Balatro has a compact but multi-file profile. Back up save.jkr together with profile.jkr and the rest of the profile directory so run state and long-term unlock state are not separated.
For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: %APPDATA%Balatro<profile>. The known file or folder pattern is save.jkr, profile.jkr, settings.jkr, and related profile files. Balatro keeps save, profile progression, and settings in a small profile directory. These files have distinct roles, so preserve the entire profile folder rather than only save.jkr.
Backup guidance: Close Balatro, let the launcher finish any synchronization, then copy the complete documented save directory to a dated folder outside the live path. Preserve companion files rather than selecting only the newest-looking record. Steam Cloud can synchronize Balatro profile files; allow sync to complete before manual restore. Launcher and cloud context matters because The active Steam, GOG installation determines which local profile and cloud copy can overwrite the save. Identify the storefront and account before restoring files.
Compatibility and recovery should stay conservative. Treat saves as version-, storefront-, account-, and mod-sensitive unless the game or a separately verified migration workflow proves otherwise. A similar filename or extension is not evidence that two releases are interchangeable. If the expected progress is not visible, If progress is missing after a restore, confirm the active Windows account, storefront/profile, cloud state, and exact directory first. Restore the untouched backup before experimenting with individual files or older autosaves. SaveEditor.com only labels a game-specific editor as available when a separate linked Tool has a verified operational runtime; this reference page by itself is not an editor claim.