> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getimmutable.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Retention & Archival

> Per-plan retention policies with automatic archival to cold storage.

## Retention Periods

Each plan has a defined retention window. Events older than the retention period are archived and eventually removed from the primary database.

| Plan       | Retention |
| ---------- | --------- |
| Free       | 30 days   |
| Starter    | 90 days   |
| Pro        | 365 days  |
| Enterprise | Unlimited |

<Note>
  Enterprise plans have unlimited retention. Events are never archived or deleted.
</Note>

## Archival Process

Immutable runs a daily archival job at **3:00 AM UTC**:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Serialize">
    Events outside the retention window are serialized as **gzipped JSON Lines** (`.jsonl.gz`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload">
    Archives are uploaded to Cloudflare R2 cold storage.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete">
    Only after a successful upload are events removed from the primary database.
  </Step>
</Steps>

This **upload-before-delete** approach ensures no data is lost during archival.

## Impact on Features

### Querying

Archived events are not returned by the [list events](/api-reference/list-events) or [get event](/api-reference/get-event) endpoints. Use the `from` and `to` query parameters to stay within your retention window.

### Exports

[CSV exports](/platform/exports) only include events within your retention window. The export dialog displays a warning if your selected date range extends beyond the retention boundary.

### Hash Chain Verification

The [hash chain](/guides/hash-chain) remains valid after archival. Archived events are excluded from verification, and the chain continues from the oldest non-archived event.

## Upgrading Plans

When you upgrade to a plan with a longer retention period, events that have not yet been archived become available again immediately. Events already archived and deleted from the primary database are not restored.

<Warning>
  If you downgrade your plan, the shorter retention period takes effect at the next archival run (3:00 AM UTC). Export any data you need before downgrading.
</Warning>