PhotoRec is a free, open-source tool that recovers deleted files from your Mac. It scans your drive for known file patterns and rebuilds files it finds, even if the file system itself is damaged or reformatted. It has no recovery limit and does not ask you to pay or sign up.

Key Features

• No Recovery Limit: PhotoRec has no cap on how much data you can recover, unlike many free tools that only unlock full recovery after payment.
• Wide File Format Support: It supports over 480 file types, including photos, videos, documents, and archives.
• Works Past File System Damage: PhotoRec looks for file patterns directly, so it can often recover data even when the drive is reformatted or the file system is corrupted.
• Cross-Platform: PhotoRec runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, and other systems, so you can use the same tool across different computers.
• Free and Open Source: PhotoRec is released under the GPL license, so its code is public and it costs nothing to use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is PhotoRec free?

Yes. PhotoRec is completely free, with no recovery limit and no paid version.

Is PhotoRec open source?

Yes. PhotoRec is open source under the GPL license.

Does PhotoRec have a graphical interface?

No. PhotoRec runs from the command line on Mac. It does not have a graphical app window, so it takes a bit more effort to learn than most Mac apps.

Will PhotoRec recover my file names and folders?

No. PhotoRec finds files based on their content, not their name or location. This means recovered files often lose their original names and folder structure.

What is the difference between PhotoRec and TestDisk?

PhotoRec recovers individual deleted files. TestDisk recovers lost partitions and fixes boot errors. Both tools come from the same developer and are often used together.

Does PhotoRec work on APFS drives?

PhotoRec has limited support for APFS, the file system used on modern Macs. It works best on older or simpler file systems, so results on newer Mac drives can vary.