Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/photo-version-history-log/ # Keep a Useful Photo Editing Version History Track source scans, manual edits, AI interpretations and sharing exports with a small version log. Digital organization2 min readUpdated 16 October 2026 ## Try it on your own photo Repair a copy of your photo, then compare faces and details with the original. [Restore my photo]()1 credit per successful photo ยท Account required[See credit packs]() Quick answer ## The short version A version history explains how a finished photo relates to its source. Record meaningful editing stages instead of saving an unexplained final-final folder. The log should distinguish captured evidence from reconstruction, especially when colorization, face enhancement or generated artwork changes what the original showed. ## Define the job before editing A version history explains how a finished photo relates to its source. Record meaningful editing stages instead of saving an unexplained final-final folder. The log should distinguish captured evidence from reconstruction, especially when colorization, face enhancement or generated artwork changes what the original showed. ## Record decisions at the stage they happen For each saved version, write the source filename, editing date, tool or process, intended change and unresolved concern. Avoid recording every slider movement. A stage is worth keeping when it supports a different decision, such as approving the crop before retouching or comparing a conservative repair with a stronger interpretation. ## Make the decision from evidence Use stable source identifiers in every version name. A generic final.jpg loses context when emailed. Keep the editable project when its application format is available, but also export a viewable copy so a future custodian can inspect the result without that software. ## A worked planning example Example: FAM-0081-v01 is a neutral crop; v02 repairs one crease; v03 adds interpreted color. A note records that the coat color in v03 is unverified. The master remains outside the working-versions folder. ## A practical checklist 1. Preserve the untouched master. 2. Name versions by stable source ID. 3. Log the purpose and uncertainty of each milestone. 4. Deliver only approved versions with explanatory notes. ## Keep a traceable result Keep the source file, the working copy and the delivery copy as separate items. Record the input and the changes you actually made so another person can understand the result later. These workflow examples are planning examples, not documented customer outcomes or proof of a successful restoration. ## FAQs Should I keep rejected AI results? Keep a small number when they explain a decision or reveal a fidelity problem. They do not all need to become permanent public archive items. Should I replace my original with the edited copy? Keep the source unchanged and save a separate working or sharing copy. An export, edit or AI interpretation can omit information that remains useful in the source. ## Sources Preservation and technical guidance reviewed for this article. - Library of Congress: [Personal archiving: digital photographs]() ## Related - [Open the related free tool]() - [Build a Photo Inventory That Relatives Can Use]() - [Copy Photos from a USB Drive and Verify the Transfer]() - [Browse photo guides]() - [Free image tools]() ## Ready to restore your photos? Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider. [Restore my photo]()[View Pricing]() RestoreBunny Source-backed photo workflows Guides follow our [editorial policy]() for sourcing, product claims, AI limitations, updates, and corrections.