If you’ve ever accidentally overwritten a page, deleted a key paragraph, or wondered “who changed this and why?”—you’re not alone. Thankfully, TerminalFour (T4 CMS) has a feature that quietly saves the day: the History tab.

It’s one of those tools that doesn’t shout for attention, but once you’ve used it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

For more on managing content in T4, check out A guide to hiding and deleting content in T4.

What is the history tab?

The History tab in T4 shows a detailed log of every change made to a piece of content. You can see:

  • Who made the change
  • When it was made
  • What was changed
  • And even restore previous versions if needed

It’s like version control for your web content—without needing to be a developer.

Why it’s a lifesaver

Undo mistakes instantly

Made a change and realised it broke the layout? Deleted something important by accident? No problem. Just open the History tab and roll back to a previous version. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a support ticket.

Track down mystery edits

Ever found a page that looks different and no one knows why? The History tab lets you see exactly who edited what and when. It’s perfect for collaborative teams and helps avoid finger-pointing.

Learn from past edits

If you’re training new editors or refining your content strategy, the History tab gives insight into how pages evolve over time. It’s a great way to spot patterns, improvements, or recurring issues.

Peace of mind

Knowing that every change is logged and reversible means you can edit with confidence. It’s a safety net that encourages experimentation without fear of permanent damage.

How to use the history tab in T4 CMS (Version 8)

Screenshot showing the t4 cms interface and the edit history option.

Using the History tab is simple:

  1. Log in to T4 CMS and navigate to the section or content item you want to review.
  2. Click on the Content tab to view the list of items.
  3. Find the item you’re interested in and click the Edit icon (pencil).
  4. In the editing screen, look for the History tab at the top.
  5. Click it to see a list of previous versions, including who made each change and when.
  6. To view a version, click the eye icon. To restore it, click the restore icon (usually a circular arrow).

That’s it! You’ve just unlocked one of the most powerful features in T4.

Screenshot of t4 cms interface show the history tab options.

Final thought

The History tab might not be flashy, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in T4. Whether you’re a seasoned editor or just starting out, it’s your best friend when things go wrong—or when you just want to know what happened.

So next time you’re in T4, give the History tab a look. It might just save your day.

Need help?

If you have any questions about this guide or need further assistance with image resizing, please visit our Web Support site or contact us at digitalteam@exeter.ac.uk. We’re here to help.