For Framer freelancers and studios

The site is ready.
Is the handover recoverable?

Before a client starts editing their CMS, leave them a saved copy and a recovery plan. Use this checklist with FrameVault or your preferred backup tool.

1. 1

   Save a baseline before the first client edit

   Create a CMS snapshot while the approved content is still in place. Record which project it belongs to, the date, and the collection/item counts. Wait for the backup to complete; a connected site is not yet a recovery point.

2. 2

   Open the backup and keep an export

   Check a real item from each collection, including rich text, image alt text and reference fields. Download JSON or CSV and open it. An export that exists but has never been inspected is still an assumption.

3. 3

   Document the gaps

   CMS snapshots do not replace a copy of the page design or the whole project. FrameVault stores image and file URLs, not separate media files. Keep original media somewhere you control. A snapshot cannot recover changes made after it was captured.

4. 4

   Rehearse recovery away from the live site

   Use a disposable Framer project to test your recovery method. Check the restored content and its references. Recreated items can receive new IDs and may need manual relinking. Never use an existing client site as a restore test fixture.

5. 5

   Agree who owns the routine

   Name the person responsible for checking backups, managing the account and keeping the API key valid. Choose a schedule to match how often content changes. Take an extra snapshot before bulk imports, field changes or major edits.

6. 6

   Leave a short recovery note

   Give the client the snapshot date, export location, responsible contact and a clear instruction: stop editing if content disappears, preserve what remains, then inspect a known-good backup. Do not promise recovery when no earlier copy exists.

CMS project: [project name]
Last checked snapshot: [date and time]
Collections / items checked: [counts]
Export location: [private folder]
Backup owner: [name and contact]
Schedule: [weekly / daily / manual]
Recovery test: [date, result, known limits]
Original media files: [private location]