diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 9e36e0b0e..23d7c5eac 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ Dates are in `YYYY-MM-DD` format and versions are in [semantic versioning](http:
 
 -   [#450](https://github.com/wordplaydev/wordplay/issues/450) Tutorial typos!
 -   [#444](https://github.com/wordplaydev/wordplay/issues/444) Fixed fullscreen background behavior.
+-   [#452](https://github.com/wordplaydev/wordplay/issues/452) Fixed aggressive local project persistence causing slowdown.
 -   Removed `Toggle.svelte` background color when off.
 -   Restored preferred spacing on `CodeView`.
 -   Removed padding from `ConceptLinkUI` for better guide typography.
@@ -18,6 +19,7 @@ Dates are in `YYYY-MM-DD` format and versions are in [semantic versioning](http:
 -   Only highlight definitions and uses of caret position when inside a token.
 -   Fixed incorrect placement of caret; it was assuming pretty printing.
 -   Removed unused font preload.
+-   Less aggressive local project persistence
 
 ### Maintenance
 
diff --git a/src/db/ProjectsDatabase.ts b/src/db/ProjectsDatabase.ts
index 6ab8df68d..0a35d62bc 100644
--- a/src/db/ProjectsDatabase.ts
+++ b/src/db/ProjectsDatabase.ts
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ export default class ProjectsDatabase {
                 project.isTutorial()
                     ? PersistenceType.Local
                     : PersistenceType.Online,
-                false,
+                true,
             );
     }
 
@@ -529,10 +529,12 @@ export default class ProjectsDatabase {
         const userID = this.database.getUserID();
 
         const editable = Array.from(this.projectHistories.values());
+        // Only save unsaved local projects.
         const local = editable.filter(
             (history) =>
-                history.getPersisted() === PersistenceType.Local ||
-                history.getPersisted() === PersistenceType.Online,
+                history.isUnsaved() &&
+                (history.getPersisted() === PersistenceType.Local ||
+                    history.getPersisted() === PersistenceType.Online),
         );
         const online = editable.filter(
             (history) => history.getPersisted() === PersistenceType.Online,