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Joomla Configuration

Version management in Joomla

Did you make a change in your text that you later regretted? Or did you accidentally delete part of the text? With Joomla's version control, you can restore the article.

What is version control in Joomla?

Actually, version control is a simple process where the history of an article is stored in the database.

Version control has been included in Joomla core since the release of Joomla 3.2. Version control can help you when:

  • HTML formatting is removed by an editor or Joomla's text filtering in global configuration.
  • You accidentally make a mistake and save the article.
  • You want to make sure that every time you save an article it is backed up so you can easily restore the text.

How does version control work in Joomla?

To use version control, you must first check that this option is enabled. On new installations, this option is on by default

To do this, go to"content > articles" and click the"options" button at the top right.

Then choose the"Edit view" tab

versiebeheer opties

Under Enable versions, choose"Yes" and enter the number of versions you want to keep.

Then you can save and close this screen.

In this example, I deleted an image in the article. I entered this under version notes

versiebeheer artikel

After I saved the article, we look at version management.

In this view, you can see the history of the article. The version with the asterisk behind it is the version currently in use.

versiebeheer geschiedenis

I select 2 versions and click compare at the top to see the differences.

versiebeheer verschillen

You see the 2 versions side by side, followed by a column with the changes. Where the image used to be, there is now a piece of text. Of course, the modification date has also changed.

How do I save an old version of an article?

Have you made an important change to an article and don't want it to be discarded after 10 adjustments. Select your version and then click the"Save on/off" button The version of your article will then always be saved by the system.

versiebeheer geschiedenis

How do I restore an old version of my article?

Want to restore an old version of an article. Select your version and then click on the"Restore" button The version of your article will then be visible in the editor again.

Want to work on your site with more confidence?

Do you find it intimidating to edit articles, or do you find comparing versions complicated?
Jeroen Moolenschot

About Jeroen

I have been working with the Joomla! CMS since 2006. Besides building and maintaining Joomla! websites and webshops, I am also familiar with search engine optimization (SEO), Joomla hosting and developing templates and extensions. Furthermore, I am a frequent visitor and speaker at JoomlaDays and various Joomla user groups.

I am committed to the Joomla! community as a member of the Extensions Directory team and the organization of Joomla user group Breda and JoomlaDagen Netherlands. In short: Are you looking for a Joomla Specialist, you should contact me!

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