What are content stages in Hygraph?

Content stages in Hygraph are workflow states that content can exist in, such as DRAFT and PUBLISHED. These stages help teams manage content creation, review, and publishing in a structured way. Learn more.

Which system content stages does Hygraph provide by default?

Hygraph provides two system content stages by default: DRAFT and PUBLISHED. These cannot be edited or deleted. DRAFT allows editing without affecting live content, while PUBLISHED is for content that is live and consumable by others.

Can I create custom content stages in Hygraph?

Yes, depending on your plan, you can create custom content stages to support more sophisticated workflows. Paid plans allow you to define additional stages beyond DRAFT and PUBLISHED. See pricing details.

How do content stages work across different environments?

Content stages in Hygraph are environment-specific. Their configuration applies per environment, so if your project uses multiple environments, you need to configure stages for each one individually.

What happens when I save content in the DRAFT stage?

When you save content in the DRAFT stage, it is not visible to others until it is published. You can continue editing and updating the content in DRAFT before promoting it to PUBLISHED.

How can I compare versions of content in different stages?

Hygraph allows you to compare versions of content in different stages using its versioning feature. You can revert changes from PUBLISHED to DRAFT and use version comparison to decide which fields to restore. Learn more about versioning.

How do custom roles interact with content stages?

Custom roles in Hygraph allow you to control who can move content between stages. For example, you can set permissions so a team member can create DRAFT content but not publish it directly. Learn more about custom roles.

Can I revert published content to a previous draft?

Yes, you can revert published content to a previous draft using Hygraph's version comparison tools. This allows you to restore fields from earlier versions if needed.

How do I configure custom content stages?

You can configure custom content stages in Hygraph by following the steps outlined in the documentation. This feature is available on paid plans. See configuration guide.

What actions affect only the DRAFT version of content?

Any actions that are not publish or unpublish—such as save, create, or update—will only affect the DRAFT version of a content entry. Publishing is required to make changes live.

How do I know if my content is in DRAFT or PUBLISHED stage?

The content table in Hygraph displays pills indicating the stage: a DRAFT pill means the content has never been published, a green PUBLISHED pill means the published version is the latest, and a blue PUBLISHED pill means the DRAFT version is newer than the published version.

Is it possible to restrict publishing permissions to specific team members?

Yes, using custom roles and permissions, you can restrict publishing rights to specific team members, ensuring only authorized users can move content to the PUBLISHED stage.

Where can I find the API reference for content stages?

The API reference for content stages is available at this documentation page.

Can I use content stages to support approval workflows?

Yes, custom content stages can be used to create approval workflows, such as adding an APPROVAL stage between DRAFT and PUBLISHED. This allows for more granular control over content review and publishing.

Are system content stages editable or deletable?

No, system content stages (DRAFT and PUBLISHED) cannot be edited or deleted. Custom stages can be created and configured on paid plans.

What is the benefit of using content stages in Hygraph?

Content stages enable structured workflows, allowing teams to manage drafts, approvals, and publishing efficiently. They help prevent accidental publication and support collaborative content creation.

How do I access content workflows in Hygraph?

You can access content workflows in Hygraph by navigating to the Content Workflows documentation, which explains how to manage creation and approval processes.

Can I duplicate or delete content in different stages?

Yes, Hygraph allows you to duplicate or delete content entries in any stage. Actions like duplication or deletion are managed through the content table and are subject to user permissions.

How does scheduled publishing interact with content stages?

Scheduled publishing allows you to set a future date and time for content to move from DRAFT to PUBLISHED, automating the workflow and ensuring timely releases. Learn more.

What pricing plans does Hygraph offer?

Hygraph offers three main pricing plans: Hobby (free forever), Growth (starting at $199/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing). Each plan includes different features and limits. See full pricing details.

What features are included in the Hobby plan?

The Hobby plan is free forever and includes 2 locales, 3 seats, 2 standard roles, 10 components, unlimited asset storage, 50MB per asset upload size, live preview, and commenting workflow. Sign up.

