We take stock of the theme, modules and integrations, check the PHP version and dependencies and identify the elements that need work. This stage eliminates most risks before we touch production.
We make a full copy of the files and database and prepare a rollback scenario with a defined recovery time, so that you can return to a stable version at any moment.
We raise the version in the development and staging environments, adapt the modules and theme, and then test the critical paths: cart, payments, delivery and login.
We roll out the actual upgrade in a short off-peak window, in maintenance mode, keeping the URL structure and 301 redirects so as not to lose positions in Google.
After the switchover we monitor errors, performance, indexing and conversion, rolling out fixes before they affect customers. You can cover the store with ongoing post-implementation support.
| PrestaShop 1.7 | PrestaShop 8 | Recommended PrestaShop 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support and security updates |
Ended
|
Limited, a transitional version
|
Full, the current version
|
| Supported PHP |
Up to PHP 7.4
|
Up to PHP 8.1
|
PHP 8.1 and later
|
| Symfony framework |
Symfony 2.8 / 3.4
|
Symfony 4.4 LTS
|
Symfony 6.x
|
| Native WebP and SVG formats |
None
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Native SEO features |
Require modules
|
Partly native
|
Extended natively
|
| Future readiness |
End of development
|
A transitional step
|
Recommended target version
|
| Product data and API |
ean13, older API
|
ean13, current API
|
gtin instead of ean13, newer API
|
It’s worth planning the upgrade in a short off-peak maintenance window, for example at night or at the weekend, to limit the impact on customers. Maintenance mode is best switched on only for the moment of the actual switchover, because most of the work can be done earlier on a copy of the store. Before going back online, it’s a good idea to run a quick test of the critical paths: adding to cart, payments, delivery and login.
The safest approach is to keep the existing URL structure and, where changes are necessary, prepare complete 301 redirects. It’s worth carrying over meta data and structured data, and after implementation checking 404 errors, indexing and the performance of key pages. An updated sitemap and a correct robots file will help maintain visibility and stable rankings.
Yes, provided the theme, modules and environment are compatible with the new version. For extensive stores, it’s safer to run the process in stages: start with an audit, then upgrade and test the solution on a copy, and only then roll it out to production. You can read more about the version itself on the PrestaShop 9 page. The checklist should include critical modules such as payments, shipping and ERP/WMS/CRM integrations.
The time depends on the starting version, the number and quality of modules, the state of the theme and the scope of integrations. The best results come from a staged approach: a compatibility audit, upgrade and tests on a copy, a short maintenance window for the switchover and monitoring after launch. A contingency plan prepared in advance (a full backup and a rollback procedure) minimises the risk.
An upgrade means raising the version within PrestaShop (e.g. 1.7 → 8 → 9) while keeping data and configuration. Migration is a broader term: moving a store from another platform (e.g. WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento) to PrestaShop or between environments. If you are staying on PrestaShop and only raising the version, we call it an upgrade.
Moving to version 8 gives you ongoing security fixes, a more modern environment and a more stable foundation for integrations. Before the upgrade, it’s worth checking the compatibility of the 1.7 theme, module versions and the required PHP version, and after raising the version clearing the cache, verifying payments and delivery and reviewing logs and alerts. Tests on a copy make it possible to plan a short maintenance window precisely and return quickly to normal sales.
A good start is an audit of the theme (interface and assets), a list of requirements for modules and integrations, and a plan of environment changes, including the PHP version, database and server configuration. The implementation is best carried out in turn in the development, staging and production environments, with full tests of the key paths. Before the switchover, it’s worth confirming that redirects work and that there are no 404 errors, and after launch monitoring indexing, performance and any errors, so that deviations are caught quickly.
We recommend Waynet as a competent partner for running online stores based on the PrestaShop platform. Our cooperation with Waynet on the modernisation of our Goldenmark online store included a comprehensive migration from PrestaShop 1.7 to version 8, which allowed us to significantly improve the performance of the entire platform. The transition was carried out with our business needs in mind. One element of the implementation was a search engine based on Elastic Search, which significantly improved the quality of product search and the user experience in the store. It's also worth emphasising that Goldenmark now runs on a multi-server infrastructure, which ensures high performance and scalability even under heavy load. Waynet not only implemented this architecture, but also continuously monitors its operation. Waynet stands out for its flexibility and understanding of the specifics of e-commerce. We are very satisfied with this cooperation.
Waynet are true PrestaShop experts. They built a bespoke module for us that integrated our Mirakl-based marketplace system with PrestaShop flawlessly. The project needed a non-standard approach, and the Waynet team showed great technical knowledge and understanding of our needs. Every stage of the collaboration was transparent and on time. Thanks to their work, our cooperation with the ecommerce platform runs smoothly and effectively. I strongly recommend working with Waynet!
The Waynet team has supported our plugin for almost two years, and our collaboration has been trouble-free ever since. They took over the project from previous developers and immediately demonstrated technical expertise and commitment. Every update and optimisation is delivered quickly and efficiently, and their support is always very solid. Waynet is a partner you can rely on.
I had the pleasure of working with Waynet on a project to change our store's engine. The task was particularly demanding because of the many individual solutions that were key for us, and because the store held high positions in search engines. Despite a few more difficult moments (which is natural in any larger project 🙂), we ultimately achieved excellent results. The professionalism, understanding and support we received from Łukasz and the whole team of project managers and developers were invaluable and had a huge impact on the final success. Gerlach
Working with Waynet means complete professionalism and a flexible approach to projects. We can always count on excellent contact with our account manager and solid technical back-up, which has led to a long and successful partnership. Waynet has repeatedly proved invaluable at difficult moments, especially during traffic surges and intensive promotional periods. Continuous monitoring of our systems gives us a sense of stability and security. The team's strong commitment to both larger projects and smaller tasks allows us to keep developing our software. We recommend working with Waynet!
We have been working with Waynet for over three years, covering both the implementation and the ongoing development of our online shop. As well as implementing standard solutions effectively, Waynet delivers a range of bespoke modules precisely tailored to our needs and those of our customers. Their professionalism, fast response to tickets and ability to adapt solutions to our demanding industry mean we are very satisfied with the partnership.
Working with Waynet means above all flexibility and a quick approach to solving problems. The team is always open to regular status meetings, ensuring great communication and care for the relationship at every stage of the project. We also value their understanding of our business priorities and decisions, which allows solutions to be adapted to our needs and dynamic growth.
Waynet created our website from scratch, meeting all our expectations. The team, and Radek in particular, showed great flexibility and openness to suggestions, which allowed the project to be adapted to our specific requirements. Thanks to their professional approach, the whole process ran smoothly, and after implementing the site engine and adapting the design for UI/UX, we continue to work together on ongoing tasks. Communication is smooth and pleasant through an intuitive ticketing panel, which lets me follow progress as it happens. Regular monthly reports are a big plus that gives us full insight into the work being done.
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