---
title: Migrate to Atomic or Headless
slug: pb300496
canonical_url: https://docs.coveo.com/en/pb300496/
collection: build-a-search-ui
source_format: adoc
---
# Migrate to Atomic or Headless
Migrating from the Coveo JavaScript Search Framework to one of Coveo's modern offerings brings with it not only the continued subscription to innovation, but also improved performance, and new features baked into these offerings.
This article outlines migration options so you can choose the path that best fits your team and project goals.
Each option includes a summary of the process, key steps, and guidance on how to get started.
Whether you prefer to manage the migration internally, work alongside Coveo's experts, or have the Coveo team handle the entire process, this article will help you make an informed decision and plan your next steps with confidence.
## Frameworks
Before reviewing migration approaches or value propositions, it's important to understand the modern Coveo frameworks available for building search interfaces.
Following is a brief introduction to each of the framework offerings.
For a more detailed comparison, see [Choose the right approach](https://docs.coveo.com/en/3368/).
**Headless**
- A Redux-based toolset for developing your own search UI component libraries.
- Provides core search primitives and state-management capabilities that UI frameworks (for example, Atomic) can build on.
For more information, see [Use the Headless library](https://docs.coveo.com/en/headless/latest/).
**Atomic**
- A collection of pre-built UI components meant to speed up the creation of product discovery interfaces.
- Offers a low-code solution with customization options through configuration and theming.
For more information, see [Use the Atomic library](https://docs.coveo.com/en/atomic/latest/).
[cols="1,1,1",options="header"]
|===
| Aspect
| Headless
| Atomic
| Development effort
| Higher—you build UI and wiring, which is best used for tailored experiences.
| Lower—pre-built components speed up delivery.
| Flexibility
| Maximum—full control of rendering and interactions.
| Moderate—extensible via custom components and theming.
| Time to production
| Longer—requires more development time depending on team expertise and project scope.
| Shorter—faster time to market with pre-built components.
| Ideal for
| Complex, highly customized search experiences, or when building a unique design system.
| Teams wanting rapid delivery with consistent UI patterns.
|===
## Value overview
Before starting your migration, it's important to understand the unique benefits and capabilities of each modern Coveo framework.
The following articles provide insights aimed to help you make informed decisions about which framework best aligns with your business goals and technical requirements.
For detailed propositions and migration insights, see:
- [Value of migrating to Headless](https://docs.coveo.com/en/p7tg0368/)
- [Value of migrating to Atomic](https://docs.coveo.com/en/p7sh0210/)
Reviewing these articles will help you choose the framework that best aligns with your technical requirements, business goals, and team expertise.
This information is designed to support your planning as you consider a migration path that maximizes the benefits of Coveo's latest offerings.
## Migration options
A practical set of migration approaches follows, so teams can pick a path that matches their risk tolerance, schedule, and available skills.
> **Important**
>
> Full-service packages cover out-of-the-box search page implementations for Atomic only.
> Solutions that require customization or intend to use Headless will require a separate Professional Services consult and a more detailed discussion.
Full-service
Let Coveo lead your migration from start to finish with the full-service migration option.
With the full-service option, Coveo's team of experts will manage every aspect of your migration.
This approach is ideal for teams that want to minimize internal effort and have a seamless transition to a modern Coveo framework.
**Benefits**
- **End-to-end ownership** by Coveo Professional Services.
- **Reduced internal overhead** and a faster path to production.
- **Risk mitigation:** backed by expert developers, and proven processes.
To get started with the full-service migration option, contact your Customer Success Manager or Account Manager to discuss your needs and determine how Coveo can best support your migration efforts.
For general enquiries, see [Professional services](https://www.coveo.com/en/services/professional-services) for details or [Contact us](https://www.coveo.com/en/contact).
Assisted
Collaborate with Coveo's experts while maintaining control over your migration process.
With the assisted option, you'll have access to Coveo's experts who will provide guidance and support with consultations throughout the migration process.
Assisted migration is perfect for teams that want to leverage external expertise while actively participating in the migration efforts.
**Benefits**
- **Hybrid model** gives you delivery control while leveraging Coveo expertise where it matters most.
- **Faster ramp-up** means shorter learning curves, and reduced risk of reworks through targeted collaboration.
To explore the assisted migration option, reach out to your Customer Success Manager or Account Manager to discuss your needs and determine how Coveo can best support your migration efforts.
For general enquiries, see [Professional services](https://www.coveo.com/en/services/professional-services) for details or [Contact us](https://www.coveo.com/en/contact).
Self-guided
A practical, do-it-yourself approach using Coveo documentation and tools.
Ideal for teams with engineering capacity that want full control over timing and implementation.
**What to expect**
- **Hands-on migration:** Your team runs assessments, maps components, and implements replacements where mappings don't exist.
- **Incremental process:** You can migrate feature by feature and validate with small proof of concept pieces.
- **Testing and rollback plans:** Emphasis on testing and rollback plans to maintain production stability.
**Benefits**
- **Full control** over customization and release cadence.
- **Faster ramp-up** with team knowledge being gained via direct ownership and documentation driven learning opportunities.
For a full breakdown of what to expect during this approach, see the [Self-guided migration playbook](https://docs.coveo.com/en/pc2e5037/).