Professional Changelog Template

Document your project changes with clarity and purpose. This template helps you track important updates, communicate changes effectively, and maintain a clear history of your project's evolution.

A changelog is a structured document that records all notable changes made to a project, including new features, bug fixes, and improvements. Following established changelog best practices helps teams and users track project evolution effectively while maintaining clear communication about updates.

What This Template Is For

This changelog template provides a standardized format for documenting project changes. It helps development teams, product managers, and stakeholders maintain a clear record of modifications, making it easier to track version history, communicate updates to users, and maintain project documentation. The template follows the widely-adopted Keep a Changelog format, ensuring consistency and readability.

When To Use This Template

Use this changelog template when:

  • Releasing new versions of your software or product
  • Documenting significant updates or modifications
  • Communicating changes to users and stakeholders
  • Tracking bug fixes and feature implementations
  • Maintaining historical records of project evolution

How To Customize It

To customize your changelog:

  1. Start with the latest version number at the top
  2. Organize changes under clear categories (Added, Changed, Deprecated, Removed, Fixed, Security)
  3. Write clear, concise descriptions for each change
  4. Include the date of each version release
  5. Link to relevant issue numbers or pull requests
  6. Keep entries focused on user-facing changes
  7. Use consistent formatting throughout

Common Use Cases

Changelogs are essential for:

  • Software releases and updates
  • Product feature launches
  • API version documentation
  • Website redesigns
  • Documentation updates

Best Practices

  • Write changes in present tense
  • Group related changes together
  • Keep descriptions clear and concise
  • Include version numbers and dates
  • Focus on user-relevant information
  • Maintain reverse chronological order

Template Variations

Consider these specialized formats:

  • Release Notes style for user-facing products
  • Technical changelog for developer tools
  • Internal changelog for team documentation
  • Public changelog for open-source projects

Success Stories

Many successful projects maintain exemplary changelogs, including:

  • Major open-source frameworks documenting version updates
  • SaaS products tracking feature releases
  • Mobile apps communicating version improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a changelog and git commit history?

A changelog is a curated list of notable changes written for users, while git commit history contains detailed technical changes for developers.

How often should I update the changelog?

Update your changelog with each significant release or notable change, typically alongside version updates.

Should I include every small change?

No, focus on notable changes that affect users. Minor fixes can be grouped together under a single entry.

What format should I use for dates?

Use the ISO 8601 format: YYYY-MM-DD for consistent, unambiguous dating.

Should I include breaking changes?

Yes, always highlight breaking changes prominently to help users prepare for updates.