How to Restore Classic Undo in Photoshop

This article explains how long-time Adobe Photoshop users can restore the classic single-step undo behavior using the legacy shortcuts setting. By default, modern releases of Photoshop use a multi-step undo for the standard shortcut, but enabling the built-in legacy option restores the historic toggle functionality between the current and previous states without disrupting familiar workflows.

Starting with Photoshop CC 2019, Adobe updated the default shortcut behavior so that pressing Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (macOS) continuously steps backward through the history states, matching the behavior of standard desktop applications. For veteran users accustomed to using Ctrl + Z to toggle a single change on and off and Ctrl + Alt + Z (Cmd + Option + Z) to step backward sequentially, this update disrupted muscle memory.

To restore the traditional undo behavior, enable the Use Legacy Undo Shortcuts option by following these steps:

  1. Open Adobe Photoshop.
  2. Navigate to the Keyboard Shortcuts menu:
    • Windows: Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts...
    • macOS: Go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts... (or Photoshop > Keyboard Shortcuts...)
  3. In the Keyboard Shortcuts and Menus dialog box, look near the bottom of the window.
  4. Check the box labeled Use Legacy Undo Shortcuts.
  5. Click OK to save and apply the changes.

Once enabled, your keyboard shortcuts will revert to their classic behavior immediately:

  • Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z: Toggles Undo and Redo for the most recent action.
  • Ctrl + Alt + Z / Cmd + Option + Z: Steps backward multiple times through the History panel.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Z / Cmd + Shift + Z: Steps forward multiple times through the History panel.

You can toggle this setting off at any time using the same menu if you choose to transition to modern default shortcuts later.