# Return to Recent Documents

Recent Documents helps you quickly reopen documentation you worked on recently, so you can continue authoring without searching through the full document list. Use it when you know you opened a document before but do not want to locate it again manually.

> 📷 _Screenshot pending: The dashboard showing the Recent section with recently opened documents._

## Overview

When you work across multiple projects or documentation topics, finding the right document again can take time. The **Recent** area provides a shortcut to documentation you have opened recently, helping you return to your active work more efficiently.

Use Recent Documents when you are continuing an edit, reviewing an existing guide, comparing document versions, or preparing a translation. Instead of starting from the complete **Documents** list, select the document from **Recent** and continue where you left off.

If the document you need is not shown in **Recent**, use the main **Documents** area. You can search using **Search documents...** or, where available, **Search documents, categories, projects...** to locate documents by name, category, or project.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure that:

- You are signed in to Atloria.
- You have access to the relevant project and its documents.
- You have opened the document previously if you expect it to appear under **Recent**.
- You know the document name, category, or project in case you need to use document search instead.
- You have permission to view or edit the document you want to reopen.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Atloria dashboard or the project workspace where you manage documentation.

2. Look for the section labeled **Recent**.

   The Recent area is intended for returning to documentation you accessed recently. Review the displayed document entries and identify the document you want to continue working on.

3. Select the document you want to reopen.

   Atloria opens the selected document so you can continue your work. Depending on your task and permissions, you can review the document or proceed to editing.

4. Continue with the appropriate document task.

   For example, you can:
   - Update the document content.
   - Return to the document list by selecting **← Back to Documents**.
   - Use document comparison when you need to review differences.
   - Open translation work when the document needs another language version.
   - Export the finished content using **Export Documentation**, when that option is available.

5. If the document is not listed under **Recent**, open **Documents**.

   Use **Search documents...** to search the document list. If your workspace provides the broader search field, use **Search documents, categories, projects...** to narrow your search by document, category, or project.

6. If no existing document matches your needs, select **Create New Document**.

   You can then choose **Create Document** to start authoring. If you are bringing in existing material, select **Or import existing documentation** instead.

> 📷 _Screenshot pending: The Recent section and the Documents page search field used when a document is not listed._

## Tips and Best Practices

- Use **Recent** for short-term continuity. It is most useful when you are returning to documentation you opened during your current or recent work.
- Use **Documents** for complete discovery. The Recent area is a shortcut, not a replacement for the full document list.
- Search before creating a new document. Enter a title or keyword in **Search documents...** to avoid creating duplicate documentation.
- Use the broader **Search documents, categories, projects...** field when you are unsure which project contains the document.
- Confirm the document before editing. Documents with similar titles can exist in different categories or projects, so check that you opened the intended item.
- Return to the document list with **← Back to Documents** when you need to switch between several documents rather than relying only on Recent.
- Use **Recently Updated** when your goal is to find the latest changes rather than the documents you personally opened most recently.

## Related Pages

- [Documents](#documents) — Find, search, and manage all available documentation.
- [Create New Document](#create-new-document) — Start a new documentation item.
- [Edit a Document](#edit-a-document) — Update document content after reopening it.
- [Compare Documents](#compare-documents) — Review document differences.
- [Translate a Document](#translate-a-document) — Create or manage translated documentation.
- [Export Documentation](#export-documentation) — Export completed documentation.

## Troubleshooting

### The document I need is not shown in Recent

**Problem:** You cannot find the document you want in the **Recent** section.

**Cause:** The document may not have been opened recently, or other recently accessed documents may be displayed instead.

**Solution:** Select **Documents** and search using **Search documents...**. If available, use **Search documents, categories, projects...** to search across document names, categories, and projects. Open the correct document from the results.

### I can see Recent, but I cannot find a document from another project

**Problem:** A document you expect to work on is not available in the current project context.

**Cause:** The document may belong to a different project, or you may not currently have access to that project.

**Solution:** Switch to the correct project and check its documents. Use the document search fields to search by project or document name. If you still cannot locate it, confirm that you have access to the project containing the document.

### I opened the wrong document from Recent

**Problem:** You selected a document with a similar name but it is not the one you intended to update.

**Cause:** Multiple documents can have similar titles, especially when documentation is organized across categories or projects.

**Solution:** Select **← Back to Documents**, then use **Search documents...** or **Search documents, categories, projects...** to locate the correct document. Review the document’s project and category before continuing your edits.