For a more permanent backup solution, to keep routes, waypoints and tracks etc, that you may need in the future, consider saving the data by using
Route & Mark Manager or use
Layers
Be organized. Create a dedicated directory, for example GPX_Routes, to save files worth keeping. Be careful to name all files in a manner so the content is obvious, without having to import the file into OpenCPN.
Export button Each tab in the Route Manager (except the Layer Tab) has a button “Export……”. Use this to export one Waypoint, one Route or one Track at a time. Multiple selection is possible in this version of OpenCPN (and several previous versions).
To Create a layer, a collection of waypoints, routes and tracks by making the features to be included in the layer visible. Everything else should be deleted or hidden. Every object that is visible on the screen when maximum zoomed out, will be included, not just what is visible on the screen for the moment. When you are ready, use the “Export all visible” button to create the layer gpx file.
To Change an existing Layer start with creating a backup of the existing gpx file, containing the layer, by copying it to a safe place. Make sure that no navigational objects are visible, that you don't want in the new version of the layer. Then use the Route Managers “Import GPX..” and load the layer to be edited. Perform your changes to the layer and press “Export All Visible…”, and save. If you made a backup, just overwrite the original file. Otherwise give the changed Layer a new name.
Use your saved files by importing them back into OpenCPN. Press the “Import GPX” button in the Route Manager. Layers can be set up to load autmatically on starting OpenCPN. Read more in
Layers