FAQ
Where is my data stored?
Section titled “Where is my data stored?”Masterboard stores all game data in a local SQLite database. No data is sent to any server.
| Platform | Location |
|---|---|
| Windows | %APPDATA%\Masterboard\ |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Masterboard/ |
| Linux | ~/.config/Masterboard/ |
The database file is masterboard.db in that folder.
How do I back up my games?
Section titled “How do I back up my games?”All your games, repertoires, and training history live in a single SQLite database (masterboard.db) in the data folder above. To back up everything, copy that file to a cloud drive, external disk, or other safe location while the app is closed. Restore by copying it back.
To share or archive a single repertoire or an opponent report, use the PGN export actions in the Openings side-nav and on the Reports page.
Can I use my own Stockfish?
Section titled “Can I use my own Stockfish?”Yes. Go to Settings → Engine Configuration, click + Add local engine…, and select your Stockfish binary. Any UCI-compatible engine works. See Engine Setup for details.
Can I import games from ChessBase?
Section titled “Can I import games from ChessBase?”ChessBase can export to PGN: File → Export → PGN. Import the resulting file with Masterboard’s PGN import. All variations and annotations are preserved.
Can I open a .pgn file by double-clicking it?
Section titled “Can I open a .pgn file by double-clicking it?”Yes. Masterboard registers as a handler for .pgn files on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so double-clicking a PGN file (or choosing Open with → Masterboard) opens it in the app. You can also import PGN files from inside the app — see Importing Games.
Does Masterboard connect to the internet?
Section titled “Does Masterboard connect to the internet?”Only when you explicitly trigger a chess.com or Lichess game import. Masterboard does not send telemetry, crash reports, or any other data online.
Is Masterboard free?
Section titled “Is Masterboard free?”The current version is free. A Pro tier with additional features (cloud sync, team features) is planned but not yet available.
The engine panel shows nothing — what’s wrong?
Section titled “The engine panel shows nothing — what’s wrong?”Masterboard looks for a Stockfish binary in two places at startup:
- An
engines/folder in the same directory as the Masterboard binary. - Your system PATH.
If neither is found, the engine panel stays blank. Fix:
- On Windows: place
stockfish.exein anengines/folder next toMasterboard.exe. - On macOS/Linux: install Stockfish system-wide (
brew install stockfish,apt install stockfish) or add it with + Add local engine… in Settings → Engine Configuration.
See Engine Setup for more detail.
Analysis is very slow — how do I speed it up?
Section titled “Analysis is very slow — how do I speed it up?”Increase the thread count in Settings → Engine Configuration to use more CPU cores. A good setting is (number of logical CPU cores − 1).
Also check that no other CPU-intensive applications are running while analysis is in progress. Batch analysis of many games is best run in the background while you step away.
Can I sync my games across devices?
Section titled “Can I sync my games across devices?”Not currently. Masterboard is local-first. Cloud sync is planned for a future Pro tier.
Why does the app show a security warning on first launch?
Section titled “Why does the app show a security warning on first launch?”Masterboard is not yet code-signed with a commercial certificate. Windows and macOS may flag the app as from an “unidentified developer.” See Installation for instructions on bypassing the warning safely.