---
title: "[Author Content | Entry Versions] - Understanding Entry Versions"
description: Understanding Entry Versions
url: https://www.contentstack.com/docs/content-managers/author-content/understanding-entry-versions
product: Contentstack
doc_type: concept
audience:
  - content-managers
  - authors
version: current
last_updated: 2026-03-25
---

# [Author Content | Entry Versions] - Understanding Entry Versions

This page explains how Contentstack entry versions work, including draft updates, version history, and actions like naming, comparing, and restoring versions. It is intended for content managers and authors who need to track changes to entries and manage version-related workflows while editing content.

## Understanding Entry Versions

Contentstack enables you to create and manage multiple versions of an entry. This feature helps you efficiently track changes, compare versions, and restore previous states when necessary.

By default, entry versions are automatically assigned sequential numbers each time an entry is saved (e.g., Version 1, Version 2, and so on).

When [Drafts and Auto Save](/docs/content-managers/author-content/about-drafts-and-auto-save) is enabled, Contentstack may also capture draft updates while you edit an entry. These draft changes represent in-progress work and do not create new versions until the entry is explicitly saved or published.

## Draft Updates vs Entry Versions

When **Drafts and Auto Save** is enabled, Contentstack automatically captures draft updates while you edit an entry.

These draft updates represent in-progress changes and do not create new entry versions. A new version is created only when you explicitly click **Save** or **Publish**.

Draft updates allow you to review changes and compare them with the most recent saved version before confirming them as a new version.

Draft updates are retained only for the **five most recent major versions** of an entry. Draft updates associated with older major versions are automatically removed when new major versions are created.

## Accessing the Version History Panel

In addition to the version dropdown, Contentstack offers a dedicated **Version History** panel accessible from the right sidebar of the entry editor. This panel provides a centralized view of all saved and draft versions, making it easier to track changes, compare versions, and take quick actions.

It presents each version with its corresponding number (or custom name, if assigned), author, timestamp, and status indicators such as **Latest**, **Published**, or **Scheduled for Publish**.

Hovering over any version in the panel reveals quick action icons that allow you to edit the version or compare it side-by-side with the currently selected version.

**Note**: When **Drafts and Auto Save** is enabled, draft updates may appear in the **Version History** panel with a **Draft** indicator. You can compare draft changes with the most recent saved version.

## Assigning Names to Entry Versions

To make version identification easier, you can assign meaningful names to specific entry versions, such as Production or Development. There is no limit to the number of versions you can create. However, maintaining a manageable number of relevant versions is recommended for better organization.

**Note**: Custom version names have a maximum limit of **32 characters**.

Learn how to [assign names](/docs/content-managers/entry-versions/name-entry-versions) to entry versions.

## Renaming Entry Versions

If needed, you can rename an entry version. Renaming an entry version allows you to update or refine its description to better reflect its purpose or status.

Learn how to [rename entry versions](/docs/content-managers/entry-versions/rename-entry-versions).

## Removing Entry Version Names

You can remove a name assigned to an entry version. Once removed, the version will display its default numeric identifier.

Learn how to [remove entry version names](/docs/content-managers/entry-versions/remove-entry-version-names).

## Comparing Entry Versions

Contentstack provides a **side-by-side comparison view** for any two entry versions. This view highlights the differences with color-coded indicators, making it easy to identify changes.

Learn how to [compare entry versions](/docs/content-managers/entry-versions/compare-entry-versions).

## Restoring Old Entry Versions

If necessary, you can **roll back** or restore an entry to any previously saved version, ensuring you always have access to earlier content states.

Learn how to [restore old entry versions](/docs/content-managers/entry-versions/restore-old-entry-version).

Contentstack’s entry versioning lets you efficiently manage content changes. By naming, renaming, removing names, comparing, restoring, and browsing via the version history panel, you maintain control and consistency across your projects.

## Tutorial Video

## Common questions

### Do draft updates create new entry versions?
No. These draft updates represent in-progress changes and do not create new entry versions. A new version is created only when you explicitly click **Save** or **Publish**.

### How many major versions retain draft updates?
Draft updates are retained only for the **five most recent major versions** of an entry.

### Where can I view saved and draft versions?
You can use the **Version History** panel accessible from the right sidebar of the entry editor.

### Is there a limit on custom version name length?
Yes. Custom version names have a maximum limit of **32 characters**.