Every module and theme in Platform Manager keeps a history of its versions, and every site chooses which version to run. That one idea makes updates simple: updating a module on a site is just picking a newer version from a dropdown.
Seeing what a site is running
Open a site and go to its Modules or Themes tab. The Installed list shows the version each item is currently running. When a newer version exists, an "Update Available" badge appears next to it, so you can spot outdated items at a glance.
📷 Screenshot: The Installed list on a site's Modules tab, showing the installed version, the versions dropdown, and an "Update Available" badge on one row.
Updating to a newer version
Each installed item has a versions dropdown. Choose the newer version and the update installs on your site right away, running in the background just like a fresh install. There is no separate update button, no files to move around.
Before a big update, it is worth taking a quick backup so you can wind things back if the new version misbehaves. Manual backups only take a moment.
Rolling back
The dropdown works in both directions. If a new version causes trouble, pick the previous version from the same dropdown and your site goes back to it.
Different sites, different versions
Because each site picks its own version, your sites do not have to move in lockstep. A common pattern:
- Keep a test site alongside your real one. Copying a site is an easy way to make one.
- Update the module on the test site first and click around to make sure everything still works.
- Once you are happy, update your real site the same way.
Where versions come from
For items from the built-in catalog, we keep versions in sync with the official omeka.org directory, so new releases show up without you doing anything.
For your own uploads, every zip you upload adds a new version to the module or theme. The details are in Uploading your own modules and themes.
One last thing: this page is about module and theme versions. Updating Omeka itself is a separate, equally painless process, covered in Upgrading your platform.