# Crabwise can't find or open the library folder

- Product: Crabwise
- Category: Troubleshooting
- Type: Troubleshooting
- Updated: 2026-10-30
- URL: https://soji.dev/en/crabwise/support/troubleshooting/library-unavailable/

This article explains what to do if a message such as "The library folder is no longer available." or "Crabwise no longer has access to that library." appears and you can't open the library.

:::option{title="Restore the drive and the folder"}
If the library is on an external drive or in a synced folder, reconnect the drive. If you renamed or moved the folder, put it back under its original name and location. Then open the library again with :ui[File] > :ui[Open Library…].
:::

:::option{title="Open the library again"}
If you see "Crabwise no longer has access to that library.", choose :ui[File] > :ui[Open Library…] and select the same folder again. Opening it again gives Crabwise access to the folder.
:::

:::option{title="Choose the right folder"}
If you see "That folder is not a Crabwise library.", you chose the wrong folder. A library folder contains info.json, collections.json, tags.json, and items. Choose that folder with :ui[Open Library…].
:::

:::option{title="Restart Crabwise and rebuild the index"}
If you see "The library index couldn’t be opened.", restart Crabwise. If that doesn't help, choose :ui[File] > :ui[Rebuild Library Index].
:::

:::option{title="Check free space and write access"}
If you see "Crabwise couldn’t save it to the library folder. Make sure the folder is available and there is enough free space.", check that the location has free space and that you can write to it.
:::

If it still doesn't work, include the full message and where the library is stored (internal disk, external drive, iCloud Drive, and so on) when you contact us.