# Refresh offline documentation without mixing versions

Canonical: https://githtml.com/guides/refresh-offline-documentation-without-version-confusion
Published: 2026-09-26
Publisher: WaveTech LLC / gitHtml

Refresh an offline packet as a versioned set, not as an untracked collection of whichever pages were opened most recently. Record the intended release or source revision, identify changed pages, and verify the updated reading route. Keep historical copies clearly labeled so readers do not accidentally combine instructions from different versions.

## Define what counts as current

Current can mean the latest published release, the currently deployed version, or a specific review candidate. Choose one before refreshing. The newest repository content may describe features that are not yet available in the environment the reader will use.

Write the target version in the packet’s entry page and inside important standalone documents. A file may later be opened independently, so the version context should not exist only in the folder name.

## Identify the changes

Compare the previous and new source revisions using a path-scoped git diff when the source is in Git. Focus on changed procedures, prerequisites, compatibility notes, and cross-links. A small list of changed pages makes verification manageable.

If the packet is manually curated, keep a simple manifest with document title, source path, source revision, and last checked date. Do not substitute file modification time for a content review; copying a file can change timestamps without changing its instructions.

1. Choose the target release or deployment version.
2. Compare changed pages and refresh through the supported workflow.
3. Recheck offline dependencies and clearly label historical copies.

## Replace and verify deliberately

Use the reading app’s supported refresh or import process, then open the updated pages and check their visible version information. Confirm that linked references belong to the same intended release or are explicitly version-independent.

Repeat offline checks for affected assets and navigation. A text-only update may introduce a new remote image or linked prerequisite, so an earlier successful offline check does not automatically cover every future revision of the page.

## Retire ambiguity, not evidence

Keep historical copies only when they serve a defined purpose, and label them as archived. Do not leave multiple indistinguishable files named current guide in the reader’s normal route. Preserve review evidence using exact source links and clear snapshot names.

Finish with a short update note: target version, changed tasks, known limitations, and completed checks. This helps teammates understand whether they need to reread the entire handbook or only a specific migration section before continuing their work.

## Sources and further reading

- [Git: diff reference](https://git-scm.com/docs/git-diff)
- [GitHub: permanent file links](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/working-with-files/using-files/getting-permanent-links-to-files)

## Related guides

- [Use inline CSS for a dependable portable reading copy](https://githtml.com/guides/use-inline-css-for-portable-html)
- [Prepare diagrams that remain useful offline](https://githtml.com/guides/prepare-diagrams-for-offline-documentation)
- [Design navigation for an offline HTML handbook](https://githtml.com/guides/design-offline-document-navigation)
- [Replace live widgets with honest offline information](https://githtml.com/guides/replace-live-widgets-in-offline-documents)

Editorial approach: https://githtml.com/guides/about