Running a Backup

Everything you need to know about choosing photos, configuring export options, and understanding backup results.

Choosing a Filter Mode

The Filter Mode card at the top of the main screen lets you switch between two ways of selecting photos:

You can change the default filter mode in Settings so the app always opens in your preferred mode.

Date Range Mode

In Date Range mode, you set a start date and an end date. SquirrelCache counts all photos and videos taken in that window and shows a live estimate of the total export size.

• Start Date — Tap to open the date picker. Defaults to the first day of the current month.
• End Date — Tap to open the date picker. Defaults to today.
• Reset button — Resets both dates to the current month with a single tap.
• Media type toggles — Include or exclude photos and videos independently.

Photo Picker Mode

In Photo Picker mode, tapping the filter card opens iOS's native photo picker. You can scroll through your library, search by album, and select exactly the photos and videos you want.

To switch to Photo Picker mode:

• Tap the filter mode toggle at the top of the card, or
• Long-press the filter card to switch modes instantly

Choosing an Export Destination

The Export Location card shows your current destination folder. Tap it to open the folder picker and choose where your backup files will be saved.

• You can save to any folder accessible from the Files app — including iCloud Drive, USB drives, network drives, and on-device folders.
• SquirrelCache saves a security-scoped bookmark to remember the folder. You won't need to re-select it next time unless you want to change it.
• The card shows a simplified path display (e.g., Photos / Backups) so you always know where files will land.

Media Type Filters

In Date Range mode, two toggles let you include or exclude media types:

• Photos — Include still images (HEIC, JPEG, PNG, RAW, etc.)
• Videos — Include video clips (MOV, MP4, etc.)

Both are enabled by default. Disable one to back up only the other.

Starting a Backup

The Start Backup button is enabled when:

• An export destination has been set, and
• At least one asset matches your current filter

Before exporting, SquirrelCache performs a pre-flight storage check to ensure your device has enough free space (with a 500 MB safety margin). If storage is insufficient, you'll see an error message with the exact shortfall.

The Progress Sheet

Once a backup starts, a progress sheet slides up showing:

• A live progress bar (0–100%)
• Current status message (e.g., "Exporting photo 42 of 318…")
• Estimated time remaining
• A Cancel button — safe to use at any time; already-exported files are kept

Status messages walk you through each stage: storage check, asset loading, individual file exports, CSV generation, and ZIP creation (if enabled).

Backup Results

When a backup finishes, the sheet transitions to one of three states:

Every backup attempt — including failed and cancelled ones — is recorded in Export History.

Using the Share Sheet

Instead of saving to a folder, you can export directly to another app or service using the iOS Share Sheet.

Tap the Share button on the main screen to begin. SquirrelCache will:

1. Export your selected photos (and optionally ZIP them)
2. Present the iOS Share Sheet with the exported files
3. Let you send via AirDrop, email, Messages, iCloud Drive, or any app that accepts files

Temporary files created for sharing are automatically cleaned up after one hour.

iCloud Photos

If some of your photos are stored in iCloud and not downloaded to your device, SquirrelCache will attempt to download them during the export. You'll see status messages like "Downloading from iCloud…".

• SquirrelCache retries failed downloads up to 3 times before marking a file as failed.
• If your connection is slow or unavailable, the export may take longer or partially fail.
• Failed individual downloads are logged in Export History with details.