Files and backups
A .nuthouse file is plain JSON with the whole game inside. Back it up like any other document, and know where the other bits live.
The .nuthouse file
Everything is inside: levels, sprites and their pictures, sounds, rules, settings. There are no side files to lose. It is JSON text, so it opens in a text editor, diffs in version control, and survives being emailed or zipped. A game with only built-in art is usually tens of kilobytes. Imported photos and sounds are what make it grow.
Older games were saved as .wolf. NutHouse opens those too, and saves them as .nuthouse from then on.
Where things are
| .nuthouse games | Wherever they were saved. NutHouse uses the normal Mac open and save panels, so Documents, Desktop or iCloud Drive all work. |
|---|---|
| Autosave | NutHouse’s data folder on the Mac. Written every 30 seconds and before closing. Only the most recent unsaved game is kept. |
| My library | NutHouse’s data folder. Not inside any game. |
| In-game saves and high scores | On that computer, under the game’s name. Renaming the game starts them afresh. |
| Shared .html pages | Wherever they were saved. Each one is complete on its own. |
Backing up
- Pick one folder for games, such as Documents/NutHouse games, and save there every time.
- Make sure Time Machine or iCloud Drive covers that folder.
- Before a big change, use File → Save As… to keep a numbered copy. Children often want the old version back.
My library and autosaves are conveniences, not the record. If a sprite matters, it is in a saved game.
For the child-facing version, see Backing up your games and Autosave and getting work back.
