Everything You Need to Do Before Upgrading to TYPO3 v13
Upgrading to TYPO3 v13 LTS is more than a simple update-it impacts extensions, custom code, and workflows. Treating it as a minor upgrade can lead to problems. The TYPO3 v13 Upgrade Checklist guides agencies, freelancers, and teams through essential pre-upgrade steps to minimize risks.
Who Should Use This Checklist?
This guide is ideal for:
Agencies managing multiple TYPO3 sites.
Freelancers who work on TYPO3 websites.
In-house teams responsible for long-term TYPO3 projects.
Avoid upgrading if:
Your extensions are no longer supported.
The project lacks proper documentation.
You plan to make significant design changes.
Understanding TYPO3 v13 LTS
TYPO3 v13 brings several key changes:
Stricter API guidelines and deprecated features.
Potential incompatibility with older extensions, templates, or custom code.
Preparation Steps Before Upgrading
1. Check Your Current Setup
Verify your TYPO3 version and patch level.
Assess environment details, such as PHP version and configurations for staging and production.
2. Audit Extensions, Templates, and Custom Code
Create a list of active extensions and custom code.
Identify outdated or unused components to remove.
Extension Compatibility
1. Confirm Extension Compatibility
Ensure that all active extensions are compatible with TYPO3 v13.
Replace or remove extensions that no longer receive updates.
Custom Code and Template Review
1. Review Custom Extensions and Code
Check for outdated or deprecated functions that could break in TYPO3 v13.
2. Examine Fluid Templates
Ensure Fluid templates and ViewHelpers are up to date and compatible with the latest version.
3. Clean Up TypoScript
Review TypoScript for deprecated settings that may cause issues after upgrading.
Technical Strategy for Upgrade
1. Set Up a Staging Environment
Test the upgrade on a staging server that mirrors production to identify any issues early.
2. Plan for Rollback
Have a backup and rollback plan ready to revert to the previous version if necessary.
3. Define Scope of the Upgrade
Decide which features and components to keep, remove, or replace during the upgrade.
Testing and Validation
1. Test Content Creation and Management
Simulate real user actions (create, edit, and publish content) to ensure workflows are unaffected by the upgrade.
2. Review User Permissions
After upgrading, verify that backend user permissions and roles are working as expected.
Avoid Common Upgrade Mistakes
Prevent these common pitfalls:
Not reviewing custom code, relying too heavily on core documentation.
Missing dependencies that could block other components.
Skipping user testing after the upgrade.
Leaving undocumented decisions, leading to problems in future upgrades.
Readiness Checklist
You may need additional preparation if:
Your site uses outdated custom extensions that are no longer supported.
Important configurations lack proper documentation.
Your workflows and content creation process haven’t been tested recently.
Conclusion
Upgrading to TYPO3 v13 LTS requires attention to detail and proactive planning. Review your extensions, custom code, and templates to ensure compatibility. Test thoroughly and be prepared with a rollback plan to handle any issues that arise. With careful preparation, you can successfully upgrade to TYPO3 v13 and improve your site’s performance and stability.
