Change location of database? (Again!)

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Hi

I have looked at various posts about changing the location of the Joplin database. I can't quite follow them! It looks like the answer is no, but is this really the case? I ask because my local database is currently stored on C: but that is getting short of space (however, I do have a new, big drive for file storage and related stuff). I see that the database backup location can be changed. Why not the database location too?

Thanks for any advice.

PS I tried Joplin over a year ago but stayed with Evernote (been with that for many years). Now that Evernote is so expensive and, for my purposes, overfeatured I came back to Joplin. Glad I did. It's moved on a lot and is a great piece of work. Compliments to the chef(s)!

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A solution that can work with any software, not just Joplin, is to use a symlink as described here: https://www.howtogeek.com/16226/complete-guide-to-symbolic-links-symlinks-on-windows-or-linux/

You simply link the config folder on your c: drive to anywhere else you want, including on a different drive

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I assume you use a windows desktop system? I’m just another user, but it seems to me that the database is always stored near the Joplin application itself so I think you can influence the location on your hard drive(s) by pointing the application to a location of choice during the installation process. I have no knowledge about any way to move it without moving the app as well.

Or in short: The database will (afaik) always follow the installed application, which cannot be moved itself.

Given your problem, I would do the following to solve it:

  1. Export my complete database to a jex archive (as a backup)
  2. Uninstall the current Joplin application from my system
  3. Restart the PC and install Joplin freshly on my system
  4. Direct the new installation on a path to my bigger hard drive during the install process
  5. Import my jex archive.

As I said, I’m not an expert here, but as long as you have a backup of your complete database, the risk should be minimal (not counting your time, of course).

One last advice: It’s more likely that the right people read this kind of question when you post it into the support section here in the forum. Especially those users and dev’s who regularly give a helping hand here might focus on that. :wink:

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You can also try the portable version. It stores the app data in the same directory as the executable's.

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Thanks for the suggestion @wimvan. That makes sense. I'll put it on my 'to-try' list'

And also the advice about using Support for questions ... will do

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Thanks for that @wh201906 - is the portable version the same as the desktop version (i.e.look and feel, functionality etc)?

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Thanks @laurent - that's intriguing ... didn't know about symbolic links! Will try that.

I guess the path required is C:\users*username*.config or do I jump straight in to C:\users*username*.config\joplin-config?

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I start Joplin with a link to, my profiel is under d:\desktop

"C:\Program Files\Joplin\Joplin.exe" --profile d:\desktop

Short instruction
close Joplin
Copy the directory Joplin-desktop to new palce
Create a Link for starting Joplin
"C:\Program Files\Joplin\Joplin.exe" --profile d:\desktop"
https://www.mediamill.de/blog/2023/03/09/aendern-des-speicherorts-der-joplin-profile/
Start Joplin with the new link.
But attention when updating, the automatic start of the update runs Joplin without linking to your new directory

full description you find in German at
https://www.mediamill.de/blog/2023/03/09/aendern-des-speicherorts-der-joplin-profile/
I thing Goggle can help

Hartmut

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Yes that would be C:\users*username*.config\joplin-config which is all Joplin needs to work.

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I should mention the usual disclaimer that the --profile option is not officially supported and improper usage can lead to corrupted data.

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Yes it is.