One of OpenRefine’s most useful (and comforting) features is the “Undo/Redo” tab which tracks each transformation applied to your data. This is particularly useful when a transformation does not turn out as planned or an audit of transformations of your data is required. With the Undo/Redo function, you can feel free to test out transformations with the security of being able to safely and simply roll back those steps.

Located to the left of the grid view, the Undo/Redo tab is in the same pane as the Facet/Filter tab. Under the Undo/Redo tab, each transformation is detailed in a numbered list, with “Create project” always listed as step “0.” To roll back steps, simply click on the step you wish to restore.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have rolled back steps and then make a new transformation, the steps you originally rolled back will be written over. For example:

• You have made 5 transformations and decide to roll back these steps to step 2.
• You apply a new transformation to one of the columns.
• Your original steps 3-5 have now been overwritten and cannot be restored.

5/21/2018 - Brinna Michael