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.
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