Manage versions

Versions are used to track product versions or releases, for example in roadmap planning. Work packages can be assigned to a version and will be displayed in the Roadmap.

Versions are also used to enable the Backlogs module, i.e., to create a product backlog and manage sprints in OpenProject.

Learn how to create a new backlogs version.

Create a new version

Navigate to Project settings → Versions in the project menu. You will see an overview of all existing versions. Per default, the existing versions will be sorted by the Name, which is indicated by an arrow next to the column header. To change the sorting order, click the name of any column you wish to use for sorting instead.

To create a new version for your project, click the green + Version button.

Versions in project settings in OpenProject

You can configure the following details:

  • Name: Set a name for the version.
  • Description: Add a description to clarify the purpose of the version.
  • Status: Choose the status of the version. The default status is open.
  • Wiki page: Select a wiki page to link directly from the version in the Roadmap.
  • Start and finish date: Set the planned start and finish dates.
  • Sharing: Choose whether the version should be shared with other projects (e.g., in the project hierarchy or with subprojects).

Note

You’ll need to configure the backlog column separately in each project that uses the version.

  • Column in backlog: Select a column for this version in the backlogs view. This is only necessary if you’re managing a Scrum backlog.

Click the Create button to save your changes. Create new version under project settings in OpenProject

Edit a version

Click on the edit icon at the right of the row to edit the version.

Note

You can only edit versions in the project they were originally created in. In projects where a version is shared, the edit option won’t be available.

Edit or close version under project settings in OpenProject

Close a version

To close a version, open its details and set the Status to Closed.

Close a version under project settings in OpenProject

Close completed versions

To close all completed versions at once, click the More (three dots) icon in the top right corner and click Close completed versions.

Close completed versions in OpenProject project settings

Delete a version

To remove a version, press the respective delete button at the end of the corresponding line in the Versions overview.

Delete a version under project settings in OpenProject

Differences between open, locked and closed versions

There are a few differences between open, locked and closed versions:

  • Open version: Versions in this state can be used throughout the system. Work packages can be added or removed. The version is visible in both the Backlogs and Roadmap modules.
  • Locked version: Work packages cannot be added or removed. The version is not visible in the Backlogs module but is still shown in the Roadmap module. Use case: You’ve finalized the scope of a sprint or release and want to prevent changes while it’s being worked on.
  • Closed version: Work packages cannot be added or removed. The version is no longer shown in the Backlogs or Roadmap modules, unless you explicitly filter for closed versions. Use case: The release or sprint is complete, and you’ve moved on to the next one.