DataLoom/docs/how-to.md

DataLoom quick how-to

DataLoom reviews and merges unencrypted Bitwarden exports locally on Windows 11.

Before you begin

1. Export your vault from Bitwarden as JSON or CSV.
2. Keep the original exports unchanged and work from copies.
3. Use the same format for every file in a batch. JSON is recommended because it preserves more Bitwarden data than CSV.
4. Never place real exports, merged vaults, or audit logs in this repository.

Review and merge

1. Start DataLoom.exe.
2. Accept the sensitive-data warning.
3. Leave Enable full secret logging unchecked unless you deliberately want passwords, TOTP values, notes, and other secrets written to the audit log.
4. Select two or more Bitwarden JSON or CSV exports.
5. Review the Import Summary tab.
6. Use Merged Entries to see records that will be included.
7. Use Duplicate Review to inspect flagged groups:
   • Exact duplicates are removed automatically.
   • Likely or possible duplicates are shown side by side.
   • The newest record is recommended when reliable revision dates exist.
   • Choose a record to keep, or choose Keep both records.
8. Click Export merged vault… and save the output. JSON input produces JSON output; CSV input produces CSV output.
9. Verify the generated export before importing it into Bitwarden.

Output and audit files

DataLoom displays the exact locations of the merged export and dataloom-audit.log. It does not automatically delete either file. Protect or securely delete them when no longer needed.

Troubleshooting

• Mixed JSON/CSV batches are rejected; select files of one format only.
• Encrypted exports are rejected; export an unencrypted copy for this offline tool.
• CSV may not represent every Bitwarden feature. Read the CSV loss warnings and use JSON when complete preservation matters.
• If the application does not open, download the current Windows release and confirm that Windows Defender or another security tool has not blocked it.