Logical backup: How to Take a Logical Backup?

Logical backup means creating a reliable copy of data used by an application — like database tables — by accessing them directly through the app’s own interfaces. Unlike a physical backup, which simply copies files on the system, logical backup is more accurate because it captures data that might still be in memory and hasn’t yet been saved to disk.

Try our powerful Handy Backup with a free 30-day trial and experience reliable, precise logical backup software that protect your critical data effortlessly. Learn how to take a logical backup with ease and keep your data safe and easily restorable — no risk, no commitment.

Download for Free

Version 8.6.4 , built on June 09, 2025. 153 MB
30-day full-featured trial period

4.3

4.3

4.0

4.3

Advantages of Logical Backup

Logical database backup offers several key benefits that make it an ideal choice for protecting your important data.

High Accuracy

Logical backup accesses data via the application’s interfaces, capturing both saved data and data still in memory for a complete, consistent copy.

Non-Disruptive Backups

Logical backups can be performed while the system is running without interrupting normal operations. This allows continuous access to your data during the backup process.

Simplified Restoration

Backups are stored in a structured, readable format, making it easier to restore individual tables or records. This flexibility speeds up recovery and reduces the risk of errors.

Difference Between Logical Backup and Physical Backup

When planning a backup strategy, it’s important to understand the difference between physical backup and logical backup. These two approaches serve different purposes and are suited to different scenarios. The table below highlights the key distinctions to help you choose the right method for your database backup needs.

	LOGICAL BACKUP	PHYSICAL BACKUP
Backup level	Data via the application’s interface	Files at the operating system level
Data accuracy	High — includes in-memory data	Depends on file state at time of copy
Can run while system is active	Yes — no need to stop the application	Often requires downtime or locking
Restore flexibility	Restore individual tables or records	Restores the entire system or data set
Version compatibility	High — stored in portable format	Low — tied to specific versions or structure
Speed	Slower — depends on data volume	Faster — copies raw files or disk blocks
Storage format	Structured (e.g., SQL script or export file)	Binary files or disk images
	If you want flexibility, the ability to back up while your systems are running, and easy restoration of specific data like individual tables — logical backup is the better choice.	If you need faster, more comprehensive system-level backups and can afford some planned downtime, a physical backup may be more suitable.

Note: For many businesses, the best strategy is to combine both types — using logical backup for day-to-day data protection and physical backup for full system recovery.

Advantages of Handy Backup's Logical Backup Software

Support for Various Databases

Handy Backup supports a wide range of databases, including logical backup in MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and more, ensuring seamless protection of structured data across multiple platforms.

AES-256 Encryption for Security

You can store backups on various destinations such as local disks, network drives, FTP servers, or cloud services like Amazon S3, offering maximum flexibility and scalability for your storage needs.

Automated Scheduled Backups

Handy Backup allows you to automate your backups by setting custom schedules, ensuring your critical data is backed up regularly without manual intervention or missed cycles.

Incremental Backup Capabilities

Logical backups support incremental mode, which saves only changes made since the last backup. This optimizes backup speed and reduces storage consumption while keeping data current.

Remote Backup via Web Application

Manage and execute backups remotely using Handy Backup’s web app, provided the software is running on a Windows machine. This enables offsite control and monitoring of your backup jobs.

Native, Structured Backup Format

Logical backups are saved in native formats like SQL scripts or export files, which makes restoring individual tables or records fast, flexible, efficient, and less error-prone.

User-Friendly Interface

With a clean and intuitive interface, setting up backups is straightforward, even for non-technical users. Our logical backup tools guide you step-by-step through the process.

Multiple Backup Destinations

You can store your backups on various destinations such as local disks, network drives, FTP servers, or cloud services like Amazon S3, offering maximum flexibility and scalability for your storage needs.

Handy Backup Small Business

With the Small Business edition of our software, you get powerful, all-in-one protection for your servers — securing data at both physical and logical levels. Enjoy advanced features designed to simplify your backup process, boost reliability, and ensure rapid recovery when it matters most. Try it free for 30 days and experience peace of mind with seamless, enterprise-grade data security tailored for growing businesses!

Buy Now

Download

Compare

How to Perform PostgreSQL Logical Backup to Amazon S3 with Handy Backup

Launch the New Task Wizard, select a backup task, then choose PostgreSQL from the Database group on Step 2.
If you haven’t done so, create a new connection and fill in your database credentials (host, port, username, etc.).
Select the specific PostgreSQL tables or entire schema you wish to back up.

Note: For efficient PostgreSQL backup, make sure your DB user has sufficient privileges to run SELECT queries on the desired tables or schema.

Proceed to Step 3 and choose Amazon S3 as the destination for your backup data.
On Step 4, optionally enable compression, encryption, and set versioning or retention policies.
Configure a schedule to automate the backup task (e.g., daily or weekly), then save and finish.

Tip: For PostgreSQL, differential backups are recommended over incremental, as they offer better performance and consistency with logical data structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Logical Backup Tools

What is a Logical Backup?

A logical backup involves exporting database objects such as tables, schemas, or records into a format that can be easily read and restored, such as SQL scripts or export files. Unlike physical backups, which copy raw database files, logical backups provide flexibility by allowing selective restoration of individual elements. Handy Backup supports logical backups by enabling scheduled exports of database data in native formats, ensuring secure storage and easy restoration on demand.

What is the Difference Between Logical Backup and Physical Backup?

Logical backups capture the database content by exporting data and database objects into a portable format, enabling flexible restoration of specific parts of the database. Physical backups, on the other hand, involve copying the actual database files at the storage level, which is faster but less flexible. Handy Backup expertly supports both backup types with robust encryption and flexible scheduling, making it the trusted choice for businesses seeking reliable and secure data protection.

How to take logical backup in Oracle?

Taking a logical backup in Oracle typically involves exporting database schemas or tables using tools like Oracle Data Pump or exp/imp utilities, which create export files containing SQL statements. Handy Backup simplifies this process by integrating Oracle backup plugins that automate export tasks, allowing users to schedule logical backups with encryption and store them securely in locations such as Amazon S3. This approach reduces manual effort and ensures consistent, reliable backups.

Logical Database Backup