What is the best way to manage versions?

We have setup forms linked via API to our app, with test and live versions within our JF account, linked to test/live apps.  This works well.

However, when copying form revisions from test to live, we want to copy without losing submitted forms data.  Tried cloning the test form to the live folder and renaming back to the original name (after archiving the original), but obviously we lose the past forms.  

How would you suggest we manage the update cycle?

If I understand correctly, you want to move the form created from the beta folder to the live folder while keeping the old submissions? To do so, simply follow the steps below:

1. Select the form you want to move

Example:

2. Click the Folder button. 

3. Uncheck the old folder where the form was located.

4. Check the folder where you want the form to go.

5. Click Apply when done.

Your form should now be located in the live form while still keeping the old form submissions. If you don't see the changes immediately, simply refresh the page.

 

 

 

Thanks for that.
What I need to do is update a form in live with the beta version, but don't
want to lose the data in the existing live version. I don't want to carry
over submissions on beta to live. It's tricky.
What I'm looking for is a way to draft and approve changes to the one form.
Probably a long shot, but thought I would ask.
Cheers
...

There is unfortunately no way to keep drafts and approve changes on the live form in the way that you are asking about, so you would need to continue having a separate live and testing/beta form as you are doing now.

Considering that you want to keep submission data from the old live form when the beta form comes in its place, you may want to try the following:

1. Export existing submissions from the old live form:

How to Partially Download Form Submissions as Excel/CSV/PDF?

2. Import old submissions into the new form, the one that was moved from beta to live:

Import App: Easily import your Excel or CSV data into JotForm

This will create a duplicate submissions from the old form in your new form that came in its place. I hope this helps.