What are the limitations of SysCloud backup for Xero attachments?

Due to Xero API limitations, SysCloud backup for Xero does not include attachment relationships (links from an attachment to other Xero records) that are added after the attachment’s first backup if the attachment is stored in the Xero Files. Only the relationships present at the time of first backup are captured in this case, and any links created later to additional records (for example, invoices or bills) are not captured. The attachment file itself is backed up.

If an attachment is not uploaded to the Xero Files (i.e., uploaded directly to an object), any new relationships added in incremental backups will be captured. In this case, the attachment will be backed up separately each time it is linked to a new record, so the same attachment will appear as multiple independent copies under each record it is attached to.

Example:

• Base or first backup: Attachment A is uploaded to the Files library and linked to Invoice 1001 and Bill 2002. Both links are captured.
• Incremental backup: The same attachment is later linked to Invoice 3003. This new link will not be captured in the incremental backup. As a result, the attachment will not appear under Invoice 3003 in Archives. Along with that, if you export Invoice 3003, the attachment will not be included in the export. Attachment A and its previously captured links (Invoice 1001 and Bill 2002) will remain available in Archives and for export.
• Another scenario: Attachment B is uploaded to the Files during the base backup without being linked to any record. It is later linked to Invoice 4004 during an incremental backup. This link will not be captured.
• Direct upload scenario: Attachment C is attached directly to Invoice 5005 (not through Files) during the base backup, and later linked to Bill 6006 during an incremental backup. The attachment will be backed up twice, one linked with each object separately.