LimeSurvey 7 Migration Series — Part 4: Migration checklist

This checklist is intended for all users upgrading from LimeSurvey 6 to the new LimeSurvey 7 release.
For larger installations, we strongly recommend creating a staging environment based on a copy of the current production database and files. This allows you to validate the migration process before updating your live system.

System Requirements and Backup
Before starting the upgrade, verify that your server meets the new system requirements. LimeSurvey 7 requires PHP 8.1 or newer, while PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.4 are currently recommended for new installations.
Before performing any update, create a complete backup of your database as well as all application files. This ensures that the existing installation can be restored if necessary.

Custom LimeSurvey Themes
If your installation uses custom themes, review all modifications before the migration. Particular attention should be paid to custom JavaScript code and CSS adjustments. These components should be thoroughly tested after the upgrade to ensure that the survey appearance and functionality remain unchanged.

LimeSurvey Plugins
Review all custom-developed plugins currently used in your installation. Ideally, these plugins should be tested on a LimeSurvey 7 test system before updating the production environment.
Plugins that directly access response tables may require adjustments, as the underlying data structures have changed in LimeSurvey 7.

Update to LimeSurvey v7.x
For larger environments, perform the migration on a staging system first. A successful test migration helps identify potential compatibility issues before updating the production environment.
After validating the test installation, the production system can be upgraded using the standard update procedure.

Post-Migration Check
After the upgrade, verify that surveys, themes, plugins and custom integrations continue to work as expected. Particular attention should be given to customized components and any external systems connected to LimeSurvey.

Updating from Older LimeSurvey Versions
When upgrading from older LimeSurvey versions, custom plugins should be reviewed with particular care, as compatibility issues are more likely to occur.
In addition, LimeSurvey 6 and 7 use a modern template technology that differs from older releases. Custom survey themes created for previous versions may need to be rebuilt once using the new theme framework before they can be used with LimeSurvey 7.

Free LimeSurvey 7 Migration Check
Not sure whether your installation is ready for LimeSurvey 7? We offer a free migration check to review your current environment, custom themes, and plugins.
Contact our team for professional LimeSurvey support.

LimeSurvey 7 Migration Series — Part 5: How to safely upgrade your LimeSurvey production system to version 7

Updating a production LimeSurvey system requires more planning than simply installing the latest release. If your installation includes custom themes, plugins or active surveys, a structured approach can help avoid unexpected issues.Here are six practical steps we recommend before upgrading to LimeSurvey 7.

1. Create a backup and rollback strategy
Before starting the update, create a complete backup of your database and application files. Make sure you know how to restore your previous installation if the upgrade does not go as planned.

2. (Optional) Test the upgrade in a staging environment
For larger or customized installations, test the migration in a staging environment first. Using a copy of your production system allows you to identify compatibility issues before updating your live instance.

3. Validate your installation
If you have a test environment available, verify that all important components continue to work correctly. Besides LimeSurvey itself, this includes custom plugins, themes, API integrations, authentication and scheduled tasks.

4. Review URL compatibility
If your installation still uses the legacy get URL format, review the transition to the new path URL format required by the React-based editor. Existing participant links, embedded surveys or external integrations may require additional attention.

5. Check the allowed_hosts.php configuration
During the upgrade, LimeSurvey 7 creates the application/config/allowed_hosts.php configuration file. If your installation is accessible through multiple domains or hostnames, verify that all required entries are included to avoid being locked out of the administration interface.

6. Verify your production system
After the update, test the most important functions of your installation, including administrator access, active surveys, email delivery, plugins, themes and external integrations. Checking the application logs after the upgrade can help identify problems before users notice them.
The complete article, including additional explanations and links to the official documentation, is available on our website: survey-consulting.com/limesurvey-7-migra..._migration_checklist

Have you already upgraded a production LimeSurvey system to version 7? We'd be interested to hear about your migration experience or any issues you encountered.