Project cloud sync is planned

What you are trying to accomplish

Understand where an editable PatternForge project is saved today, avoid assuming that an account is a project backup, and prepare safely when you need to change devices.

Planned, not available for new work: complete editable-project cloud backup, project access across devices, and project-cloud conflict recovery are unavailable in this launch. Some signed-in beta accounts may see Previous cloud copies from the earlier service; that is a limited recovery path, not current cloud sync.

Why it matters

Editable projects contain true-size evidence, outlines, markings, print arrangement, and instruction content. Losing browser storage can therefore mean losing the editable project even when an exported PDF still exists.

PatternForge currently saves the authoritative editable working copy in browser storage on the device where you made it. Signing in does not enroll a new project in cloud backup. The signed-in phone-photo handoff is separate: it can move selected source photos to a larger screen, but it does not move an editable pattern.

During the Public Beta transition, PatternForge retains earlier protocol-v1 cloud copies instead of deleting them. If your account has one, My Patterns may offer Previous cloud copies. Recovering one creates a separate device-local pattern, omits photo files the old service never stored, and retires its size proof until you check the scale again.

Step by step

1. Continue editing and reopening the project in the same browser on the same device.
2. Wait for Saved on this device before leaving the editor.
3. Keep the original source photos in storage you control.
4. Create, inspect, and independently store important PDF, SVG, or ZIP outputs. These outputs cannot be reopened as editable PatternForge projects.
5. Do not clear PatternForge site data, reset the browser profile, or discard the device while you still need the editable project.
6. If you use signed-in phone capture, wait for the photo upload confirmation and use From your phone on the larger screen. The project created from those photos is local to that larger screen.
7. Do not expect cloud controls for new projects. If Previous cloud copies appears, use Recover on this device, keep the recovered copy separate, restore any missing source photos, and check the size again before printing.

What success looks like

• You know which browser and device contain the editable project.
• Saved on this device is visible before you leave.
• Original source photos and important exports exist in storage you control.
• You do not mistake an account, phone-photo handoff, or download history for editable-project cloud backup.
• A device change is planned around source photos and outputs, not an unavailable project-sync promise.

Common problems and recovery

The editable project is missing on another device

That is expected in this launch. Return to the original browser and device. Moving an exported file does not move the editable project.

Phone photos appear on the larger screen, but the project does not

Phone handoff transfers selected source photos only. Use those photos to start a new local project on the larger screen, and keep the originals.

The original browser or device is no longer available

Check My Patterns while signed in. If Previous cloud copies appears, recover the offered copy and treat it as incomplete until its source photos and size are checked again. If no recovery card appears, the account cannot restore that editable project. Preserve any source photos and verified exports you still have. Do not claim an exported file can be converted back into the complete editable project.

Signing in does not show the project

Signing in provides account services, the separate phone-photo handoff, and—only for affected beta accounts—access to retained previous cloud copies. It does not turn new or recovered projects into complete cloud-backed projects.

You must replace or reset the device

Before doing so, save the original photos and every important verified output somewhere you control. Keep the old browser profile until you have confirmed those independent copies open correctly.

Quick safety check

Before leaving, clearing browser data, or changing devices, confirm:

• Saved on this device is visible.
• You can reopen the intended project on this browser and device.
• Original photos exist outside the app.
• Important true-size exports exist outside the app and reopen correctly.
• You are not relying on a PatternForge account as an editable-project backup.

Related tools and next step

Read projects, saving, and resuming for the current local workflow and downloads and file licences for keeping safe outputs. For photo capture only, follow capture a clear pattern photo.