Deleting version history in Google Docs is a straightforward process. All you need to do is open the document, click on ‘File’, go to ‘Version history’, and select ‘See version history’. From there, you can click on the three dots next to the version you want to delete and select ‘Delete this version’. And that’s it! You’ve successfully deleted a version from your document’s history.
Step by Step Tutorial to Delete Version History Google Docs
Before you start the process of deleting version history in Google Docs, you should know that this action cannot be undone. Once a version is deleted, it’s gone for good. So, make sure you really want to delete it before proceeding.
Step 1: Open the Google Doc
Open the Google Doc you want to delete the version history from.
This step is pretty self-explanatory. Just like you would with any other document, open the one you’re working on.
Step 2: Click on ‘File’
Click on ‘File’ in the top left corner of your screen.
After opening your document, you’ll find the ‘File’ option in the top left corner of your screen. Click on it to proceed.
Step 3: Go to ‘Version history’
Select ‘Version history’, then ‘See version history’.
Under the ‘File’ tab, you’ll find the option for ‘Version history’. Hover over it, and another option will appear to ‘See version history’. Click on it to view all the versions of your document.
Step 4: Click on the three dots
Click on the three dots next to the version you want to delete.
When you’re viewing the version history, you’ll see three dots next to each version. Click on these to bring up more options.
Step 5: Select ‘Delete this version’
Select ‘Delete this version’ from the dropdown menu.
Once you click on the three dots, a dropdown menu will appear. From there, you can select ‘Delete this version’ to remove it from your document’s history.
After you complete the steps above, the selected version of your document will be permanently deleted from the version history. You won’t be able to recover it, so be certain that you’re deleting the correct version.
Tips for Deleting Version History Google Docs
- Make sure you are the owner of the document, as only the owner can delete the version history.
- Double-check that you are deleting the correct version, as this process cannot be undone.
- Consider making a copy of the document before deleting any versions, just in case you need to revert back.
- Be aware that deleting version history can affect collaborators if they need to reference previous versions.
- Remember that deleting a version from the history does not delete the entire document, just that specific version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete version history if I’m not the owner of the document?
No, only the owner of the document has the permission to delete version history.
Is it possible to recover a version once it’s deleted?
No, once a version is deleted from the history, it cannot be recovered.
Will deleting a version history affect the live document?
No, deleting a version from the history will not affect the current live document.
Can I delete version history in bulk?
No, versions must be deleted one at a time.
Does deleting version history free up space in my Google Drive?
No, deleting version history does not significantly affect your Google Drive storage.
Summary
- Open the Google Doc
- Click on ‘File’
- Go to ‘Version history’ and select ‘See version history’
- Click on the three dots next to the version you want to delete
- Select ‘Delete this version’
Conclusion
Deleting version history in Google Docs is an easy, yet irreversible action that can help you streamline your document’s history. By following the steps listed above, you can quickly remove any unwanted versions. However, it’s crucial to remember that once a version is deleted, there’s no going back. So, always double-check that you’re eliminating the correct one.
Whether you’re tidying up your document’s history or removing versions that are no longer necessary, the ability to delete version history is a powerful tool in Google Docs. Just be sure to use it wisely. If you ever find yourself unsure about deleting a version, consider creating a copy of the document as a backup. With these precautions in mind, you’re ready to take control of your document’s version history. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.