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Ulysses Sheets Disappeared or Missing

Workaround available macOS, iOS, iPadOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Missing sheets are usually a sync issue or a sync conflict, not deleted data. Check the other devices first, then restore from Ulysses' built-in local backups via File > Browse Backups on the Mac.

Most likely fix: Check if sync is stuck.

Symptoms

Sheets, groups or a whole book are gone from the library; groups appear empty; duplicate groups appear after a conflict.

Why it happens

  • iCloud sync stuck so sheets haven't downloaded
  • Sync conflict that created new groups or moved content
  • Project stored locally on another device
  • Sheets deleted on another device and synced

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Check if sync is stuck

    1. Open Ulysses on all your devices and see whether the sheets exist anywhere
    2. Run the sync checklist (same Apple Account, iCloud Drive and Ulysses enabled, iCloud storage not full)
    3. Create a new sheet with some text to trigger a re-sync

  2. 2. Restore from Browse Backups (Mac)

    1. Choose File > Browse Backups
    2. Pick a backup from before the content vanished - a yellow-black bar shows you're browsing a backup
    3. Drag the sheet or group back into your library, or right-click it and restore

  3. 3. Check the Trash

    1. Open the Trash section in the Ulysses library sidebar and restore any sheets deleted by mistake

  4. 4. Update for longer backup retention

    1. Install Ulysses 41.2 or later - it keeps monthly backups indefinitely and retains more hourly, daily and weekly backups

  5. 5. Keep an independent backup

    1. Backups are stored locally per device and iCloud is not a backup
    2. Use Time Machine or periodic exports so you have a copy outside Ulysses

This guide also covers

  • ulysses sheets disappeared
  • ulysses lost my writing
  • ulysses restore backup
  • ulysses groups empty

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