# Import and Export

All portfolios may be saved as a single text file (exported), and then subsequently restored later (imported).

This may be used as a backup, or may be done to transfer all portfolios to a second machine. (This second machine would have StocksMonitor installed, and would perform a corresponding import.)

The Import-Export services are available under the `File` menu. If there are any unsaved edits ( as shown by a "*" at the end of a portfolio name), then `File->Save` should be performed before any `File->Export`.

Implementation Note

The data storage requirements of StocksMonitor are not large. Most users would require 1 or 2 portfolios, each with probably less than a dozen stocks. StocksMonitor uses JDK 1.4 system Preferences to store all portfolios - not text files. This is an unusual design. It was selected to make it more convenient for users to switch portfolios : instead of navigating the file system, they may simply choose from a simple drop-down list.