Make & keep
Restore an iPhone photo after saving an edit
Revert a Photos edit to the original when a crop, filter, or adjustment no longer suits the image.
Photos saves edits in a reversible form, so a saved crop or colour adjustment does not have to become the permanent version. Revert is useful when a booth strip was edited for one layout but you now need the uncropped frame for a different print or archive copy.
Find the saved edit
Open the edited image in Photos and tap the More button. Choose Revert to Original. If the item is part of a Live Photo, video, or portrait capture, check the full item after reverting; you are restoring the photo’s original editing state, not making a new export file.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Choose the right undo
Before confirming, compare what you see with the version you intended to keep. Reverting removes the current set of edits rather than stepping back one slider at a time. If you only want to change one recent adjustment, return to Edit and use the in-edit undo or redo controls instead of discarding all saved edits.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Keep two versions when needed
After the reversion, Photos displays the original appearance and keeps the photo in the library. If you need both versions as separate files, export or duplicate a copy before making another edit. Revert changes the Photos presentation of the item; it is not the same action as deleting the image or replacing the library original with a new file.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Apple iPhone User Guide — Undo and revert photo editsApple user guide