Have you ever accidentally deleted a comment on Google Docs and wished you could get it back? Fear not! Restoring comments on Google Docs is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following the simple tutorial below, you’ll have your comments back in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Restore Comments on Google Docs
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what restoring comments entails. Essentially, you’ll be using the version history feature in Google Docs to revert back to a previous version of the document where the comment still exists.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
The first thing you’ll need to do is open the Google Doc where you want to restore the comment.
Once you have the document open, make sure you’re signed in to your Google account. You won’t be able to restore comments if you’re viewing the document as a guest.
Step 2: Click on "File" in the Top Menu
Next, click on "File" in the top menu of the Google Doc.
By clicking on "File," you’ll see a dropdown menu with various options. Look for the option that says "Version history."
Step 3: Select "Version history" then "See version history"
After clicking on "Version history," select "See version history" from the submenu.
This will open a panel on the right side of the document that lists all the previous versions of the document, including the dates and times they were saved.
Step 4: Find the Version with the Comment
Scroll through the version history to find the version of the document where the comment you want to restore still exists.
You might need to click on a few different versions to find the right one. The comment will be visible in the version where it was last saved.
Step 5: Restore the Version with the Comment
Once you’ve found the correct version, click on "Restore this version" at the top of the version history panel.
Restoring the version will revert the document back to the state it was in at that time, including all comments that were present.
After completing these steps, the comment you accidentally deleted should be back in the document. Keep in mind that restoring a version will also undo any changes made to the document since that version was saved, so be sure to copy any important edits before restoring.
Tips for Restoring Comments on Google Docs
- Always make sure to save your document frequently to ensure that comments are captured in the version history.
- If you’re working on a shared document, communicate with other collaborators before restoring a version to avoid any confusion.
- Use the version history feature to keep track of changes and comments over time, which can be helpful for collaborative projects.
- Remember that restoring a version is not permanent; you can always go back to a more recent version if needed.
- If you can’t find a comment, try checking the version history for a time when you know the comment was present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore a comment that was deleted a long time ago?
As long as the comment was captured in a saved version of the document, you should be able to restore it by finding the correct version in the version history.
Will restoring a comment affect the rest of the document?
Restoring a version of the document will undo any changes made since that version was saved, so be sure to copy any important edits before restoring.
Can I restore comments if I’m not the owner of the document?
You can only restore comments on a document if you have edit access. If you’re a viewer or commenter, you’ll need to ask the owner or someone with edit access to restore the comment for you.
How many versions of a document are saved in the version history?
Google Docs automatically saves a version of the document each time an edit is made, and these versions are kept indefinitely.
Can I restore a specific comment without restoring the entire version?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to restore just one comment. You’ll need to restore the entire version of the document where the comment was last saved.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Click on "File" in the top menu.
- Select "Version history" then "See version history."
- Find the version with the comment.
- Restore the version with the comment.
Conclusion
Restoring comments on Google Docs can be a lifesaver, especially when working on collaborative projects. By following the steps above, you can quickly bring back any comments that were accidentally deleted. Just remember to save your work often and communicate with your fellow collaborators before restoring a version. With the version history feature, you have the power to backtrack and preserve the valuable feedback and conversations that take place in the margins of your documents. So next time you find yourself in a bind, don’t fret—restoring comments on Google Docs is just a few clicks away.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.