Written by
Oana Năslău
, Content Writer Specialist
Imagine having a time machine for your knowledge base. One that lets you revisit any past version, undo mistakes, or trace how ideas evolved. That's exactly what document version control can offer. In our article, we’ll explore how this powerful feature keeps your knowledge base accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.
- What is document version control?
- Key benefits of XWiki's version control for your knowledge base
- How to use version control in XWiki (with video tutorial)
- Wrapping up
What is document version control?
Document version control is a system that automatically tracks every change made to a document over time: Who made the change, what was modified, and when it happened. In the context of a knowledge base, version control ensures that your team's valuable content evolves transparently and safely, without losing important information or context.
Think of it like a time machine for your documents: You can jump back to any previous version, compare changes, and even restore content as it existed weeks, months, or even years ago. Whether someone accidentally deletes a section, or you need to understand how a policy evolved, version control gives you full visibility.
In short, it protects your knowledge base from chaos, keeps collaboration alive, and builds trust in your documentation process.
Main components of document version control
#1 Revision history. It consists of a full record of all past versions of a document or page and includes metadata like timestamps, author names, and version numbers. It allows you to browse through previous versions easily.
#2 Version comparison or change tracking. This is a visual or text-based comparison between 2 versions that outlines additions, deletions, or modifications. It helps you quickly understand what changed.
#3 Rollback to a previous version. This option allows you to quickly return to a previous version. It's essential for recovering from accidental edits, mistakes, or unwanted changes.
Key benefits of XWiki's version control for your knowledge base
With XWiki, every edit you make is saved and tracked through version control, giving you the freedom to collaborate, experiment, and grow your knowledge base without fear of losing valuable information. The best part? This is a free feature in XWiki, as it is embedded in the core product. Here’s how XWiki's version control empowers you to keep your organization's knowledge up-to-date and always within reach.
🪄 Track every change
Stay in control of your content. XWiki tracks every edit made by you and your team, capturing exactly what was changed, when the change occurred, and who made it.
🪄 Restore previous versions
Mistakes aren't final, because your content is always recoverable. With just a few clicks, you can revert any page to any previous version, no matter how far back you need to go. Whether it’s a small accidental deletion of content or a major restructuring that didn’t work out, rolling back is simple and completely free of hidden costs. Unlike other products that may charge extra for advanced version history access, XWiki provides free, unlimited rollback as a standard feature.
🪄 Improve collaboration
Work together without stepping on each other’s toes. Version control brings transparency into the editing process. Everyone can see what others have changed, reducing misunderstandings and building trust among contributors.
🪄 Understand document evolution
Beyond just recovering past versions, XWiki helps you see how documents evolve over time. This is essential for process improvement, auditing, and learning.
How to use version control in XWiki (with video tutorial)
Below we will walk you through some easy steps to follow in order to understand how version control works in XWiki. For a quick overview, you can also look at our short video at the end of the tutorial to see this feature in action.
🕘 View page history
#1 Open the page you want to review.
#2 Click on the History tab at the bottom of the page.
#3 You'll see the revision history, under the form of a list of all saved versions, including who made each change and when.​
🔎 Compare versions
#1 In the History tab, select 2 versions to compare.
#2 Click "Compare selected versions" to see the differences.
#3 You can view:
- Raw changes: differences in content, attachments, and properties
- Rendered changes: visual differences as they appear on the page
🔄 Restore a previous version
#1 In the History tab, find the version you want to revert to.
#2 Click "Rollback" (available if you have edit rights).
#3 The page will revert to the selected version.
👀 Use Blame view
#1 Go to More Actions 
and choose 
#2 Click "Show last authors".
#3 Each line will display the author and revision number.​
#4 Hover over:
- The avatar, to see the author's name
- The revision number, to see the date and time when the line was changed
Wrapping up
Now that you’ve seen how document version control can keep your knowledge base clear, safe, and collaborative, you probably agree that it’s a key feature for any growing knowledge base. It can make the difference between chaos and clarity. If you're exploring XWiki or searching for a knowledge base solution that meets enterprise-level demands, make sure version control is at the top of your checklist.
