What "making an edit" means and where you'll do it
An edit is a change you make to something you've already created — a document, photo, video, or spreadsheet. The word itself just means to modify or correct. You make edits in the program where the file lives: if you wrote something in Google Docs, you edit it there. If you took a photo on your phone, you edit it in your phone's photo app or in a dedicated editing program.
The reason this matters is that edits work differently depending on what you're editing and which program you're using. A text edit in Microsoft Word looks nothing like a photo edit in Photoshop. But the underlying idea is the same: you open the file, make your change, and save it so the change sticks around.
Key Takeaways
- To edit something, open the file in the program where it was created or in a program designed to open that file type.
- Most programs show an edit mode or editing toolbar once you open a file — look for buttons labeled "Edit" or pencil icons.
- Changes you make are not permanent until you save the file, usually by pressing Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac).
- Different file types — documents, photos, videos, spreadsheets — require different programs and have different editing tools.
- If you're not sure whether you're in edit mode, look for a pencil icon, an "Edit" button, or a toolbar with formatting options.
Opening a file so you can edit it
Before you can make an edit, you need to open the file. The simplest way is to find the file on your computer or phone and double-click it (on a computer) or tap it (on a phone). The program associated with that file type will open automatically.
If nothing happens when you double-click, or if the file opens in the wrong program, you can right-click the file (on Windows) or control-click it (on Mac) and choose "Open With" to pick a different program. On a phone, tap and hold the file, then look for an "Open With" or "Open In" option.
Some files open in view-only mode by default — you see them but cannot change them. If this happens, look for an "Edit" button, usually near the top of the window. Clicking it switches you into editing mode where you can make changes.
How to make text edits in documents
In a word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages, editing is straightforward. Click or tap where you want to make a change, and your cursor (a blinking line) appears. You can then type new text, delete text by pressing Backspace or Delete, or select text and replace it.
To select text, click at the start of what you want to change and drag to the end, or double-click a single word to select just that word. Once text is selected, you can delete it, copy it, or apply formatting like bold or italics using the toolbar buttons or keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+B for bold, Ctrl+I for italics on Windows; Command+B and Command+I on Mac).
After you make changes, save the file by pressing Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac), or by clicking the File menu and choosing Save. If you've never saved this file before, you'll be asked to name it and choose where to store it.
How to make edits to photos
Photo editing works differently from text editing because you're not typing — you're adjusting colors, cropping, or applying effects. On most phones, open the photo in your default photo app, look for an "Edit" button (usually a pencil icon), and tap it. You'll see options like Crop, Brightness, Contrast, and Filters.
On a computer, you can use built-in programs like Windows Photos (Windows) or Photos (Mac), or free programs like GIMP or Paint.NET. Open the photo, click Edit, and you'll see similar tools. Crop lets you remove parts of the photo you don't want. Brightness and Contrast let you lighten or darken the image. Filters apply preset color changes.
After you finish editing, save the file. Most programs ask whether you want to save over the original or create a new version — saving as a new version is safer because you keep the original unchanged. On phones, look for a "Save" or "Done" button. On computers, use File > Save As to create a copy with a new name.
How to make edits to spreadsheets
Spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets hold data in rows and columns. To edit a cell, click or tap it — the cell will highlight and you'll see its contents in a bar at the top. Type your change directly into the cell or into that bar at the top, then press Enter to confirm.
If you need to edit a formula (a calculation that references other cells), click the cell and look at the formula bar — it shows the actual formula, not just the result. You can edit the formula there. After you make changes, save the file using Ctrl+S or Command+S, or through the File menu.
How to make edits to videos
Video editing is more complex than photo or text editing because videos have multiple layers — video, audio, effects, and timing. On a phone, apps like iMovie (iPhone) or Google Photos (Android) let you trim videos, add music, and apply transitions. Open the video, tap Edit, and you'll see a timeline at the bottom showing the video broken into segments.
On a computer, free programs like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut work similarly. You import the video, drag it onto a timeline, and use tools to cut sections, add effects, or adjust audio. These programs have a steeper learning curve than text or photo editing, so expect to spend time learning the interface.
After editing, export the video as a new file — do not overwrite the original. Most programs have an "Export" or "Render" button that lets you choose a format and quality level before saving.
Undoing changes if you make a mistake
Nearly every program has an Undo function that reverses your last change. Press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac), or click Edit in the menu and choose Undo. You can usually undo multiple times to go back several steps. If you undo too much, Redo (Ctrl+Y or Command+Y) brings changes back.
Undo only works before you save and close the file. Once you close a file without saving, those changes are gone. If you've already saved and want to go back to an earlier version, look for a version history or backup feature — Google Docs and Microsoft 365 automatically save versions you can restore, but local programs on your computer usually do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between editing and creating something new?
Creating means making something from scratch — opening a blank document and writing it, or taking a new photo. Editing means changing something that already exists. In practice, the tools are the same; the only difference is whether you started with a blank file or an existing one.
Why does my file open in view-only mode?
Files open in view-only mode for a few reasons: the file might be read-only (protected so you cannot change it), you might not have permission to edit it, or the program chose view mode by default. Look for an "Edit" button to switch modes. If no button appears, you may not have permission to change that file.
Do I have to save after every edit?
No, but you should save regularly — at least every few minutes if you're making many changes. Unsaved changes disappear if your computer crashes or the program closes unexpectedly. Most programs also have an autosave feature that saves automatically every few minutes, but do not rely on it entirely.
Can I edit a file on my phone and then open it on my computer?
Yes, as long as both devices can access the file. If the file is stored in cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, you can edit it on your phone, and the changes sync to your computer automatically. If the file is only on your phone's local storage, you'll need to transfer it to your computer first.
What if I want to edit something but do not have the original program?
Many file types can be opened in multiple programs. A Word document can open in Google Docs, LibreOffice, or Apple Pages. A JPEG photo can open in any photo editor. Right-click the file, choose "Open With," and pick a different program. Not all programs support all features, so some formatting might change, but basic editing usually works.