> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.papers.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.papers.ai/writing-and-editing/version-history.md).

# Version history

Every file keeps a history of saved snapshots, so you can compare drafts or recover something you overwrote.

## Browse and restore

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open version history

Open the file, then open **Version History** in the right sidebar.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Label a checkpoint (optional)

Click **Label version** to name a checkpoint worth finding again later.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Preview an older version

Select an older version from the list to preview it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Restore or go back

Click **Restore** to replace the current content with that version, or **Back to current** to leave without restoring.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Restoring adds a new entry to the history (for example, "Restored from v12") rather than deleting anything. It's just another change you could undo the same way.

## Things to know

* **Cloud projects** load history from the server. **Local projects** store history in your browser, capped at five snapshots per file.
* If a cloud project goes offline, the history panel shows an offline notice until you reconnect. Your local edits keep working, but past versions aren't reachable until then.
* Older Word document versions saved before a format change may show a **Plain text** badge and restore without full visual formatting.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>The version list is empty</summary>

The file may be new, with no saved snapshots yet.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The panel says offline</summary>

Reconnect. Cloud version history needs a live connection to load.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A restored Word document looks plain</summary>

Check for the **Plain text** badge on that version; older snapshots may not have structured formatting to restore.

</details>

## Next steps

* [Working with Word documents](/writing-and-editing/working-with-word-documents.md)