the saved data and restores its last lookup.

18. **Refuse an invalid project backup**

   Refuse an invalid project backup.

   Duplicate JSON keys are rejected atomically. The accepted reference and last lookup stay visible.

19. **Keep the accepted lookup**

   Keep the accepted lookup.

   Dismiss the refusal. Every original matching row remains intact.

20. **Import the prepared synthetic backup**

   Import the prepared synthetic backup.

   The genuine importer restores the prepared reference and its 17 lookup as temporary work. Imported source claims are unverified, and the saved original stays separate.

[Watch or practise this chapter](https://help.smartfact.ai/findbench/demo?guide=save-and-restore&chapter=save-and-restore)