Best File Formats for Backing Up Trezor Suite App


Trezor Suite is the official desktop application used to manage your Trezor hardware wallet. While the app itself does not store private keys or sensitive wallet data (as that remains on the hardware device), you may still want to back up associated metadata, such as account labels, transaction history, and wallet settings. Choosing the right file formats for such backups is essential to ensure easy recovery and compatibility.

Below are the best file formats for backing up Trezor Suite–related data safely and effectively.

1. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

Use case: Exporting account labels, settings, and wallet metadata.

  • Advantages: Human-readable, widely supported, structured.
  • Why it's good: Trezor Suite uses JSON format for account label backups. It preserves structured data such as wallet names, transaction notes, and user-defined settings.
  • Where to find it: Trezor Suite allows you to export your labels to a .json file, which you can later import if reinstalling or moving to another device.

Recommendation: Store JSON backups securely and encrypt them if necessary. This file does not include private keys but may contain sensitive metadata.

2. TXT (Plain Text Files)

Use case: Manually recording recovery seeds, public wallet addresses, and instructions.

  • Advantages: Simple, universal, readable on all devices.
  • Why it's good: If you're documenting non-sensitive information like wallet addresses, derivation paths, or notes, plain .txt files are convenient.
  • Warning: Do not store recovery seeds or passphrases in plain text on any connected device.

Recommendation: Use for non-sensitive backups only. For critical data, use offline storage.

3. CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

Use case: Exporting transaction history from exchanges or third-party tracking tools.

  • Advantages: Easy to view in spreadsheets, compatible with tax and portfolio software.
  • Why it's good: Although Trezor Suite doesn't natively export transaction history as CSV, you may use third-party tools to generate CSV reports linked to your Trezor wallet addresses.

Recommendation: Useful for accounting and tax purposes. Ensure the data reflects accurate address tracking from your Trezor device.

4. PDF (Portable Document Format)

Use case: Saving visual reports, instructions, or setup confirmations.

  • Advantages: Cross-platform, printable, secure with password encryption.
  • Why it's good: Ideal for storing offline instructions, screenshots, or setup guides.
  • Limitation: Not editable like JSON or CSV.

Recommendation: Use for storing backup guides or user instructions, but not for structured data restoration.

5. Encrypted ZIP or 7Z Archives

Use case: Bundling and protecting backup files.

  • Advantages: Allows you to compress multiple backup files into one secured container.
  • Why it's good: Ideal for combining JSON label backups, configuration files, and documents, all encrypted with a strong password.

Recommendation: Use strong AES encryption and store offline or on secure USB drives.

File Formats to Avoid

  • DOC or DOCX (Word Documents): Prone to formatting issues and not designed for structured data.
  • EXE or other executables: Never use executables for backups; they pose security risks.
  • Cloud-stored files without encryption: Always encrypt backup files before uploading them anywhere online.

Final Recommendations for Backing Up Trezor Suite

  • Use JSON for label and metadata backups directly from Trezor Suite.
  • Use TXT or PDF for offline-readable instructions or notes.
  • Use CSV for accounting data exported from third-party services.
  • Always encrypt your backups using ZIP or 7Z archives before storing them digitally.
  • Store backups offline on USB drives or hardware-encrypted storage devices.