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Where is undo on InDesign?

Published in InDesign Functions 2 mins read

In Adobe InDesign, the undo function is primarily located within the Edit menu. It's a fundamental command used to reverse the most recent action you performed.

How to Undo Actions in InDesign

According to information available as of 23-Aug-2024, the standard way to undo an action in InDesign is by navigating through the application's menu bar or by using a common keyboard shortcut.

Accessing Undo via the Edit Menu

The most straightforward method, as referenced, is to use the menu bar at the top of the InDesign window:

  1. Go to the Edit menu.
  2. From the dropdown list, select Undo [Last Action].

The text next to "Undo" will change to show the specific action that will be reversed (e.g., Undo Typing, Undo Move, Undo Apply Swatch).

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

For efficiency, most users rely on the universal keyboard shortcut for undo:

  • On Windows: Press Ctrl + Z
  • On macOS: Press Cmd + Z

This shortcut performs the same function as selecting Undo from the Edit menu, allowing you to quickly step back through recent changes.

Undo vs. Redo

While discussing undo, it's also helpful to know about its counterpart, Redo. Redo allows you to reverse an undo operation, effectively reapplying an action you previously undid.

Based on the same reference (23-Aug-2024), the options are:

Action Menu Path Keyboard Shortcut
Undo Edit > Undo Ctrl/Cmd + Z
Redo Edit > Redo Edit > Redo (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z)

Why Undo is Essential

The undo function is critical in InDesign for several reasons:

  • Correcting Mistakes: Easily fix errors like accidental deletions, misplaced objects, or incorrect formatting.
  • Experimentation: Try different designs or layouts without fear, knowing you can always undo changes you don't like.
  • Workflow Speed: Quickly revert steps rather than manually trying to recreate the previous state.

InDesign keeps a history of your recent actions, allowing you to undo multiple steps backward.