LinkedIn has announced a redesign of the desktop user interface. The rollout has begun at the end of 2016 and will continue at the beginning of 2017. This update is anticipated to be the largest redesign since the inception of the website. The goal is to align the desktop and LinkedIn mobile app experience.
Industry experts suggest a few simple precautionary steps to protect your valuable LinkedIn data before upcoming changes are made to the networking platform. LinkedIn has avid users in the slight panic as they prepare for the “soon to come” changes that the popular networking site has promised for 2017. It is better to take steps sooner as LinkedIn is famous for its small updates ahead of the main site changes.

1. Archive your data — Archive your LinkedIn data by creating a .csv format file of your LinkedIn account. This will secure your contacts, email inbox, positions, profile, and connections. When you ask for an archive of your data, you will receive a complete “data dump” that will include not only your profile information, but also a spreadsheet with the names of your first-level connections, as well their current companies, titles, and primary LinkedIn email addresses. To receive this archive directly go to privacy and settings.
   Click on your photo in the upper right hand corner of your LinkedIn profile. Click “Manage” next to “Privacy & Settings” in the drop down menu. Select “Getting an archive of your data” to open another dropdown menu. “Fast file” includes selected information from your account and “fast file with other data” includes account activity and history. Choose your option and click “Request archive”. Enter your password and click “Done.” You will receive a notification email that includes a download link.
2. Create a PDF for your profile — A PDF of your current profile is an excellent way to ensure that you retain all of the information that you have gathered during your time using LinkedIn, including the valuable recommendations that you have received from other companies and connections. In addition to creating a PDF, it is a good idea to also print a copy for your records. To make a PDF of the written content on your profile, go to “edit profile”, “view profile as,” then select, and save as a PDF. You should use the same tactic to also create a PDF for your company page. An alternative way to protect this vital information is to use the browser print function; it is important to note that the latter method will also save, and subsequently print, any of the visual components on your profile or company page.
3. Import Notes and Tags — This step is for any holder who has upgraded to Sales Navigator. If so, make sure that you take advantage of the current notes and tags features by transferring all pertinent information. According to industry reports, LinkedIn is contemplating getting rid of Advanced Search, Notes and Tags Features on Profiles, Exporting out connections into an Excel or CSV file by March 2017, which means that you shouldn’t delay. These features will be removed from the basic and premium LinkedIn plan by March 31st, 2017.

For more information:

https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/linkedin-profile-changes-2017
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-prepare-upcoming-linkedin-changes-2017-julbert-abraham-mba