Latest Version of OJS (2026): OJS 3.5.0-5 LTS Explained

The current release of Open Journal Systems is OJS 3.5.0-5, released on 30 June 2026 and designated by PKP as a long-term support (LTS) release. OJS 3.5 is the version most journals should be on or moving to. Check PKP’s download page for any newer build before you upgrade.

OJS versions at a glance

Version	Status (October 2026)	What it means for you
3.5 (current release: 3.5.0-5)	Current, long-term support	The version to run
3.4 (latest: 3.4.0-11, 18 Sep 2026)	Not a long-term support release	Plan your move to 3.5; don’t start new journals on it
3.3 (latest: 3.3.0-23, 18 Sep 2026)	Older LTS, supported until at least 1 January 2027	Keep it on the latest build, and schedule the upgrade to 3.5
3.2, 3.1, 3.0	No longer supported	No security fixes. Upgrade
2.x	End of life	No security fixes. Upgrade

What “LTS” means

Some OJS versions are marked long-term support: PKP commits to fixing bugs and security problems in them for longer, through small maintenance builds such as 3.5.0-5. PKP’s stated policy is that an LTS release reaches its end of life at least 12 months after the next LTS build is announced. Others, like 3.4, are regular releases without that commitment. For a journal, an LTS version means fewer forced upgrades.

What’s new in 3.5

• Redesigned dashboard and workflow pages, with saved views of the submissions list, a summary panel, and review progress shown for each submission.
• Invitations: journal managers invite people to take a role, and they accept by email.
• ORCID integration built into OJS, and several affiliations per author, linked to the ROR registry of research organisations.
• Authors can suggest reviewers when they submit, if the journal turns this on.
• An Editorial Masthead page listing the people in the roles you choose.

More detail, including what 3.4 brought: new features in OJS 3.4 and 3.5.

How to check your version

Log in as site administrator and open Administration → System Information. The version is at the top, for example 3.3.0.20.

Upgrading to 3.5

• Every OJS upgrade changes the database, the files and the code together. The older your version, the bigger the job, especially with custom themes and plugins.
• A safe upgrade is rehearsed first on a private copy of the site, with a full backup of the files and database. It catches problems with plugins and themes before they reach your live journal.
• The server and add-ons must be ready: PHP 8.2 or later, and plugins and a theme made for 3.5.
• Guides for your version: 3.4, 3.3, 3.2, 3.0 or 3.1, 2.x, older.

Don’t upgrade a live journal in the middle of an issue or without a tested backup. A failed upgrade can leave the database half-converted.

Prefer to have it done for you? Our OJS upgrade service handles the backup, the test upgrade and the switch-over; see the upgrade price in under a minute.

Menu names move a little between OJS 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5, and some themes and plugins add their own options. If a setting isn’t where this guide says, check PKP’s Learning OJS guide for your version. This guide is independent and not endorsed by PKP.

Questions

What is the latest version of OJS?

OJS 3.5.0-5, released on 30 June 2026. It’s a long-term support (LTS) release. PKP may publish newer 3.5 maintenance builds; check the download page.

Is OJS 3.4 an LTS version?

No. PKP didn’t designate 3.4 as long-term support; 3.5 is the LTS. Journals on 3.4 should plan to upgrade.

Is OJS 3.3 still supported?

Yes, 3.3 is an older LTS supported until at least 1 January 2027. Plan your move to 3.5 before then.

How do we upgrade to OJS 3.5 safely?

With a full backup, a test upgrade on a private copy, and checks before the live upgrade. Most journals have it done by an experienced team: our OJS upgrade service does all of it at a fixed price, with 14 days of free fixes.

Can an OJS 2.4 journal move to OJS 3.5?

Yes. It’s a migration rather than a simple upgrade, with a new OJS 3 theme and careful checks, so most journals have it done by someone experienced. See OJS 2 to OJS 3.5 migration.