> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.modulards.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Exclude files from your backups

In Modular DS you can exclude specific files, folders, or database tables from your backups. This feature is especially useful for optimizing your backups by excluding heavy or unnecessary files.

### 1. Exclude files and/or folders

* Access your site's backup settings

![Backup settings](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/settings-modular-en_lq7ksh.jpg)

* Click on "Exclude files" and then "Select files".

![Exclude files from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/exlude-files_dx9kjf.jpg)

* In the file manager that opens, navigate through the folders and select everything you prefer not to include in your backups.

![Exclude files from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/files-exclude_wokoxq.jpg)

* Save the changes before exiting once you have made your selection.

![Exclude files from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/backups-exclude-files_1t33j3b.jpg)

### 2. Exclude database tables

* Access your site's backup settings.
    
* Click on "Exclude tables" and then "Select tables".

![Exclude tables from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/exlude-files-backups_107nhus.jpg)

* In the table manager that opens, select the tables you do not want to include in your backups.
    
* Save the changes before exiting once you have made your selection.

![Exclude tables from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/exclude-tables-backups-modular_16euh6m.jpg)

## Review and adjustments

At any time, you can return to the file or table exclusion settings to adjust your preferences. If you decide you want to include an item that was previously excluded, simply remove it from the exclusion list and save the changes.

![Exclude tables from backups](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/aa55333f4a914000/support-backups-modular_u61va8.jpg)