Apple Notes - added PDF to a note and a different hand drawing was deleted on the same note was deleted

Unfortunately, Apple Notes currently doesn't have a built-in undo function or version history that allows you to recover deleted content. When you added the PDF from Dropbox and it replaced your drawing, it's likely permanently deleted.

Here are some possibilities for what might have happened:

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• Imported Instead of Inserted: It's possible that when you shared the PDF from Dropbox, you accidentally "imported" it instead of "inserting" it. Importing replaces existing content, while inserting adds it alongside existing content.
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• Note Taking App Glitch: In rare cases, glitches within the Notes app can cause unexpected behavior.
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Here's what you can do moving forward:

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• Check Recently Deleted Folder (Dropbox): If the PDF came from Dropbox, check the "Recently Deleted" folder within your Dropbox account. Dropbox might store recently deleted files for a certain period, allowing you to recover the PDF if needed.
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• Consider Third-Party Note Taking Apps: Some third-party note-taking apps offer features like version history or undo functionality, which can be helpful in recovering accidentally deleted content. However, these apps might require subscriptions or have limitations compared to the Apple Notes app.
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• Prevention Tips: Here are some tips to prevent similar situations in the future:
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• Before sharing/importing anything, double-check that you're using the "Insert" option instead of "Import" to avoid replacing existing content.
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• Consider duplicating the note before making significant changes. This way, you have a backup in case something goes wrong.
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  • Explore note-taking apps with version history or undo features if these functionalities are crucial for your workflow.
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While there's no way to recover the lost drawing in this instance, hopefully these tips can help you avoid similar situations in the future.