Find what's changed in a file

Want to get more out of Google Docs for work or school? Sign up for a free Google Workspace trial.

You can see changes that have been made to a document in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

Compare earlier versions of a file

Note: To browse a document’s version history, you need permission to edit the document.

1. On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

2. At the top, click File Version history See version history.

3. In the right panel, choose an earlier version. You can find who edited the file and the changes they made in the color next to their name.

4. (Optional) To name a version, click More Name this version.

   • You can add up to 40 named versions per drawing, document, or presentation.

   • You can add up to 15 named versions per spreadsheet.

5. (Optional) To see grouped versions in more detail:

   • In the right panel, choose a version, then click Expand detailed versions .

To return to the current version, go to the top left and click Back .

See who changed a specific cell in Google Sheets 

1. On your computer, open a spreadsheet at sheets.google.com. 
2. Right-click a cell  Show edit history. 

Note: Some changes might not show up in the edit history. Some examples are: 

• Added or deleted rows and columns 
• Changes to the cell's format 
• Changes made by formulas

Restore an earlier version

1. On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

2. At the top, click File Version history See version history.

3. In the right panel, choose an earlier version.

4. At the top, click Restore this version Restore.

Copy an earlier version

You can make a copy and edit earlier versions of a file.

1. On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

2. At the top, click File Version history See version history.

3. In the right panel, next to the version you want to copy, click More Make a copy.

4. Enter a name for your copy.

5. Choose where to save the file.

   • To share the file with the same people, click Share it with the same people.

6. Click OK.

Unable to see a previous version of your file?

The revisions for your file may occasionally be merged to save storage space.

Note: If you don't have permission to edit a file, you won't be able to see the version history.

Related articles

• Turn on notifications in a spreadsheet