# Preserved pours

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**Beta feature**\
Preserved pours are currently a beta feature. We are still working on automatic detection of "locked" copper pours as "preserved pours".
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### Overview

Unlike [pre-routed-traces](https://docs.quilter.ai/design-parameters/pre-routed-traces "mention") Quilter **does not** automatically preserve copper pours that are present within the board boundary at the time of file upload.

**Instead, Quilter only preserves copper pours that are represented in the "preserved pours" table during Circuit Comprehension.** All other pours on internal or external copper layers are deleted and regenerated by Quilter.

Preserved pours can be added manually during job setup. In the near future, Quilter will automatically preserve pours that are marked as "locked" in the input file.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you identify Preserved Pours on internal layers but choose not to preserve the stack-up when setting up your layout job, Quilter will still delete them and generate new internal layers for each layer stack and layout candidate it explores.
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### Why should I use preserved pours?

There are a number of reasons to preserve copper pours:<br>

1. **"Saving your progress".** If you are iterating with Quilter, you may find that you like elements of a layout candidate, but not the whole design. After downloading a candidate, you can choose to preserve the routing/placements you like, unplace and unroute the rest, and resubmit to Quilter to "save your progress" towards a fabrication-worthy design.<br>
2. **(Coming soon) Define advanced power planes for custom stack-ups.** Preserved pours will allow you to generate custom stack-ups that include custom and split power planes that supplement or replace the power planes recommended by Quilter.

### How to specify

To specify a preserved pour, follow these instructions:

1. **Create the pour.** Create or identify an existing pour in your input board file that you wish to preserve during compilation.
   1. If using KiCAD - make sure that the pour has a name.&#x20;
2. **Upload your input file.** Save and upload the input file to Quilter. You can confirm that the pour was parsed correctly by toggling the "Pours" layer in the board preview.
3. &#x20;**Add your "Preserved Pour".** Add your preserved pour by name to the "Preserved Pours" comprehension when setting up your layout job.


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