Building a no-code app is exciting until you accidentally delete a screen, break a workflow, or lose track of which version was actually working. Without proper version control, every change you make carries the risk of undoing hours—or even weeks—of progress, especially when you're collaborating with others or pushing updates to live users.
That's where Adalo comes in. Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months. With built-in version control features like Design Versions and rollback capabilities, you can experiment freely and protect your work without needing to write a single line of code.
Why Adalo Is the Right Choice for Version-Controlled App Development
Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This unified approach makes version control not just possible, but practical—when you're managing a single codebase that powers your web app and both mobile platforms simultaneously, having reliable tools to track changes and recover from mistakes becomes essential.
Once your app is live in the app stores, every update carries real stakes. A broken feature or accidental deletion can frustrate users and trigger negative reviews. Adalo's built-in version control features give visual developers the safety net they need to experiment confidently, collaborate effectively, and maintain the quality their users expect.
One wrong click, and weeks of work on your app vanishes. Without version control, app development becomes a high-stakes gamble where every update risks breaking what already works. Whether you're testing a bold new feature or collaborating with teammates, having a reliable way to track changes and roll back mistakes isn't optional—it's essential.
Adalo, an AI-powered app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps, includes built-in version control features designed specifically for visual developers. Design Versions (snapshots), rollback options, and environment separation help you protect your work and collaborate with confidence—all while publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play from a single codebase.
In this guide, you'll learn how to leverage these tools effectively: creating and managing snapshots, understanding what gets saved (and what doesn't), coordinating edits with your team, and using semantic versioning to keep your releases organized. Here's what you need to know:
- Snapshots: Save your app's design and layout at specific points, but not database changes or API keys.
- Rollback: Quickly restore earlier versions if something goes wrong.
- Collaboration: Coordinate edits since Adalo doesn't support real-time multi-user editing.
- Semantic Versioning: Label updates clearly using a system like Major.Minor.Patch to track changes.
Why Adalo Makes Version Control Simple for Visual Developers
Adalo's unified approach means you're not just managing one codebase—you're protecting your entire cross-platform project with built-in version control tools. When your app is live in the App Store and Google Play, mistakes become costly. A broken update can frustrate users and damage your reputation.
That's why the platform includes features like Design Versions and rollback capabilities, giving you the safety net you need to experiment confidently and ship updates without fear of losing your progress. With over 3 million apps created on the platform, these version control tools have been battle-tested across projects of every scale.
Make the Most out of Version Control for Low-Code Apps
How Version Control Works in No-Code Platforms
Snapshots and Version History
No-code platforms use snapshots to track your app's progress. These are essentially point-in-time records that capture the app's state at specific moments. In Adalo, these snapshots are called Design Versions, offering a different approach compared to traditional code-based version control systems.
When you create a Design Version, the platform saves details like screens, component configurations, branding settings, and list filters. However, it's important to note what these versions don't save. According to Adalo's documentation:
Design versions only save the visuals and layouts of your app. They do not save database changes of any kind.
This means items like collection data, API keys, and custom actions remain untouched when you restore a previous version.
| Item Category | Saved in Design Version? |
|---|---|
| Screens and Screen Settings | ✅ Yes |
| Component Setup (Filters, Links) | ✅ Yes |
| Branding (Colors, Fonts) | ✅ Yes |
| Collection Data and Records | 🚫 No |
| API Keys and External Collections | 🚫 No |
| Custom Actions | 🚫 No |
Adalo also keeps a version history of up to 10 previous snapshots, including both manual saves and system-triggered automatic saves. Each version entry includes the version name, notes describing the changes, the creator, and the timestamp. Before restoring any version, the platform automatically saves your current state, acting as a safeguard against accidental data loss.
This snapshot-based system plays a key role in how version control integrates into development workflows.
Version Control in No-Code Workflows
Adalo's version control system, built around snapshots, is central to live app development. The platform's visual editor includes a Versions tab where you can manage these Design Versions. For example, if you're experimenting with a new feature like dark mode, you can create a named Design Version before making changes. Use the notes field to document your updates—similar to commit messages in traditional version control. If the new design doesn't work out, you can simply hit the Restore Version button to revert to a previous state.
