---
title: Use version history
description: Preview earlier storefront versions and restore one without deleting newer history.
---

**Entry path:** Workspace → select a store → **Storefront** → **Version History**

![Runner storefront preview and controls](https://ixft9x6szo.ufs.sh/f/Cc8uxBgAYTzgkhd2NijXIfFwWx7Qu1lJBZMSPHcazYdR0voC)

## What this covers

Compare storefront versions, preview an earlier ready version, and—when needed—restore its content as a new current version while keeping the existing history.

![Runner storefront version history](https://ixft9x6szo.ufs.sh/f/Cc8uxBgAYTzgh7NVFu5xwD8OGQtnusYNJIErB5Za6kXz4VTC)

## Why and when to use version history

Use version history when you need to understand what changed, review an earlier design, or recover content that was better before a recent request. Previewing is read-only. Restoring changes the project, so review the confirmation first.

## Availability and prerequisites

- Open a project with at least one storefront version.
- Historical preview and restore are available only for versions Runner can load successfully.
- Wait for Runner to finish an active request before restoring.
- Version history is conditional in workspaces using the checkpoint-based storefront experience.
- Some completed conversation work cards also show a conditional version label, exact-version preview, and **Publish** action for an unpublished current version. Those cards are a quick entry; this page remains the full comparison and restore view.

## Open version history

1. Open your project.
2. Select **Storefront**.
3. Select **Version History** in the storefront toolbar.
4. Review the cards from the latest version backward.

## Version history controls

| Control | Why you use it | What happens when you select it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Back** | Leave the version list. | Runner returns to the storefront view. |
| Version screenshot | Inspect the captured appearance. | The screenshot opens in a larger image viewer when one is available. |
| **View full diff** | See a detailed record of what changed. | Runner opens the change details for that version in a new tab. |
| **Preview** / **Preview this version** | Review an earlier ready version without restoring it. | The storefront switches to a temporary historical preview labeled **Previewing v…**. The latest project version and live store do not change. |
| **Back to latest** / **Return to current** | End a historical preview. | Runner reloads the latest current storefront version. |
| **Restore** | Reuse an earlier version's content. | Runner opens **Restore to v…?**. Confirming creates a new latest version with that content; the selected version, newer versions, and history remain. |
| **More actions** | Reach card actions on compact layouts. | A menu opens with the actions available for that version, such as Preview, Restore, or View full diff. |
| **Publish** on the current version | Start publishing the latest version. | Runner opens the publication checks. It does not publish a historical preview directly. |

## Read the version cards

| Label or state | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| **Latest** or **Current Version** | This is the newest project version. |
| **Published** | This version is associated with a completed publication. It does not prove checkout is working now. |
| **Building…** | Runner is still creating the version. Preview and restore can be unavailable. |
| **Build failed** | This version did not reach a ready state. Use its error context to ask Runner for a fix. |
| File-change counts | A summary of added, changed, or removed files for that version. |
| Time | When the version was recorded. |
| Description | The recorded summary of the version when one is available. |

## Preview and restore safely

1. Select **Preview** on the version you want to inspect.
2. Confirm the toolbar says **Previewing v…** so you do not mistake it for the latest version.
3. Check the relevant page and device layouts.
4. Select **Back to latest** if you only needed to compare.
5. To recover the older content, select **Restore**.
6. Read the confirmation: Runner will add a new version and keep the existing history.
7. Confirm the restore only when Runner is idle.
8. Review the new current version in Preview before publishing it.

## States, limits, and troubleshooting

| What you see | Meaning | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **No version history yet** | Only the current starting state exists, or no history is available. | Continue working; return after Runner records another version. |
| **Loading Version History…** | Runner is retrieving the cards. | Keep the panel open until it finishes. |
| **Failed to load version history** | The list request failed. | Select **Try Again**. |
| **Failed to load the preview for this version** | That historical preview could not start. | Return to current and try another ready version. |
| Restore is disabled | Runner is active or the version is not restorable. | Wait for Runner to finish or select a ready version. |
| **Can't restore while the agent is working** | Restoring would conflict with the active task. | Let the task reach a terminal state, then retry. |
| Restored content is not live | Restore created a project version, not a publication. | Review it, then select **Publish Changes**. |

## Related guides

- [Preview your store](./preview-your-store)
- [Publish and republish](./publish-and-republish)
- [Troubleshoot preview and publishing](./troubleshoot-preview-and-publishing)