File Versioning

Track changes, compare versions, and restore previous file states

The File Versioning system in the Drive module provides comprehensive tracking of file changes over time. This allows users to view past versions, compare changes, restore previous states, and maintain a complete history of document evolution.

Key Features

  1. Automatic Versioning

    Create new versions automatically when files are modified with configurable triggers and thresholds.

  2. Version History

    View complete timeline of changes with metadata, user information, and detailed change logs.

  3. Version Comparison

    Compare differences between versions with visual highlighting and detailed change analysis.

  4. Version Restore

    Roll back to previous versions while maintaining full history and audit trails.

  5. Version Comments

    Document reasons for changes with detailed version notes and collaborative feedback.

  6. Version Management

    Control version storage, retention policies, and administrative oversight.

Version Operations

Accessing Version History

Explore and navigate through file version timelines:

  • History Panel: Chronological list of all versions
  • Version Details: View metadata for each version
  • Timeline View: Visual representation of version history
  • Activity Log: Combined view of versions and other file activities
  • Filter & Search: Find specific versions by criteria
  • Version Preview: View content of past versions without restoring
[Version History Interface]

Version Policies

Configure how versions are created, stored, and managed with flexible policy controls.

Version Policy Configuration

Policy Type
Description
Configuration Options
Version Creation
When and how new versions are created
Automatic vs manual, edit thresholds, time-based, event triggers
Version Retention
How long versions are kept
Number-based limits, time-based cleanup, selective retention
Access Control
Who can view and manage versions
View permissions, restore rights, delete permissions, admin overrides
Storage Management
How versions are stored and optimized
Compression policies, archiving rules, delta vs full copies

Versioning Best Practices

  1. Use Meaningful Version Comments

    Always add descriptive comments when creating versions manually. This helps team members understand what changed and why.

  2. Configure Appropriate Retention

    Balance storage costs with audit requirements by setting retention policies that meet your compliance needs without excessive storage.

  3. Train Users on Version Features

    Ensure team members understand how to view, compare, and restore versions to prevent accidental data loss and improve collaboration.

  4. Regular Version Cleanup

    Periodically review and clean up unnecessary versions, especially for frequently edited files that may accumulate many minor versions.

Related Drive Components

  1. File Management

    Learn the basics of managing files and folders in the Drive module.

  2. Access Control

    Understand how to manage permissions and share files securely.

  3. Metadata Management

    Discover how to use custom properties and tags for better organization.

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