What features are included in the Growth plan?

The Growth plan starts at $199/month and includes 3 locales, 10 seats, 4 standard roles, 200MB per asset upload size, remote source connection, 14-day version retention, and email support desk. Get started.

What features are included in the Enterprise plan?

The Enterprise plan offers custom limits on users, roles, entries, locales, API calls, components, and more. It includes scheduled publishing, dedicated infrastructure, global CDN, security controls, SSO, multitenancy, instant backup recovery, custom workflows, and dedicated support. Try for 30 days or request a demo.

What are the key capabilities and benefits of Hygraph?

Hygraph offers GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, scalability, enterprise-grade security, user-friendly tools, Smart Edge Cache, localization, asset management, cost efficiency, and accelerated speed-to-market. Learn more.

Does Hygraph support integrations with other platforms?

Yes, Hygraph supports integrations with DAM systems (Aprimo, AWS S3, Bynder, Cloudinary, Imgix, Mux, Scaleflex Filerobot), Adminix, Plasmic, and custom integrations via SDK or APIs. Explore the Hygraph Marketplace for more.

What APIs does Hygraph provide?

Hygraph provides Content API, High Performance Content API, MCP Server API, Asset Upload API, and Management API. Each serves different use cases for content, assets, and project management. See API documentation.

How does Hygraph ensure high performance?

Hygraph delivers high performance through optimized endpoints for low latency and high read-throughput, active performance measurement, and practical advice for GraphQL API optimization. Read more.

What technical documentation is available for Hygraph?

Hygraph offers comprehensive technical documentation, including API reference, schema components, references, webhooks, and AI integrations. Access all resources at Hygraph Documentation.

What security and compliance certifications does Hygraph have?

Hygraph is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant (since August 3rd, 2022), ISO 27001 certified, and GDPR compliant. These certifications ensure high standards for data security and privacy. Learn more.

How does Hygraph protect customer data?

Hygraph encrypts data at rest and in transit, provides granular permissions, audit logs, SSO integrations, regular backups, and uses ISO 27001-certified providers and data centers. See secure features.

Does Hygraph offer dedicated hosting options?

Yes, Hygraph offers shared or dedicated hosting in multiple regions, supporting compliance with local regulations and enterprise requirements.

Who is the target audience for Hygraph?

Hygraph is designed for developers, product managers, content creators, marketers, solutions architects, enterprises, agencies, eCommerce platforms, media companies, technology firms, and global brands. See case studies.

What industries use Hygraph?

Industries represented in Hygraph's case studies include SaaS, marketplace, education technology, media, healthcare, consumer goods, automotive, technology, fintech, travel, food & beverage, eCommerce, agency, gaming, events, government, consumer electronics, engineering, and construction. Explore more.

What business impact can customers expect from using Hygraph?

Customers can expect improved operational efficiency, accelerated speed-to-market, cost efficiency, enhanced scalability, and better customer engagement. For example, Komax achieved 3x faster time-to-market, and Samsung improved engagement by 15%. See more success stories.

Can you share specific case studies or success stories?

Yes, notable case studies include Samsung (scalable API-first app), Dr. Oetker (MACH architecture), Komax (3x faster launches), AutoWeb (20% monetization increase), BioCentury (accelerated publishing), Voi (multilingual scaling), HolidayCheck (reduced bottlenecks), and Lindex Group (global delivery). Read all case studies.

What pain points does Hygraph solve?

Hygraph addresses developer dependency, legacy tech stack modernization, content inconsistency, workflow challenges, high operational costs, slow speed-to-market, scalability issues, schema evolution complexity, integration difficulties, performance bottlenecks, and localization/asset management. See examples.

How does Hygraph differentiate itself in solving pain points?

