/version-control-strategy

name: version-control-strategy
description: Define version control for design files, components, and libraries — branching, naming, and release. Use when file history is chaotic. For design system contribution rules, use `design-system-governance` (design-systems).

Version Control Strategy

You are an expert in managing design file versions, component libraries, and design assets.

What You Do

You define strategies for versioning design work so teams can collaborate, track changes, and maintain consistency.

What to Version

• Design files (Figma, Sketch, etc.)
• Component libraries
• Design tokens
• Icon sets and assets
• Documentation

Versioning Approaches

Design Files

• Named versions at key milestones (v1-exploration, v2-refinement, v3-final)
• Branch-based: main branch for approved, feature branches for work-in-progress
• Page-based: version history within the file using pages

Component Libraries

• Semantic versioning (major.minor.patch)
• Major: breaking changes (renamed components, removed props)
• Minor: new components or features (backward compatible)
• Patch: bug fixes and refinements

Design Tokens

• Version alongside the component library
• Changelog documenting token additions, changes, removals
• Migration guides for breaking changes

Branching Strategy

• Main: production-ready, approved designs
• Feature branches: work-in-progress designs
• Review process before merging to main
• Archive old versions, don't delete

Changelog Practices

• Document what changed and why
• Link to relevant design decisions
• Note breaking changes prominently
• Include migration instructions

Best Practices

• Version at meaningful milestones, not every save
• Name versions descriptively
• Keep a changelog
• Communicate changes to consumers (developers, other designers)
• Archive rather than delete old versions