The platform processes over 20 million data requests daily across its network of published apps, so ensuring stability is a priority. To support this, Adalo introduces environment separation, letting you preview changes in a test environment before pushing them live. The Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul (launched late 2026) delivered significant performance improvements—the platform is now 3-4x faster than before, making version control tasks more efficient than ever.
However, there's one key limitation: Adalo doesn't support real-time multi-user editing. As their documentation explains:
Our system is not set up in a way that allows collaboration in an app and any changes may not register correctly or you could accidentally save the wrong instance.
This eliminates the risk of visual merge conflicts but requires teams to coordinate who's working in the editor at any given time. Since Design Versions are stored at the team level, all collaborators share access to the same version history, ensuring consistency across the project.
How to Manage App Versions in No-Code Tools
Creating and Managing Branches
No-code platforms like Adalo handle branching differently from traditional code repositories. In Adalo, Design Versions act as your branching system. To create a new branch for features like a payment screen, navigate to the Versions tab and click +Create Design Version. Assign it a clear name, such as "pre-payment-integration", so it's easy to identify later.
This process creates a save point you can revert to if something goes wrong. Adalo's single-codebase system ensures updates are deployed across iOS, Android, and web at the same time. Keep in mind, though, that Design Versions only capture visual and layout changes.
For major database updates, it's better to copy your app into a sandbox environment. This way, you can test changes without disrupting the live app's data structure. With unlimited database records on paid plans, you have the freedom to test extensively without worrying about hitting storage caps.
Once your branch is created, commit changes immediately to keep track of progress.
Committing Changes and Writing Changelogs
Think of each Design Version as a commit. When you complete a specific task—like finalizing a user login flow or fixing a navigation issue—create a new Design Version right away. Use the Notes field to document the changes. Be concise yet clear, explaining what was updated, why it was necessary, and its impact. For instance: "Added Stripe payment screen - enables checkout for 1,000+ transactions daily - tested on iOS 17 and Android 14."
Keep these notes under 100 words. Clear documentation will save time when rolling back changes or helping team members understand the app's evolution. Teams that commit smaller, incremental changes report 80% fewer errors compared to those who save infrequently.
Access to Design Versions requires a paid Adalo plan (starting at $36/month), but the benefits—like improved stability and accountability—are worth it. Each version automatically records who made the changes and when, providing a detailed audit trail. Unlike platforms with usage-based charges that create unpredictable costs, Adalo's plans include unlimited usage with no bill shock.
Always be ready to revert changes if needed.
Rolling Back to Previous Versions
To roll back, go to the Versions tab, find a stable version, and click the More button next to it. Then, choose Restore Version. Adalo saves your current progress before reverting, so you won't lose any work permanently.
Before restoring, double-check what will be reset. Screens, component setups, and branding settings will return to the selected version, but your collection data, API keys, and custom actions remain unchanged—they stay as they are, regardless of the rollback.
It's a good habit to test your rollback process regularly in a development environment. Thanks to Adalo's unified architecture, a single rollback fixes issues across all platforms—iOS, Android, and web—at once, eliminating the need for platform-specific adjustments. This is a significant advantage over platforms like Bubble, where the mobile app is a wrapper for the web app, meaning one version doesn't automatically update all deployed platforms.
Version Control Best Practices for No-Code Teams
Team Collaboration with Branches and Permissions
To keep things organized, assign each team member their own Design Version for specific features—like a new checkout process or a dashboard redesign. This way, their work stays contained until it's ready to merge. The Main branch should always be reserved for completed, tested features that are merged from these individual branches. This approach ensures that unfinished work doesn't accidentally make its way into the live version of your no-code web app.
Since Adalo only allows one active editor at a time, it's important to coordinate. Use a shared communication channel to let the team know who's editing and when. This avoids accidental overwrites or access issues.
For teams using Adalo Blue, enterprise-grade permissions offer an extra layer of control. You can define who has the authority to publish apps or make changes to sensitive settings.
"Just as bank tellers can access cash drawers but not the vault, your team members should have permissions tailored to their roles." – DocuWriter.ai
Once your branch management is in order, the next step is to tackle merge conflicts effectively.
Resolving Merge Conflicts
Even with well-managed branches, merge conflicts can happen—especially when two team members make different changes to the same screen or component. In Adalo, where Design Versions focus on visual layouts, resolving these conflicts requires manual comparison. Always create a savepoint with a clear label (e.g., "Pre-merge backup – payment screen updates") before merging. This gives you a fallback option if something goes wrong during the merge process.
