How to Use Binly · 3 min read
How to restore archived records and view activity in Binly
Use Tools → Archive to find inactive inventories, places, items, or collections and restore the records you still need. Review the restore scope and any plan-limit message first. Use Tools → Activity to inspect recorded changes and visits by date; Activity helps explain what happened but does not undo changes itself.
This guide is for cleaning up active views, recovering an accidentally archived record, or understanding a recent change. You will choose the right tool and verify the current record after any correction.
When should I archive a record instead of editing it?
Archive a record when it should leave active use but you may need it later. Edit the record when the same belonging or place still exists and only its details or location have changed.
For a worked example, archive an old project's collection after the project ends. If the project's tools simply moved from a desk to a cabinet, update their places rather than hiding them in Archive.
Archived records are excluded from active search and Review. If something unexpectedly disappears from those views, Archive is one useful place to check.
How do I restore an archived item or place?
Find the archived entry, inspect what restoration will bring back, and restore the intended selection. A parent entry can represent a group of descendants archived with it.
- Open Tools → Archive.
- Use the inventory, place, item, or collection filter to narrow the list.
- Select the entry you want to restore and review its restoration scope.
- Read any plan-limit message; restoring a group can consume more capacity than one visible parent suggests.
- Choose Restore Selected when the selection is correct.
- Open the restored records and confirm that their saved places and details still match reality.
If you archived a place with its contents, inspect the grouped parent rather than assuming every child will be a separate top-level restore choice. Do not repeatedly create replacement items while the original group is available for restoration.
How do I find out what changed in Binly?
Open Tools → Activity and select a date range and relevant record filters. Activity shows recorded events, while opening a linked record shows its current state.
- Start with the date the change likely happened; Activity initially focuses on today.
- Expand the date range if the event is older.
- Filter for the relevant record or event context and inspect the entries.
- Open the linked record to check its present details.
- Make any correction through the record editor, or use Archive if it needs restoration.
Recorded activity can include Inbox upload, deletion, assignment, creation, and queue actions as well as supported edits and views. An event helps explain a workflow; it does not mean an old version can be restored from that event.
What is the value over deleting records or keeping a separate change log?
Archive separates inactive records from everyday retrieval while preserving a restoration path. Activity keeps supported events near their records, reducing the need to reconstruct those events from memory or messages.
| Tool or method | Purpose | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Archive | Remove records from active use and restore eligible entries | Restore scope and plan capacity still apply |
| Activity | Inspect recorded events and visits | Not a general undo or version-restore system |
| Separate notes | Explain the reason behind a decision | Someone must write and maintain them |
Keep a note when the reason matters, such as why a project ended. Use Activity to inspect supported changes and Archive to recover the actual inactive record.
Why can I not find or restore a record?
Check filters, parent groups, access, and capacity before assuming the record is gone. A blocked restoration should show the relevant limit or error.
- Not in active search: inspect Archive and verify your current access to the inventory.
- Not listed individually: inspect an archived parent group.
- Restore blocked: review the stated capacity requirement, including descendants.
- Activity looks empty: widen the date range beyond today.
- Wrong location after restore: correct the saved place; restoration cannot determine where the physical object moved.
Use Bulk Manage for a deliberate shared correction to several active records.
What are the most common questions?
These answers cover the practical choices you can make before expanding your setup.
Is Archive the same as permanent deletion?
No, archived records have a restoration workflow. Review the selected entry and its scope before restoring it.
Can restoring a place bring back its items?
A grouped parent can include descendants archived with it. Inspect the restore scope and capacity message before confirming.
Does Activity undo a mistaken edit?
No, it helps you inspect recorded events. Use the record editor to correct details or Archive to restore an archived entry.
Why is yesterday's change missing from Activity?
Activity initially focuses on today. Expand the date range and check the filters before concluding that the event is absent.
Will a restored record reflect where the object is now?
It returns with saved information, which may be outdated. Verify the physical location and update the record after restoration.
For current plans and limits, see Binly pricing.
What should I do next?
Inspect one inactive record or recent change, choose restoration or editing as appropriate, and verify the resulting record before returning to search.
Start with one placeKeep reading: How to move and edit multiple items with Binly Bulk Manage.