Future-Proof Your Website: Migrating from Drupal 7 to Drupal 11

One of the most noticeable shifts is in the theming layer. In Drupal 11, Twig replaces PHPTemplate, offering better security and separation of concerns. Similarly, Drupal 11 adopts Composer as the standard for dependency management, making it easier to manage libraries and updates but requiring new workflows

Challenges and Realities of Migration

Let’s be blunt: Drupal 7 to 11 migration is a complex, time-consuming endeavor. Here are some common challenges we’ve faced in real client projects:

• Custom Code Rewrites: Every custom module and theme built in D7 must be rebuilt using modern practices (OOP, services, dependency injection).
• Missing Module Equivalents: Not all D7 modules have direct D11 counterparts. For example, “Workflow” and “Panelizer” may require entirely new solutions.
• Data Mapping: Drupal 11’s entity system means content structures need to be redefined. Migrating fields, file attachments, and references is non-trivial.
• Integration Overhaul: External CRMs, ERPs, or legacy systems integrated via outdated methods (SOAP, direct DB connections) need modern APIs or middleware.
• Menu System Differences: D11’s routing and menu systems are YAML-based and deeply tied into Symfony routing, unlike the hook-based system in D7.

Real example: A higher-education institution had a complex D7 site with 500+ content types, multilingual support, and multiple integrations with admissions systems. It took 9 months to fully map, re-architect, and migrate their site to Drupal 10 (now being updated to 11), and some custom modules had to be rebuilt from scratch as their functionality wasn’t covered in contrib.

Drupal 11 Migration Strategy and Best Practices

Based on dozens of successful migrations, here’s a high-level approach that works.

Step 1: Audit & Plan

• Inventory all content types, taxonomies, users, files, and integrations.
• Identify custom modules and assess whether to rebuild, replace, or retire.
• Define business goals to guide priorities: what must stay and what can be improved?

Step 2: Prototype & Validate

• Set up a fresh Drupal 11 instance.
• Recreate a sample of your most complex content types and theming structures.
• Run test migrations with the Migrate API and validate mappings.

Step 3: Phased Migration Execution

• Rebuild your architecture (content types, views, blocks) in D11.
• Migrate content incrementally using migrate, migrate_plus, and migrate_tools.
• QA each section thoroughly before go-live.
• Run a final delta migration (for changes made during the build phase) before cutover.

Tip: Don’t try to replicate every D7 detail. Use this as an opportunity to simplify and modernize.
 

What extends projects:

• Incomplete audits leading to late-stage surprises
• Unrealistic expectations for 1:1 parity
• Underestimating internal content migration or QA
• Lack of in-house technical leadership

Benefits After a Successful Migration to from Drupal 7 to Drupal 11

Once your Drupal 11 site is live, the advantages become clear:

• Security-first foundation: Actively supported, modern Symfony stack.
• Better performance: Caching, lazy loading, and front-end improvements.
• Developer-friendly: Composer, OOP architecture, modern APIs.
• Editorial enhancements: Layout Builder, improved media management, workflows.
• API-first: Headless-ready, ideal for mobile apps and third-party integrations.

We’ve seen clients reduce their technical debt by 60% and increase development velocity post-migration. Maintenance becomes easier, and onboarding new devs is faster.

What Site Owners Can Do to Prepare for Drupal 11 Migration

Here’s a migration readiness checklist for decision-makers:

✅ Technical:

• Audit current content types, views, blocks, modules
• List all custom code and integrations
• Ensure current PHP version is compatible (PHP 8.2+ for D11)

✅ Content:

• Archive outdated content
• Clean up unused files and taxonomy terms
• Finalize content strategy for the new site

✅ Business:

• Align stakeholders on goals
• Decide which features are essential vs legacy
• Budget realistically for migration and post-launch support

✅ Integration:

• Identify all external systems (CRM, ERP, analytics)
• Document existing API connections
• Check for modern alternatives or updated endpoints

Collaboration Models with Drupfan Software

Partnering with a Drupal-focused agency like Drupfan Software can drastically de-risk and accelerate your migration.

Full-Cycle Migration

We handle everything from audits to launch, freeing up your team to focus on business goals.

Hybrid Collaboration

We rebuild the architecture and provide migration scripts, while your team handles data cleanup or internal content reviews.

Consultation-Based

Ideal for teams who want to DIY but need guidance. We provide audits, migration plans, and code reviews.

Phased Execution

Start small: migrate just one section, validate, and scale. Ideal for large organizations with complex governance.

Conclusion

Migrating from Drupal 7 to 11 isn’t a minor version bump, it’s a strategic transformation. Yes, it’s technically demanding. Yes, it requires budget, planning, and collaboration. But the reward is a future-proof, high-performing digital platform that can grow with your organization’s needs.

Whether you need an outsourcing migration partner or expert guidance for your internal team, Drupfan is here to help. Let’s talk. Contact us to plan your migration journey.