Import, export, and sync without surprises.
cinefill is local-first. Bring a diary in, take a copy back out, and enable sync only when you want backup, multiple devices, or a personal public media page.
Import + export
Can I import my Letterboxd diary?
Yes. cinefill reads the export zip Letterboxd gives you — diary entries, ratings, reviews, and watchlist. The import runs on your device, skips anything you’ve already logged, and keeps your original watched dates where possible.
How do I get my Letterboxd export?
Sign in on the Letterboxd website (this isn’t in their app), open Settings → Import & Export, and choose Export Your Data. That downloads a zip. Save it to your iPhone — the Files app is easiest — then import it in cinefill. Leave the zip as-is; cinefill expects the files inside to keep their original names and folders.
Where do I start the import in cinefill?
Open the gear (settings) icon in the You tab, choose Import, then pick the Letterboxd zip from Files.
What happens if something cannot be matched?
cinefill imports the entries it can match cleanly and leaves unmatched items out rather than guessing. You can still add those films or shows manually from Search afterward.
Does importing upload my data?
No. Importing reads the file you choose on-device and writes the matched entries into your local diary and watchlist. It does not create an account or upload your diary to cinefill.
Can I export instead of syncing?
Yes. Export data creates a local zip with JSON and CSV files for your diary, watchlist, and TV episode standouts. Exporting does not send data to cinefill or to a sync server.
Sync basics
What is sync?
Sync is an advanced, optional feature for people who can run (or already have) their own server. If that’s not you, you can safely skip it — cinefill works fully without it. When it’s on, sync mirrors your data to your server so another device can pull it down. The app still saves on your device first, so logging, editing, deleting, and changing privacy never wait on the network.
What data is synced?
cinefill syncs the things you create: diary entries, watchlist items, TV episode standouts (episodes you’ve flagged as favorites), a record of anything you deleted (so your other devices stay in step), sync timestamps, and a random ID the app generates to identify your device. It does not sync cached film and TV data from TMDB, analytics, contacts, photos, or location.
How do I set it up?
Open the gear (settings) icon in the You tab, choose Sync, and enter your server URL and personal token. Tap Check connection to confirm the details work, turn on Enable sync, then tap Sync now. Your server needs to speak cinefill’s sync format at /api/cinefill/v1.
What is the personal token?
Think of the token as a password that only your app and your server know. cinefill keeps it in your device’s secure storage (the same protected area apps use for passwords) and sends it only to the server URL you entered, to prove the request is really you.
What happens on the first sync?
Existing diary entries, watchlist items, and standout episodes are uploaded as private records. Other devices using the same server and token can then pull them down. The first sync can take a moment if you imported a large history.
Is synced data public?
No. Synced diary and watchlist records are private by default. They should not appear on a public website unless you explicitly turn on the Make public control for that specific log or watchlist item. TV episode standouts sync for your devices but are not public-facing in this version.
Where are the public controls?
Public controls only appear after sync is configured. For diary logs, use the toggle in the log form or the log action sheet. For watchlist items, open the movie or show action sheet and use Make watchlist public.
If I disable sync, does it delete server data?
No. Turning off sync stops future syncing from that device. It does not delete records already stored on your server. To remove server-side records, delete/reset data while sync is enabled, or manage the data on your server directly.
What do deletes do?
With sync on, deleting something leaves behind a small “this was removed” marker so your other devices know to remove it too. That means resetting all data while sync is on erases it everywhere, not just on the device in your hand.
Still stuck?
The short version: save your server URL and token, tap Sync now, then check the status message. If the server rejects the request, verify that the token matches your server’s configured sync token. If you’re running your own server, start with the sync setup guide.
For privacy details, read the privacy policy. For help, email from the support page.