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2.9 Restoring Your Project

Restore from original DOCX files or SurtitleLive-generated XLSX backups through Excel Restore (Test); general XLSX/PPTX import is not supported.

Use Excel Restore (Test) carefully

Excel Restore (Test) only works with SurtitleLive-generated .xlsx backups.

  1. Open the project upload page.
  2. Select Excel Restore (Test).
  3. Upload the SurtitleLive XLSX backup.
  4. Review the summary, warnings, and sample rows.
  5. Confirm the restore only if the preview looks correct.
  6. Open the editor and review the restored script before live use.

Screenshot Placeholder

Excel Restore Test entry and restore preview gate

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Figure 2.9.1: Review the workbook before confirming restore.

Tip: Keep the original Word .docx file as the primary source. Excel Restore (Test) is a controlled restore path, not a general spreadsheet importer.

What the restore expects

  1. Use only XLSX files exported by SurtitleLive.
  2. Keep the workbook structure intact.
  3. Do not rely on old line IDs. Restore creates fresh line IDs.

If you are rebuilding from the source DOCX

  1. Upload the original .docx file.
  2. Run analysis again.
  3. Review the draft in the editor.
  4. Add back any translation work you still need.

Best practice

  • Keep the original DOCX.
  • Export a fresh backup before major changes.
  • Name backups clearly with a date or milestone.

Important: Confirmed restore replaces the current project script. Review it in the editor before any live workflow.

FAQ

Common questions for this workflow, based on the current SurtitleLive system.

Why can't I import a general XLSX or PPTX file back into SurtitleLive?+

General XLSX and PPTX import is not supported. However, SurtitleLive-generated .xlsx backup files can be tested and restored through the Excel Restore (Test) gate on the project upload page. Only use .xlsx files exported from SurtitleLive — do not use arbitrary spreadsheets.

What is the safest file to keep for recovery?+

Keep your original .docx source document. That is the best starting point for re-running analysis and rebuilding the project from scratch if needed.

Deployment Workflow

Continue In This Workflow

Script preparation, translation workflow, live deployment, operator control, and runtime troubleshooting.

Next in Deployment: 3.1 Using Simulation ModeBrowse more deployment docs

3.1 Using Simulation Mode

Preview cues, test languages, and finalize a deployment-ready script.

4.1 How to Deploy Live Subtitles for a Show

Deploy live surtitles by finalizing your script, confirming plan-specific region behavior, setting operator access, and sharing viewer links.

4.2 How to Manage a Live Deployment

Manage a live deployment after setup, including viewer links, operator password rotation, surtitle updates, duration changes, and shutdown.