To back up Distill.io monitor settings, export them as JSON from the Watchlist. JSON preserves more configuration than CSV and can be imported later. The export does not include alert actions or historical change records, so it is not a complete account-history backup.
Export monitors as a JSON backup
- Open the Watchlist and select the monitors to export using their checkboxes. To back up everything, choose the all-monitors scope; Distill says this exports the entire Watchlist regardless of the current selection.
- Open the hamburger menu in the top-right corner and choose Export → JSON.
- Choose the export scope and click Download. The file is saved to your system’s Downloads folder with a timestamp.
- Move or copy the downloaded file to a safe place you can find when you need to restore it. Distill recommends regular backups to protect against accidental deletion or configuration loss.
Distill’s instructions are in its Export and Import Monitors guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose JSON or CSV
Choose JSON for a restorable configuration backup or when transferring monitor setups. Choose CSV for a simplified record or a bulk URL workflow. CSV does not preserve advanced monitor settings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| What it preserves or supports | JSON | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Restoring or transferring monitor configurations | Simplified monitor records or bulk URL workflows |
| Configuration | Includes fuller settings such as selectors, conditions, schedules, and other monitor settings | Does not preserve advanced configurations |
| Other documented fields | Schedule, conditions, selector configuration, and monitor on/off state | URLs, names, labels, content types, created and changed dates, current monitored text, and recent error status |
Distill’s configuration documentation describes JSON settings including included and excluded selectors, selector type and expression, and page-loading delay. See Configuration Parameters for those details.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restore or transfer monitors from JSON
- In the Watchlist, choose Import → JSON.
- Select a JSON file from your device or paste JSON content.
- Review the preview of monitor names, URLs, and configurations before proceeding.
- Use the import flow to add common alert actions if needed, and choose whether the imported monitors will run on Cloud or Local.
- Finish the import.
Local monitors run on your device, so the browser or app must be open for checks to run. Cloud monitors run on Distill’s servers and can continue checking when your device is off. Distill says Cloud operation requires a subscription. Its overview of the two modes is available at Cloud and Local Monitors.
What the export leaves out
A JSON or CSV export is not a full history or account backup. Distill says exports do not include historical change records or alert actions, including email notifications and webhooks. After importing, recreate or verify the alert actions you need; the import flow includes a step for adding common actions. If you need a record of past page changes, preserve that separately before relying on a monitor export.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Troubleshooting export and import
- The export seems to omit monitors: Check the scope in the export flow. Use the all-monitors scope to export the full Watchlist rather than only selected monitors.
- The imported monitors do not have their previous notifications: Alert actions are excluded from exports. Add or verify them during or after import.
- Past changes are missing after transfer: Historical change records are not included in exports; importing the monitor configuration does not transfer that history.
- You cannot run imported monitors on Cloud: Distill says Cloud operation requires a subscription. Choose Local if it suits your needs and you can keep the browser or app open for checks.
- You expected CSV to retain selectors or schedules: CSV is the simplified format. Export as JSON when those configurations need to be preserved.
Or skip the browser setup
If your goal is to capture a page rather than monitor it over time, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server. It is not a Distill backup or change-history tool. One GET request returns an image or PDF:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for options. It removes cookie banners, popups, and chat widgets before the shot; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are never billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The Free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for free.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
