LibreAAC Communication, kept private

OBF and OBZ

Opening and saving files

Understand local copies stored in LibreAAC, file exports, backups and compatibility warnings.

OBF and OBZ

LibreAAC uses Open Board Format:

OBF

An individual Open Board Format communication board, normally saved as a JSON-based .obf file.

OBZ

A ZIP package containing a set of linked OBF boards, images, sounds, a manifest and other retained files.

Open a file

From Your communication boards, select Load OBF or OBZ. Android’s system file picker lets the user choose the specific file.

LibreAAC accesses only the selected file or location. It does not scan general device storage.

Before importing, LibreAAC checks the board and gathers compatibility warnings. A review screen may show board, image, sound and licence information. A failed load does not replace the active board set.

The local copy stored in LibreAAC

After loading, LibreAAC stores a working copy inside the app’s local storage. This makes the board available offline and preserves edits between launches.

The local working copy:

  • is separate from the original file;
  • is not uploaded to LibreAAC or the developer;
  • remains after closing the app;
  • is removed if that local copy is deleted, app data is cleared, or the app is uninstalled.

Save a file you control

Reveal the management row, unlock editing, then select Save.

For an OBZ package, LibreAAC offers:

  • Save complete board set as OBZ — includes the linked board set, retained media and other files in the package; or
  • Save current board only as OBF — exports only the board currently shown.

For an OBF working copy, Save creates an OBF file.

Android asks where to write the file. A successful export does not remove the local working copy.

Compatibility warnings and saving

LibreAAC aims to preserve:

  • Open Board Format fields it does not understand;
  • unknown button actions;
  • board metadata not exposed in an editor; and
  • package files it has not edited.

LibreAAC warns about unsupported features. Information it does not use can still be included in a later complete save, without losing it.

“Preserved” does not mean LibreAAC can perform every feature. Review compatibility notices and test a saved copy in the intended environment.

Backup practice

For important communication systems:

  1. save the complete board set as OBZ after meaningful changes;
  2. keep at least one copy outside the tablet;
  3. use descriptive filenames and dates;
  4. test that the backup can be loaded; and
  5. confirm that images, sounds and navigation still work.

Do this before uninstalling LibreAAC, clearing app data, replacing a tablet, or making substantial structural edits.