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Losing an important Photoshop file that you were working on for hours can be a nightmare. The thought of having to start all over again is not only frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming. The good news is that with the proper steps and tools, you can recover unsaved Photoshop files on your Mac. Here’s how.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To recover unsaved Photoshop files on your Mac, you will need the following:
- Your Mac computer
- Adobe Photoshop installed on your Mac
- A data recovery software
What Requires Your Focus?
When dealing with unsaved Photoshop files on your Mac, you need to focus on:
- Conducting the recovery process as soon as possible: The longer you wait, the higher the chances of the unsaved file being overwritten by other files on your Mac.
- Determining the cause of the file loss: This could be due to various reasons such as system crashes, power failures, software errors, or accidental deletion.
- Following the right recovery steps: Recovery of unsaved Photoshop files requires proper steps and tools to avoid permanent data loss or file corruption.
Method 1: Recover Unsaved Photoshop Files from Adobe Photoshop AutoRecover
Adobe Photoshop has an AutoRecover feature that can help recover unsaved files in case of a system crash or power outage. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1:
Launch the Adobe Photoshop software on your Mac.
Step 2:
Click on "File" and then select "Open Recent."
Step 3:
Look for the unsaved file in the "Recent Files" list. If it’s not there, click on "Recover Unsaved Document."
Step 4:
Select the unsaved Photoshop file you want to recover, and then click "Ok." The file will open in Adobe Photoshop, and you can save it to your desired location.
Pros:
- Requires no third-party data recovery software
- Easy to use
- Can recover unsaved files from system crashes, power outages, or accidental closing of the software
Cons:
- Cannot recover unsaved files due to accidental deletion
- File recovery is not guaranteed if the AutoRecovery feature is disabled in Photoshop settings
Method 2: Recover Unsaved Photoshop Files from Temporary Files
When working on a Photoshop file, temporary files are created and stored in a specific location on your Mac. These files can help recover unsaved Photoshop files lost due to system crashes or power outages. Here’s how to use them:
Step 1:
Open a Finder window and go to the "Go" menu.
Step 2:
Hold down the "Option" key and click on "Library."
Step 3:
Navigate to "Application Support"-> "Adobe" -> "Adobe Photoshop" -> "AutoRecovery."
Step 4:
Look for a file with the .psb extension similar to your unsaved Photoshop file name. Copy it to a new folder and rename it to a .psd extension.
Step 5:
Launch Adobe Photoshop, click on "File" and then select "Open Recent."
Step 6:
Look for the copied and renamed file and open it. Save the file to your desired location.
Pros:
- Can recover unsaved Photoshop files lost due to power outages, system crashes, or other related issues.
- Does not require any third-party software to be installed on your Mac.
Cons:
- Cannot recover unsaved files due to accidental deletion.
- Does not work if the AutoRecovery option is turned off or the temporary files are corrupted.
Method 3: Recover Unsaved Photoshop Files from Time Machine Backup
If you have enabled Time Machine Backup on your Mac, recovering unsaved Photoshop files becomes much easier. Here’s how to recover unsaved Photoshop files from a Time Machine Backup:
Step 1:
Connect your Time Machine Backup drive to your Mac.
Step 2:
Open the folder where the unsaved Photoshop file was saved previously.
Step 3:
Launch Time Machine Backup by clicking on the Time Machine icon on your Mac’s menu bar.
Step 4:
Browse through the backups using the arrow keys or timeline on the right side to go back to the date before the file was lost.
Step 5:
Locate the unsaved Photoshop file and click on the "Restore" button to recover it.
Step 6:
Once the file is restored, Adobe Photoshop will open automatically. You can save the file to your desired location.
Pros:
- Easy to use and recover unsaved Photoshop files from a Time Machine Backup.
- Can recover Photoshop files lost due to various reasons such as system crashes, power outages, or accidental deletion.
Cons:
- Requires a Time Machine Backup previously set up to recover files.
Why Can’t I Recover Unsaved Photoshop Files?
1. AutoRecovery feature is disabled: If the AutoRecovery feature is not enabled at the time of a system crash or power outage, you will not be able to recover your unsaved Photoshop files.
2. File size exceeded: Adobe Photoshop imposes a limit on the size of the AutoRecovery files it creates. If the file size exceeds this limit, it may not be recoverable.
3. No previous backups: If you have not set up any backup options such as Time Machine, you may not be able to recover unsaved Photoshop files lost due to various reasons.
Fixes:
- Enable the AutoRecovery feature: You can turn on the AutoRecovery feature from the Preferences menu by setting the time interval for saving temporary files.
- Adjust the file size limit: You can increase the file size limit from the Preferences menu under the "File Handling" tab.
- Set up backups: You can set up backups on your Mac using various options such as Time Machine, iCloud, or third-party software.
Implications and Recommendations
When working on Photoshop files, it is recommended to continuously save your work to avoid losing unsaved files due to various unpredictable reasons such as system crashes, accidental deletion, or power failures.
Additionally, make it a habit to create backups and enable the AutoRecovery feature in Photoshop’s settings. This will help you recover your unsaved Photoshop files in case of any unexpected incidents and keep your work safe.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I recover unsaved Photoshop files on a Windows computer?
A: Yes, you can use the same methods outlined in this article to recover unsaved Photoshop files on a Windows computer.
Q: Can I recover unsaved Photoshop files that were never saved?
A: Unfortunately, if the unsaved Photoshop file was never saved, there is no method to recover it.
Q: Can I use a free data recovery software to recover unsaved Photoshop files?
A: Yes, There are several free data recovery software available that can be used to recover unsaved Photoshop files, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free.
Q: Why should I enable the AutoRecovery feature in Photoshop?
A: Enabling the AutoRecovery feature in Photoshop ensures that temporary files are continuously saved, reducing the likelihood of losing unsaved Photoshop files due to unexpected incidents.
Q: Can I recover unsaved Photoshop files from an external hard drive?
A: Yes, you can recover unsaved Photoshop files from an external hard drive if they were saved on it. Use the same methods outlined in this article to recover them.
In Conclusion
Losing an unsaved Photoshop file can be a frustrating experience. However, with the use of the right tools and following the right recovery methods, you can recover unsaved Photoshop files on your Mac. Remember to keep your work safe by backing up your files and enabling the AutoRecovery feature in Photoshop’s settings.