How do I undo a mistake in Blender?

Updated October 2026 · How we answer

Using Undo and Redo

Blender keeps a stack of recent actions, so Ctrl+Z usually steps back one change at a time. Most transform, selection, and modeling actions can be undone. Holding the shortcut repeats the step, which is handy when you need to back out several edits.

Redo works the same way with Ctrl+Shift+Z. Keep in mind that undo history is tied to the current session, so closing and reopening the file clears the stack. Saving does not erase undo history, but you cannot undo changes from before the last file load.

• Ctrl+Z: undo the last action
• Ctrl+Shift+Z: redo the action
• Edit then Undo History: jump to older steps
• Undo history resets when you reopen the file

When Undo Does Not Help

Some changes happen outside the undo system, such as deleting files on your computer or changing a setting in certain add-ons. Those actions may not appear in the history. Saving a backup copy before major edits is the safest habit.

If you have made many changes, check Undo History before undoing blindly. It shows the exact order of actions, so you can return to a specific point without losing everything after it.

If a brush stroke does not undo as expected, check which mode you are in. Sculpting and texture painting keep their own step history, so the normal Ctrl+Z may behave differently there. Read the mode notes in the status bar when you are unsure.

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