---
title: "Serialize items using event handlers"
slug: "serialize-items-using-event-handlers"
abstract: "Enable the use of event handlers to save database changes to the file system if you’re using a version control system."
---
# Serialize items using event handlers

You can use Sitecore event handlers to automatically save database changes to the file system. By default, serialization event handlers are disabled. To enable event handlers, enable the `App_Config\Include\Examples\serializationevents.config.example` file.

> [!note]
> Sitecore event handlers automatically save any changes in Sitecore items to the file system so we recommend that you use event handlers with a revision control system.