Mac Tip: How To Revert To Previous Version Of Document With Time Machine

Documents are often important files for people regardless of their professional field and affliation. However, portions of these files can be lost or replaced by mistake. However, Apple Mac computers have a way to restore files back to its previous versions through a feature.

Restoration Through Time Machine

Apple’s Mac computers have the Time Machine feature which allows users to view previous versions of their files and take the file back to that version. The feature is useful but requires users to let the computer allot space and finish the slow process of backing up these files. If the backup processes are enabled, it’s possible to retrieve the file at a previous state.

Revert To Previous Version

Once you’re on the document that needs to be restored, go to the File tab on the upper left and find the “Revert To” and “Browse All Versions” portion of the tab. This will allow the user to check on all recorded previous versions of the document.

The document on the left will be the present version of the document while the choices on the right are its previous versions. Pick the one that you need and it’ll be restored back to that version. If no results show, it’s possible that the backup system has been disabled or has been wiped out of the Mac’s memory.

Sorted By Date

If some results show, these versions are automatically sorted by date and time which allow users to pinpoint which version they want. It’ll also allow users to investigate as changes on the files could be seen if each files are checked through.

If there are no backups available, Apple’s official site confirms that the Mac’s own storage drive and external backup drives can hold the data for the user. Saving backups on the Mac’s own storage drive takes up space that could be used for other files and programs for the computer. Too much backup files could also slow down the computer as it could take the space allotted to run programs smoothly.