Before merging, make sure your feature branch is synced with the updated Main branch. For example, if the Main branch was updated with a critical bug fix, sync those changes to your feature branch before merging your work back into Main. Test everything thoroughly in your isolated branch first to ensure it functions as expected before completing the merge.
After merging, clean up by deleting old Design Versions to avoid clutter in your workspace. Adalo allows you to access up to 10 previous design versions, so regular cleanup keeps your version history manageable and easier to navigate.
If a merge doesn't go as planned, use the Notes field in each Design Version to track what changed and who made the edits. Keep in mind that restoring a Design Version in Adalo will revert screens and components but won't affect your database, API keys, or custom actions. For database conflicts, you'll need to handle those separately in your sandbox environment.
Semantic Versioning for App Updates
Semantic Versioning, or SemVer, is a simple yet effective way to label app updates using a three-part format: Major.Minor.Patch. This system helps communicate the scale and impact of updates—whether they introduce breaking changes, add new features, or fix minor bugs.
Adalo users need to manually implement SemVer in version notes, savepoint descriptions, and deployment logs. This ensures your changelog is easy to follow and the scope of updates is clear.
How Semantic Versioning Works (Major.Minor.Patch)
Each part of the semantic versioning format has a distinct purpose:
- Major updates (1.0.0): These signify major changes that could break existing functionality. For instance, completely redesigning your app's navigation or altering its core database logic.
- Minor updates (0.1.0): These involve adding new features or screens in a way that doesn't disrupt current functionality. An example would be introducing a new "Settings" screen.
- Patch updates (0.0.1): These are for smaller fixes, like correcting a bug, tweaking styles, or making slight adjustments to app logic—such as fixing a filter or changing a button color.
"MAJOR version when you make incompatible API changes, MINOR version when you add functionality in a backward compatible manner, PATCH version when you make backward compatible bug fixes." – semver.org
For initial builds, start with version 0.1.0. Once your app is stable, move to 1.0.0. During testing phases, you can use suffixes like -alpha, -beta, or -rc to indicate the release stage. Consistently applying these rules within your app builder ensures a clear and logical update process.
Using Semantic Versioning in No-Code Platforms
In Adalo, incorporating semantic versioning is straightforward. When creating a Design Version, use the Notes field to log the version number and a brief description of changes. For example: "v1.2.0 - Added User Dashboard". This approach makes your version history searchable and helps identify iterations effortlessly. Always update the version number before deploying to a live environment to maintain a clear changelog.
Additionally, display the version number prominently within your app, such as in the Settings or About section. If you're developing custom components for the Adalo Component Marketplace, ensure the version property in your package.json matches your release notes. This prevents installation conflicts and keeps your updates aligned.
With AI Builder (coming early 2026), you'll be able to use natural language to describe changes you want to make, then document those changes in your Design Version notes. Magic Add will let you describe features like "add a user settings screen with dark mode toggle," and the platform generates it—making version documentation even more important as changes happen faster.
How Adalo Compares to Other Platforms for Version Control
When evaluating version control capabilities across app builders, several factors matter: how changes are tracked, how rollbacks work, and how the platform handles multi-platform deployments.
| Platform | Version Control Approach | Multi-Platform Sync | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adalo | Design Versions with rollback | Single codebase updates all platforms | $36/month |
| Bubble | Development/Live environments | Mobile is web wrapper (separate updates) | $59/month + usage charges |
| FlutterFlow | Git-based version control | Requires external database setup | $70/month per user |
| Glide | Limited version history | No App Store publishing | $60/month + data charges |
Bubble offers development and live environments, but its mobile solution is a wrapper for the web app. This means version changes don't automatically sync across web, iOS, and Android—you may need to manage updates separately. Bubble also uses Workload Units with unclear calculations, which can create unexpected costs when your app scales. While Bubble offers more customization options, this often results in slower applications that struggle under increased load, frequently requiring hired experts to optimize.
FlutterFlow provides Git-based version control, which appeals to developers familiar with traditional workflows. However, it's a low-code platform designed for technical users, and requires setting up and managing an external database separately. This adds significant learning complexity, especially when optimizing for scale—anything less than optimal setup can create performance problems. Their builder also limits your view to 2 screens at once, whereas Adalo can display up to 400 screens on one canvas.
