# How to transfer flows including package.json
**URL:** https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183
**Category:** General
**Created:** [23 November 2021 22:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183 "2021-11-23T22:19:40Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@mkilivan](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/mkilivan)
#### Post date: [23 November 2021 22:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/1 "2021-11-23T22:19:40Z")
Hi,
If I wish to transfer the complete flows into a new machine then;
1. I can download the `flow.json` file using the editor. Menu -\> Export or `Ctrl/⌘-e` shortcut and import it from the new machine using the editor. No shell access is required. Great!
2. I also need to transfer `package.json` and run `npm install` in the `.node-red` folder. This will install all necessary nodes.
The problem is that the second step requires shell access. Is it possible to export/import (or backup/restore) the entire flows using the editor?
Many thanks
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### Author:  [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)
#### Post date: [23 November 2021 22:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/2 "2021-11-23T22:57:53Z")
Though I am guessing I believe you are on an Apple?
Could you confirm which O/S (Computer?) you are using as this may have bearing on how to solve the problem.
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### Author:  [@hardillb](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hardillb)
#### Post date: [23 November 2021 23:19 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/3 "2021-11-23T23:19:25Z")
You also need `flow_creds.json` and the encryption key used to secure this file. That can be found in the `.config.runtime.json` file if you are using the automatically generated key or in `settings.js` if you have manually set one.
All of these files will be in the `.node-red` folder (the ones starting with a leading `.` will be hidden by default)
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### Author:  [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)
#### Post date: [24 November 2021 07:26 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/4 "2021-11-24T07:26:34Z")
I have been wondering about this too. Perhaps a Download Backup option which downloads something like a zip file, containing everything in the user folder except node\_modules.
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### Author:  [@Buckskin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Buckskin)
#### Post date: [24 November 2021 17:41 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/5 "2021-11-24T17:41:31Z")
What about the flow that Paul Reed published. [node-RED Backup Flow](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/node-red-backup-flow/25033)
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### Author:  [@hardillb](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/hardillb)
#### Post date: [24 November 2021 22:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/6 "2021-11-24T22:57:55Z")
I understand the request, but doubt that going to happen, as it would expose both the credentials and the key to decrypt them via the browser, which is a VERY BAD IDEA
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### Author:  [@mbonani](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/mbonani)
#### Post date: [25 November 2021 00:46 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/7 "2021-11-25T00:46:06Z")
I'm wondering if the projects feature can help with that
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### Author:  [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)
#### Post date: [25 November 2021 07:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/8 "2021-11-25T07:30:54Z")
> [@hardillb](#):
>
> it would expose both the credentials and the key to decrypt them via the browser, which is a VERY BAD IDEA
Good point, I withdraw my suggestion.
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### Author:  [@system](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/system)
#### Post date: [24 January 2022 07:31 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/how-to-transfer-flows-including-package-json/54183/9 "2022-01-24T07:31:26Z")
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