Create and compare formula versions

What you will accomplish

You will make deliberate version-history choices while editing a formula. You will review the history, compare two saved versions, create a Branch for an independent experiment, and restore earlier content without deleting the intervening history.

Before you start

Version control and comparison require Pro or higher access. Open the formula you intend to change and decide whether the edit is a correction to the current version or a meaningful formulation iteration that needs its own history entry.

Choose the correct save behavior

1. Edit the formula. Make and review the intended changes in the formula builder.
2. Select Save Changes. The save dialog shows the current version and the next version number.
3. Choose Update current version for a minor correction. The dialog describes this as no version history entry; use it for a typo or another change that should remain in the current version.
4. Choose Save as new version for an intentional iteration. Creates a version history entry means the prior snapshot can be compared or restored later.
5. Add a meaningful change description. Summarize the decision or test behind a new version.
6. Confirm the selected action. Use Update Formula or Save as New Version as shown by the dialog.

Approved-source exception: Editing an approved formula still creates a draft version, even when you choose Update current version. The approved source remains preserved, and the edited content continues as a controlled draft.

View and compare history

1. Open Version History. Go to /formulas/[id]/versions from the formula detail page.
2. Select Compare versions. Choose your starting point in Reference version and the version to review in Compared version. Each selector shows the version number and date, with its full name below.
3. Review Ingredient changes. Read the reference and compared values together. Added and removed rows identify which version contains them; modified rows show amounts, phases, costs and saved line notes. Expand View ingredients to inspect unchanged rows.
4. Review Cost comparison. Check the saved cost for each version and the difference before deciding which iteration should move forward.
5. Read Revision notes. Use the complete saved description and date to connect the changes with the lab work. No ingredient changes does not mean the revision notes or other formula details are identical.
6. Keep or revisit the comparison. Use Export comparison PDF for the selected pair, or Back to version history to review other revisions.

The comparison displays the full saved revision notes. Small cost differences remain visible, and a missing saved cost is shown as Not priced rather than zero. Compare costs on the saved batch and unit basis; unpriced materials and costs outside the formula still need review.

The header's Help button explains the formula, version history or comparison screen you are using. Saved-record Help keeps the guidance focused on that record rather than showing workspace setup progress. Close Help to continue on the same page; written guides open in a separate tab. Ask Formuley appears only when its existing handoff is enabled.

Create and merge a named branch snapshot

1. Choose Branch from the relevant version. Start from the version snapshot you want to preserve as an alternate.
2. Enter the Branch Name. Use a name that explains the raw material, ratio, or product direction represented by the snapshot.
3. Select Create Branch. Formuley copies that version into a named branch head in Version History.
4. Review the named branch. A branch is a preserved version snapshot, not a separate editing workspace.
5. Choose Merge on the branch when its saved content should become current. Review the warning before continuing.
6. Select Merge into Main. Formuley snapshots the current formula, replaces its content with the branch snapshot, records the merge, and closes the active branch head.

Restore earlier formula content

1. Open the version you want to recover. Review its details before restoring.
2. Select Restore This Version. Confirm the restore action when prompted.
3. Review the restored current formula. Formuley applies the earlier content as a new point in history rather than deleting later versions.
4. Confirm the timeline. Verify that the restored content is current and the previous history is still available.

Check your work

• A current-version correction on a formula without an approved source leaves the version number and history timeline unchanged.
• An edit to an approved formula creates the required draft version without replacing the approved source.
• An intentional new-version save adds the next version with a useful description.
• Compare versions shows the expected added, removed, modified, and unchanged raw materials.
• A branch has the intended source version and a recognizable name without implying a separate branch editor.
• A completed Merge into Main makes the selected branch snapshot current and preserves the earlier main content in history.
• A restore makes the selected content current while preserving the full history.

If something does not look right

• If the save dialog is unavailable, confirm that your subscription includes version control.
• If no comparison is available, create at least two intentional versions first.
• If a comparison seems incomplete, verify that you selected the intended earlier and later versions.
• If a branch starts from the wrong content, leave it unmerged and create a new branch from the correct version.
• If you expected to edit inside the branch, edit the current formula instead and save an intentional version before creating another named branch snapshot.
• If a restore is uncertain, inspect the version detail again before confirming it.

Next steps

• Edit the current formula
• Scale the selected formula version
• Start a batch only after the current formula and version are approved for your workflow.