Glide excels at spreadsheet-based apps with fast deployment, but offers limited version history and doesn't support Apple App Store or Google Play Store publishing. For version control on production mobile apps, this is a significant limitation.
Adalo's approach—Design Versions with automatic pre-restore saves, combined with single-codebase deployment—provides a streamlined workflow for teams managing apps across multiple platforms. The platform's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with millions of MAU, with no upper ceiling on database records for paid plans.
Conclusion
Version control transforms app development from a high-stakes gamble into an organized, dependable process. By keeping track of changes, creating savepoints, and allowing instant rollbacks, you can protect your project while experimenting without fear. The methods discussed here—branching for new features, committing changes with clear notes, thoroughly testing before merging, and using semantic versioning—are proven approaches that help teams avoid conflicts, maintain app stability, and confidently roll out updates.
This is especially critical when you build a mobile app where user experience is paramount. With Gartner forecasting that 70% of new apps will rely on low-code or no-code platforms by 2026, mastering version control now will set you up to create professional-grade applications efficiently.
Start applying these techniques today. Enable version control in your platform settings, and always create a savepoint before making major changes. Get into the habit of documenting updates as you go. These steps will help reduce mistakes, speed up your workflow, and make your app easier to maintain in the long run.
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FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why choose Adalo over other app building solutions? | Adalo is an AI-powered app builder that creates true native iOS and Android apps from a single codebase. Unlike web wrappers, it compiles to native code and publishes directly to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store—the hardest part of launching an app handled automatically. With unlimited database records on paid plans and no usage-based charges, you get predictable costs as your app scales. |
| What's the fastest way to build and publish an app to the App Store? | Adalo's drag-and-drop interface and AI-assisted building let you go from idea to published app in days rather than months. The platform handles the complex App Store submission process, so you can focus on your app's features and user experience instead of wrestling with certificates, provisioning profiles, and store guidelines. |
| What do Design Versions save in Adalo? | Design Versions save your app's visual elements including screens, component configurations, branding settings, and list filters. However, they do not save database changes, collection data, API keys, or custom actions—these remain unchanged even when you restore a previous version. |
| How many previous versions can I access in Adalo? | Adalo keeps a version history of up to 10 previous snapshots, including both manual saves and system-triggered automatic saves. Each version entry includes the version name, notes describing the changes, the creator, and the timestamp for easy tracking and reference. |
| Can multiple team members edit an Adalo app at the same time? | Adalo doesn't support real-time multi-user editing to prevent conflicts and ensure changes are saved correctly. Teams should coordinate who's working in the editor at any given time using a shared communication channel. Design Versions are stored at the team level, so all collaborators share access to the same version history. |
| What is semantic versioning and how should I use it in Adalo? | Semantic versioning (SemVer) uses a Major.Minor.Patch format to label app updates based on their impact. In Adalo, implement this by adding version numbers in your Design Version notes (e.g., "v1.2.0 - Added User Dashboard"). Major updates indicate breaking changes, minor updates add backward-compatible features, and patches fix small bugs. |
| How much does Adalo cost compared to other app builders? | Adalo's paid plans start at $36/month with unlimited usage and no record limits. This compares favorably to Bubble ($59/month plus usage-based charges), FlutterFlow ($70/month per user, database not included), and Glide ($60/month with data row limits). Adalo also includes App Store publishing, which some competitors don't offer at any price. |
| Does rolling back a version affect my database? | No. When you restore a Design Version in Adalo, only screens, component setups, and branding settings revert to the selected version. Your collection data, API keys, and custom actions remain unchanged. For database-related changes, you'll need to manage those separately in a sandbox environment. |
| How does Adalo handle version control differently than Bubble? | Adalo uses Design Versions with automatic pre-restore saves and single-codebase deployment that updates iOS, Android, and web simultaneously. Bubble's mobile solution is a web wrapper, meaning version changes don't automatically sync across all platforms. Bubble also uses Workload Units with unclear calculations that can create unexpected costs at scale. |
| Can I use version control to test new features safely? | Yes. Create a Design Version before making changes, use the notes field to document what you're testing, and experiment freely. If the new feature doesn't work out, restore the previous version with one click. Adalo automatically saves your current state before any restore, so you never lose work permanently. |
