Revert to your previous save in Text Edit

Revert to your previous save in Text Edit

I just discovered there is a very simple way to revert to your previous save in Text Edit on a mac. I wanted to share this with you because it just saved me a huge amount of aggravation! Quick instructions are just below.

If you are anything like me you have 100s of passwords to remember and some of them are a ridiculous range of number and letters that I don’t use often enough and as such they are never going to stick in my mind. So… sometimes (even though I’m sure the security police would advise me not too) I have been known to save them in various places including Text Edit. On this occasion this backfired for me when I opened the file to realise I’d saved over it, PANIC! And typically I needed to use this password to get some stuff sorted a top speed and this particular password takes seven days to recover by post! So you can imagine how pleased I was when I realise you could revert to your previous save! Life Saver!!

So if you are in a similar bind fear not…

Revert to your previous save in Text Edit guide

STEP 1
Open the document you have accidentally saved over. Go to ‘File’ > ‘Revert To’

STEP 2
You can either choose the ‘Last saved version’ or ‘Browse all versions’. If you chose ‘Last saved version’ pop-up will open, select ‘Revert’.

If you choose ‘Browse all versions’ all versions will show up. You can use the arrows on the right to reveal the previous versions, once you have the version you require press the ‘Restore’ button at the bottom of the window to restore that version. If you wish to leave the window click the ‘Done’ button or press the ‘Escape’ key on your keyboard.

STEP 3
The older version of your document will now open and you can save it accordingly. Such a relief when you’ve made a silly mistake!

Written by Donna Hocking, graphic designer and creative artworker. If you are a designer / agency in need of support or a business looking for someone to create your print & web materials get in touch I’d love to hear from you. You can also read more about what services I provide here.