What it means
Restore this version promotes an earlier Google Docs version to the current live file. Make a copy creates a separate file containing that older state, leaving the current document available for collaborators. Both use version history, but their impact on today's work differs.
A real-world example
A paragraph vanished yesterday, while colleagues edited three other sections today. Copying yesterday's version lets the owner recover just that paragraph without reversing those later changes.
What to do
Preview and compare versions, then make a copy for a targeted recovery. Restore the whole file only when the collaborators agree that a full rollback is intended.
The distinction that matters
Google requires appropriate edit permission to browse earlier versions. Version history is tied to the file and its access rules, so a separate backup remains useful for long-term recovery. Label a safety copy clearly so collaborators do not edit the wrong document.
Google's Docs version actions
