ok, say i've a patch running for a while, that stores data in lists. when I quit PD and load the patch again, I want the lists restored.

how can I achieve this?

You can store the data into a message box like the following:

[set $1(
|
[ (

The message box will save its contents if you save the patch before reopening.

thank you!

Is it possible that a patch saves itself when pd is quit?

try to find out what a |r pd| receives before pd closes