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How did Francis II preserve an imperial title after the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved?

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Stone ruins of Habsburg Castle, also known as Habichtsburg, stand on a hill above green vineyards in Aargau canton, Switzerland, with a flag flying atop the tower. — House of Habsburg Ruins of the castle of Habsburg, or Habichtsburg (“Hawk's Castle”), built 1020, the original seat of the house of Habsburg, Aargau canton, Switzerland.

In anticipation of the Holy Roman Empire’s dissolution, Francis II took proactive steps to ensure his imperial status would continue regardless of the empire's fate. In 1804, he proclaimed himself "hereditary emperor of Austria," adopting the title of Francis I.123

By establishing this new title, Francis ensured that his imperial rank remained independent of his position as the Holy Roman emperor. Consequently, when he was forced to abdicate his Holy Roman title in 1806 following the empire's collapse, he was able to retain his status as the emperor of Austria.124