Have you ever edited a photo and then decided you liked the original better? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Luckily, reverting an edited photo to its original state is fairly simple if you know where to look and what steps to take. So, let’s dive in and get that photo back to its original glory!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Revert Edited Photo to Original
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out what we’re aiming to do here. We’re going to find the original version of your edited photo and restore it. This could mean undoing all edits in a photo-editing software or retrieving the original file if it was saved separately.
Step 1: Check if the photo editing software has a "revert" or "undo" feature
Many photo editing apps and software have a built-in feature that allows you to undo changes or revert to the original image. Look for a button or option that says "Revert to Original," "Undo," or something similar.
When you find the "revert" or "undo" feature, it may allow you to go back one step at a time, or it might revert all changes made since the photo was first opened in the editor. Make sure you’re aware of how your specific software’s feature works so you don’t accidentally undo more than you intended.
Step 2: Look for the original file
If the software doesn’t have an undo feature, or if the edits were saved over the original file, you’ll need to locate the original photo. This might be in your computer’s Recycle Bin, a cloud storage service, or another folder on your device where you save backups.
Remember, it’s always a good practice to save a copy of the original image before you start editing, just in case. If you can’t find the original, it might be time to consider better organization and backup practices for your photos going forward.
Step 3: Use a software version history feature
Some photo editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, has a version history feature. If you’ve been using such a software, you might be able to revert to the original image by going through the history panel.
The version history typically lists all the actions you’ve taken since opening the image. By selecting the first action (which should be the original state of the photo), you can restore the image to how it was before any edits were made.
Step 4: Restore from a backup
If you’ve been diligent about backing up your data, you might have a system restore point or an external backup that includes the original photo. Check your backup system to see if you can recover the file from there.
Restoring from a backup can be a lifesaver, especially if you’ve accidentally saved over the original file and can’t find it anywhere else. Just make sure that your backup system is regularly updated so it includes your most recent files.
After completing these steps, you should have successfully restored your edited photo back to its original state. Whether it was through an undo feature, locating the original file, using version history, or restoring from a backup, your photo is now back to square one.
Tips for Reverting Edited Photo to Original
- Always save a copy of your original photo before editing, just in case you change your mind later.
- Familiarize yourself with the undo and revert features of your photo editing software.
- Organize your photos in a way that makes it easy to locate originals.
- Utilize cloud storage services to keep backups of your original photos.
- Regularly update your backup system to ensure it includes recent photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert an edited photo if I’ve closed the photo editing software?
If the software saves a history of your edits, you might be able to revert the photo the next time you open it. However, if the edits were saved over the original file, you’ll need to look for a separate original copy.
What if I don’t remember where I saved the original photo?
Try searching your device for the file name, or look through your Recycle Bin or cloud storage. It’s also a good practice to always save originals in a specific folder to avoid this issue.
Will reverting the photo undo all edits?
Yes, reverting to the original means all edits will be undone. If you only want to undo some changes, use the undo feature to step back through your edits selectively.
Can I revert an edited photo on my smartphone?
Many smartphone photo editing apps also have undo or revert features. Check the app you used to edit the photo for these options.
Is it possible to revert an edited photo that was sent to me?
Unless the person who sent you the photo also includes the original file, or the app you’re using has kept a version history, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to revert it to the original.
Summary
- Check for a revert or undo feature in your photo editing software.
- Look for the original file on your device or cloud storage.
- Use a software version history feature if available.
- Restore the photo from a backup.
Conclusion
Reverting an edited photo to its original state might seem challenging at first, but with a little bit of know-how and organization, it’s definitely achievable. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who likes to dabble in photo editing, it’s crucial to be familiar with the undo and backup features of your software and devices. Not only does this save you from potential heartache when you want to revert edited photos, but it also helps you maintain a streamlined workflow. Remember, always keep backups of your original photos and never be afraid to experiment with your edits – you can always revert to the original if needed!