About the change log template
Accountability. Transparency. Pattern recognition. There are plenty of benefits to keeping a change log that provides a chronological record of updates made to a product, project, or system. This way the team gains a shared understanding of the work's trajectory.
Use this change log template to note changes made and why. Including the rationale behind each adjustment provides context, aids decision-making, and helps prevent missteps. A standardized format fosters consistency — making the log more accessible and user-friendly.
Encourage team members to contribute to the log promptly to ensure a comprehensive record. Keep the log in a shared folder so folks can find and add to it easily.
How to use the change log template
Track changes and foster transparency.
Clarify the purpose Define the purpose of your change log, the types of changes (e.g., enhancements, bug fixes, and updates) that you want to record, and the process for capturing them.
Use a consistent format Standardize the information you want to capture about each change — such as the date, requestor, description, reason for the change, status, and other notes.
Document on time Update your log as changes are made. Keep the information concise, but comprehensive enough for stakeholders to understand the nature and impact of the modification.
Make it accessible Share your document with the team. Collaborate asynchronously or in real time to fill in any gaps and make revisions. Use to-dos to capture and assign action items.
FAQs about the change log template
Why is a change log important?
A change log helps teams track updates or modifications they make to products, projects, or processes. This document encourages transparency and understanding. Include context about things like when, why, how, and who made each log entry so everyone can understand the reasoning behind it.
How does the change log template improve communication?
By chronologically documenting changes, product teams can view historical information and keep everyone informed about updates and their implications. This minimizes confusion, supports alignment, and helps teams avoid redundant work.
Who is the change log template for?
This change log template is designed for product managers, project managers, and teams responsible for overseeing product updates or project deliverables. Operations managers and other stakeholders can also find value in a record of changes, which could help inform future decision-making.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. To use this change log template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if you need a complete product management solution.) Easily customize the template to suit your needs, then share it with as many people as you want (for free) to streamline collaboration.
