Backing up and restoring your Google Sites
TL;DR:
- Use the 'Save as template' option to create manual backups of your Google Sites
- Google Sites doesn't offer automatic backup scheduling, so you need to remember to do this yourself
- Access previous versions through 'Version history' in the File menu
- Back up weekly or after major changes to avoid losing work
- The backup system is basic but covers what most people need
Backing up your Google Site protects you from accidental deletions, unwanted changes, or the occasional mishap that leaves your site in a mess.
Creating a backup of your Google Site
The backup process in Google Sites is straightforward, though you'll need to stay on top of it manually.
Step 1: Open your Google Site
Navigate to the site you want to back up from your Google Sites dashboard.
Step 2: Access the File menu
Click "File" in the top left corner of your screen.
Step 3: Save as template
Select "Save as template" from the dropdown menu. This creates a complete copy of your site that you can use later.
Step 4: Name your backup
Give your backup a clear name that includes the date or version number. Something like "Company Site Backup – March 2024" works well.
The template saves everything: your pages, content, images, and site structure. Think of it as a complete snapshot of your site at that moment.
Restoring from a previous version
Google Sites keeps a version history that lets you roll back to earlier states of your site. This is different from your manual backups and happens automatically.
Step 1: Open your site
Navigate to the Google Site you need to restore.
Step 2: Access version history
Click "File" then select "Version history" from the menu.
Step 3: Choose your version
Browse through the list of previous versions. You'll see timestamps showing when each version was saved.
Step 4: Restore the version
Click on the version you want to restore. Google Sites will revert your site to that exact state.
Version history is handy for recent changes, but it doesn't replace proper backups. Google keeps versions for a limited time, so don't rely on it as your only safety net.
When to backup your site
Back up your Google Site weekly if you're actively updating it, or immediately after making significant changes. This includes adding new pages, changing your site structure, or updating important content.
If your site rarely changes, monthly backups might be enough. The key is consistency rather than frequency.
Working with your backups
Your saved templates live in your Google Sites account and can be accessed when creating a new site. To use a backup, start a new site and select your template instead of a blank site.
This means you can't directly overwrite your current site with a backup. Instead, you'll need to create a new site from the backup template, then replace your original site's URL with the restored version.
It's a bit clunky, but it works for most situations where you need to recover your site.
FAQs
How often should I backup my Google Site?
Weekly backups work well for most sites. If you're making daily changes, consider backing up after each major update session.
Can I automate backups in Google Sites?
No, Google Sites doesn't offer automatic backup scheduling. You need to create backups manually using the template system.
What's the difference between version history and templates?
Version history shows automatic saves from recent editing sessions. Templates are manual backups you create yourself. Version history is temporary, templates are permanent.
Can I backup just part of my site?
No, the template system only creates full site backups. You can't selectively backup individual pages or sections.
What happens if I don't backup my site?
You'll rely entirely on Google's version history, which is limited. Without backups, recovering from major problems becomes much harder.
Jargon Buster
Backup: A saved copy of your entire site that you can use to restore your content if something goes wrong.
Template: In Google Sites, this is how backups are stored. Your backup becomes a template you can use to create new sites.
Version history: An automatic record of recent changes to your site. Google Sites saves these automatically but only keeps them for a limited time.
Restore: The process of returning your site to a previous state using either a backup template or version history.
Wrap-up
Google Sites keeps backups simple, which means less confusion but also fewer options. The template system works well enough for most people, though it's not as sophisticated as what you'd find on other platforms.
The main thing is building a habit around regular backups. Set a reminder to backup your site weekly, or do it every time you finish a major update. Version history covers you for small mistakes, but proper backups protect against bigger problems.
Remember that restoring from a backup means creating a new site from your template, not directly overwriting your current site. Plan for this extra step if you ever need to use your backups.
Ready to build your Google Sites skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for comprehensive training and support.