Viewing Version History as External User

Depending on how the document was shared, you may be allowed to view or restore previous versions of the document. 
 Version History Access Levels 
 Your access depends on the share link settings: 
 
 None  — Version history is hidden 
 View Only — You can see versions but not restore them 
 View & Edit  — You can view and restore versions 
 
 Viewing Version History 
 If you have access: 
 
 Look for Version History in the File menu.
 
 
 Click to open the version history panel. 
 Browse the list of saved versions.
 
 
 Click a version to view it. 
 
 What You Can See 
 
 Date and time of each version 
 Who made the changes 
 Version notes, if they were added 
 
 Viewing Past Versions 
 
 Click a version entry. 
 The document opens in that historical state. 
 Review the content as it was saved at that time. 
 Return to the current version when you are done. 
 
 Restoring Versions 
 If your link includes restore permissions: 
 
 Select the version you want. 
 Click Restore .
 
 
 Confirm the restoration. 
 The document returns to that version. 
 
 Note: Restoring a version affects the live document for everyone who has access to it. It is a good idea to communicate with the document owner first. 
 Your Contributions 
 When you edit the document: 
 
 Your changes can create new versions 
 Your verified email may identify you as the author 
 Other collaborators may be able to see your contributions in version history 
 
 No Version History Access 
 If version history is not available: 
 
 The option does not appear in the menus 
 You can only work with the current version 
 Contact the document owner if you need additional access 
 
 Why It Matters 
 Version history can help you: 
 
 Review how the document has evolved 
 Recover content that was changed or removed 
 Understand changes made by other collaborators