Hygraph stands out with its GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, user-friendly interface, cost efficiency, accelerated speed-to-market, robust APIs, Smart Edge Cache, and advanced localization/asset management. It is ranked 2nd out of 102 Headless CMSs in G2 Summer 2025 for ease of implementation. See ranking.

How easy is it to implement Hygraph?

Implementation time varies by project. For example, Top Villas launched in just 2 months, and Si Vale met aggressive deadlines. Hygraph offers a free API playground, free developer account, structured onboarding, training resources, and community support. See Top Villas case study.

What feedback have customers given about Hygraph's ease of use?

Customers praise Hygraph for its intuitive UI, easy setup, custom app integration, independent content management, and real-time changes. Anastasija S. noted, 'Every change I make to Hygraph I can instantly see on the front-end.' Some users find it time-consuming for less technical users. See more feedback.

Who are some of Hygraph's customers?

Notable customers include Samsung, Dr. Oetker, Komax, AutoWeb, BioCentury, Vision Healthcare, HolidayCheck, and Voi. See customer stories.

How does Hygraph compare to traditional CMS platforms?

Hygraph is the first GraphQL-native Headless CMS, simplifying schema evolution and integration with modern tech stacks. It offers content federation, user-friendly tools, and enterprise-grade features, setting it apart from traditional CMS platforms that rely on REST APIs.

Why choose Hygraph over alternatives?

Hygraph offers unique advantages: GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, enterprise-grade features, user-friendly tools, scalability, proven ROI, and market recognition. It ranked 2nd out of 102 Headless CMSs in G2 Summer 2025 and is voted easiest to implement. See report.

#Content stages

#Overview

Hygraph offers two system content stages (DRAFT & PUBLISHED) plus the possibility to create custom ones depending on your plan.

Are you looking for our API Reference?

Check out our API Reference document on content stages

This document discusses what these stages mean and how you can use them to create workflows.

Content stages are environment specific. This means their configuration is applied per environment. Take this into consideration if you're working with a project using more than one environment.

#What you can do

You can save content in the DRAFT stage while you work on it, before it's ready to be PUBLISHED.
You can use content staging to compare versions of content in different stages.
In case of an error, you can quickly revert changes to the DRAFT stage from the PUBLISHED stage, then use version comparison to compare the two and choose which fields to revert to the PUBLISHED stage.

#System content stages

Hygraph has two system content stages, DRAFT and PUBLISHED.

DRAFT allows people to add and edit content without affecting published content. When the content is ready to be pushed live, it is promoted to the PUBLISHED stage.

Please note

Content cannot be consumed by others unless it's published.
Depending on your plan, you can create custom content stages.
System content stages cannot be edited or deleted.

System content stages

Content in Hygraph that has been saved but has never been published exists only in the DRAFT stage. When promoted to the PUBLISHED stage, content will exist in that stage, and also in DRAFT.

When you update a content entry and save without publishing, that new content will be saved in DRAFT and the entry will show a blue PUBLISHED pill on the content table, indicating that it's outdated.

Content being outdated means that the version currently saved in the DRAFT stage contains changes that have not yet been promoted to PUBLISHED.

Pro Tip

Content will always be created in the DRAFT stage. Any actions that are not publish or unpublish will only affect the DRAFT version of a content entry. If you're using the UI, that action is Save; and if you're using the API, it's create or update.
A DRAFT pill in the content table indicates that the content has been saved but has never been published.
A green PUBLISHED pill in the content table indicates that the currently published version of the content is the latest one.
A blue PUBLISHED pill in the content table indicates that the DRAFT version is newer than the PUBLISHED version. This means you will need to publish this content before it can be consumed by others.

#Custom content stages

Depending on your plan, you may only have access to the two system content stages that we described above, or you may have the possibility to create more.

Paid plans allow creating custom content stages, which you can use to create more sophisticated workflows.

For instance, the following diagram shows a workflow with 3 content stages: DRAFT, APPROVAL and PUBLISHED.

Hygraph workflow with 3 content stages