Version history in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Version history lets you see and restore past versions of your Figma files. It helps you fix mistakes or review changes without losing your current work.

When you accidentally delete or change something important in your design file

When you want to compare how your design looked yesterday versus today

When you need to restore a previous version after feedback from your team

When you want to track progress and see who made which changes

When you want to create a backup point before trying a risky design change

Steps

Step 1: Open your Figma file

- Figma desktop app or web browser

Your design file loads on screen

Step 2: Click the menu icon with three dots

- Top-center or top-left corner next to the file name

A dropdown menu appears

Step 3: Select 'Show version history'

- Dropdown menu

The version history panel opens on the right side showing past saved versions

Step 4: Click any version timestamp in the panel

- Version history panel

The canvas updates to show the design as it was at that time

Step 5: Click 'Restore this version' if you want to revert

- Top bar of the version preview

The file returns to the selected version and becomes the current working version

Before vs After

Before

Current file shows latest design with unwanted changes

After

File restored to a previous version without the unwanted changes

Settings Reference

Version history panel

📍 Menu icon (three dots) > Show version history

View and select past versions of your file

Default: Shows all autosaved versions

Restore this version

📍 Top bar of version preview in version history panel

Revert the file to the selected past version

Default: Cancel

Common Mistakes

Trying to edit the design directly in the version history preview

The preview is read-only and changes won't save

Restore the version first, then edit in the main file view

Ignoring autosave and not checking version history regularly

You might lose track of important changes or fixes

Use version history often to track progress and back up work

Summary

Version history helps you see and restore past versions of your Figma file.

You access it from the menu icon next to the file name.

Remember to restore a version before editing it, as previews are read-only.