Versions Gadget

In this module, you will learn about the Versions Gadget in Optimizely CMS. This gadget is particularly useful when working with content items that go through multiple iterations. It allows you to view, manage, and restore previous versions of any content item, ensuring you always have the flexibility to track changes over time or roll back to an earlier state when necessary.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Access and view all versions of a specific content item.
• Compare previously published versions with the most recent version.
• Roll back to earlier versions or republish them when needed.
• Promote older versions into draft mode for further editing.

Purpose of the Gadget

The Versions Gadget provides visibility into the full history of changes made to a content item. Instead of manually recreating older states, editors can revisit any prior version, review its details, and restore it with just a few clicks. This makes it an essential tool for content auditing, recovery, and iteration management.

Key Features

• Complete Version History: See all recent and older versions of a specific content item, such as a homepage or landing page.
• Side-by-Side Comparison: Review updates made over time, such as text changes, new images, or language variations.
• Version Actions:-Republish a Previous Version: Quickly restore older content to the live site. -Promote to Draft: Take an older version and move it into draft mode for updates before publishing. -Start a New Draft: Create a fresh draft from any prior state.

Example Use Cases

• Rollback After Changes: If a recent update doesn’t perform well, you can easily restore an earlier version of the content.
• Temporary Content Updates: Publish promotional content for a limited time, then revert to the standard version afterward.
• Audit and Review: Track how a page evolved over time, comparing test content with final published content.

Best Practices

• Use the Versions Gadget regularly to audit historical changes and ensure published content aligns with your brand.
• When testing seasonal or short-term campaigns, leverage the gadget to quickly restore the baseline content afterward.
• Before republishing an older version, consider promoting it to draft mode to review and refine before going live again.

To see how the Versions Gadget works in practice, check out this demo: