Losing important work can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially when it comes to Photoshop (PSD) files. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted a file, your computer crashed and unsaved your work, or the file has become corrupted, there are ways to recover your lost files. In this article, we will explore five methods for recovering deleted, unsaved, or corrupted Photoshop (PSD) files, including checking the recycle bin or trash, using auto-recover, data recovery software, file history, and contacting Adobe support. Additionally, we will also discuss what to do if these methods don’t work and what options to consider.

So here are 5  methods on how to recover Photoshop (PSD) files:

  1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: When you delete a file from your computer, it’s not permanently deleted. Instead, it’s moved to the Recycle Bin or Trash folder. This is where deleted files are temporarily stored until they are permanently deleted. So, the first step in recovering a deleted PSD file is to check these folders. If the file is still there, you can simply restore it.
  1. Check Auto-Recover: Photoshop has an auto-recover feature that automatically saves a copy of your work every few minutes. This feature is enabled by default and can save your work in case of a power outage, computer crash, or other unexpected events. If the program crashes or your computer turns off unexpectedly, this copy may be recoverable. To check for auto-recovered files, go to the “File” menu and look for the “Recover Unsaved Document” option. If the option is grayed out, it means that no auto-recovered files were found.
  1. Use Data Recovery Software: Data recovery software can help you recover deleted or lost files. These programs scan your hard drive for deleted files and can often recover them. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Keep in mind that using data recovery software can be time-consuming, and the success rate of file recovery depends on various factors such as the state of the storage media, the time passed since the file was deleted, and the type of deletion.

The best utilities for both Macs and PCs you will find here.

  1. Use File History: If you’re using a Windows computer, you can use File History to restore previous versions of your files. File History automatically backs up files every hour, and you can restore previous versions of files that have been backed up. To use File History, go to the “Control Panel” and select “File History.”
  1. Contact Adobe Support: If none of the above methods work, you may need to contact Adobe Support for assistance. They may be able to help you recover your lost files or provide you with information on how to proceed. Before you contact support, make sure to have your product serial number, a detailed description of the problem, and any error messages that you have received.

If none of the above methods work, and you are still unable to recover your deleted, unsaved, or corrupted Photoshop (PSD) files, there are a few additional things you can try:

  • Check for backups: If you have been regularly backing up your work, you can check your backups to see if the lost file is included. This can include backups to an external hard drive, cloud-based storage service, or another location.
  • Check for temporary files: Some programs, including Photoshop, create temporary files while you work on a document. These files may still contain some of your work, even if the original file has been deleted. Check the temporary files folder on your computer to see if the lost file is there.
  • Check for file versions: Some file management systems, such as Windows File History, automatically save versions of files as you work on them. Check for previous versions of the file in case you have saved a version before the lost one.
  • Hire a data recovery specialist: If you are unable to recover your lost file yourself, you may want to consider hiring a data recovery specialist. These professionals can use specialized software and hardware to recover lost or deleted files.

You can find a list of the best data recovery services here.

  • Consult with an expert: If you are unable to recover your file, you may want to consult with an expert in the field. They may be able to provide additional guidance and advice on how to proceed.

It’s important to note that in some cases, it may not be possible to recover a lost file. This can happen if the file has been permanently deleted, the storage media has been damaged, or the file has been overwritten. In such scenarios, it’s important to have regular backups in place to minimize data loss.

Preventing the loss of important work is just as important as knowing how to recover it. 

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent losing your Photoshop (PSD) files:

  • Regularly save your work: One of the easiest ways to prevent losing work is to regularly save it. Make sure to save your work often and use the “Save As” feature to create multiple versions of your file. This way, if something goes wrong with the original file, you can always go back to a previous version.
  • Use Auto-save: As mentioned before, Photoshop has an auto-save feature that automatically saves a copy of your work every few minutes. This feature can save your work in case of a power outage, computer crash, or another unexpected event.
  • Keep backups: Regularly backing up your work is a must. This can be done by saving your work to an external hard drive or using a cloud-based storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. This way, if a file is lost or corrupted, you can always restore it from a backup.
  • Keep your software up to date: Keep your Photoshop and operating system updated. Software updates often contain bug fixes and security patches that can prevent data loss and corruption.
  • Be careful when deleting files: Before deleting any files, make sure you have a backup or that you have saved a copy of the file elsewhere. Once a file is deleted, it may be difficult or impossible to recover it.
  • Keep your computer in good shape: Keeping your computer in good shape can also help prevent data loss. Make sure to keep your computer free from malware and viruses, and keep your hard drive clean and free from errors by running regular disk cleanup and disk defragmenter.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of losing important work and protect your Photoshop (PSD) files. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and taking the time to implement a data backup and recovery plan can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.