5 Ways to Recover Deleted DNG Files on Mac

Part 1: What Causes DNG Files to Be Lost on Mac?

DNG files are widely used for high-quality image storage, but they can be lost due to various reasons. Understanding the causes can help prevent future data loss and improve recovery chances.

• Accidental Deletion: You may mistakenly delete DNG files while clearing storage or emptying the Trash. Once the Trash is emptied, recovery becomes difficult without specialized tools.
• Formatting Errors: If you accidentally format your Mac's hard drive, external storage, or SD card where DNG files are stored, all data, including DNG images, will be erased.
• File Transfer Interruption: Abruptly disconnecting an external drive or SD card while transferring DNG files can lead to corruption or loss of data.
• Hard Drive or SD Card Failure: A failing storage device due to bad sectors, physical damage, or system errors can result in inaccessible or lost DNG files.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: If your Mac or external storage is infected with a virus, it may corrupt or delete stored DNG files.
• Software or System Crashes: Unexpected crashes during file editing or saving may cause files to become corrupted or disappear.

Note:

In some cases, attempting manual fixes can worsen the issue or overwrite lost data. To improve recovery chances, stop using the affected storage and use professional recovery software immediately.

Part 2: How to Recover Deleted DNG Files on Mac?

Losing DNG files on your Mac can be stressful, especially when they hold valuable memories or important work. Fortunately, several reliable methods can help you recover deleted DNG files efficiently.

Let's explore the best solutions to restore your lost data safely.

Method 1: Recover DNG Files via 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery

If you've accidentally deleted your DNG files on Mac, 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery can be your best solution. This tool excels at retrieving lost image files, including DNG formats, from various scenarios such as accidental deletion, formatted drives, system crashes, or emptied trash.

Its ability to perform deep scans ensures that even permanently erased DNG files can be recovered from your Mac's internal storage, external disks, or SD cards used in digital cameras.

With 4DDiG, your deleted DNG files are never truly lost, making it a reliable tool for photographers and creatives who need their RAW files back in critical data loss situations.

• Supports DNG Recovery: Recovers deleted, lost, or formatted DNG files from Mac devices efficiently.
• Advanced Scanning Modes: Offers quick and deep scans to locate and recover DNG files in complex data loss situations.
• Compatible with macOS Sequoia and M-series Chips: Ensures seamless recovery on the latest Mac systems.
• Secure Recovery Process: 256-bit SSL encryption ensures safe data recovery without risks.

Here's how you can recover Deleted DNG Files on Mac with 4DDiG:

• Select a Location
  Launch 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery after installation. Choose the drive or storage device where your DNG files were deleted. Click "Scan" to start searching for lost files.

  

• Scan and Preview
  The tool will perform a quick and deep scan to find deleted files. Once scanning is complete, preview the recovered DNG files to ensure they are intact. Filter results by file type for easy selection.

  

• Recover DNG Files
  Click the "Recover" button after selecting your files. Choose a secure location to save them, avoiding the original drive to prevent data overwriting. Your DNG files are now restored successfully.

  
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Method 2: Recover DNG Files from Recently Deleted Folder

If you've deleted your DNG files recently, the "Recently Deleted" folder is your first stop. Mac keeps deleted files for 30 days, giving you a window to recover them without additional tools.

• Open Finder, go to the "View" menu, and select "Show Folders" to display all available folders.

• Find the "Recently Deleted" folder. Browse through the files, locate your DNG files, and move them back to your chosen location.

  

• On older macOS versions, open the Photos app. The "Recently Deleted" folder will be at the top. Select your DNG files and click "Recover."

Note:

This method only works for files deleted within the last 30 days. If your files are older or missing here, try the next method for recovery.

Method 3: Access iCloud on Mac

If you've synced your DNG files to iCloud, you can easily restore them. iCloud stores your files safely and allows you to access them from any device.

• Open any web browser on your Mac and go to iCloud.com. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.

  

• Click on the "Photos" icon. From the top menu, select "Albums" and open the "Recently Deleted" album.

• Browse through the album, select the DNG files you need, and click the "Recover" button.

Method 4: Use Time Machine to Recover DNG Files

If you've enabled Time Machine backups, it's a reliable way to recover lost DNG files. Time Machine automatically saves your files, making it easy to restore them.

• Click the Time Machine icon from the menu bar or open it through "System Preferences" > "Time Machine."

• Choose "Enter Time Machine" to view your backups. Navigate through the timeline to find the DNG files you lost.

  

• Once you locate the files, select them and click "Restore." This will place the DNG files back in their original location.

Method 5: Recover DNG Files from Terminal

If you prefer using built-in Mac utilities, Terminal offers a direct way to recover deleted DNG files, but only if they're still in the Trash. This method is quick and doesn't require third-party tools.

• Open "Terminal" by navigating to "Finder" > "Applications" > "Utilities." Double-click on "Terminal" to launch it.

  

• Type cd .Trash and hit "Return." This command takes you to the Trash folder where your deleted files are temporarily stored.

• Enter ls "-al /.Trash" to view the complete list of deleted files. Carefully look for the DNG files you want to recover.

• Use the mv command to move the files. Type mv filename ../ and press "Return." Make sure to replace "filename" with the exact name of your DNG file, including the .dng extension.

  

• Close Terminal by typing exit or quit. Your recovered DNG files will now be in your home directory.

Note:

Remember, it only works if your files are still in the Trash. For files permanently deleted, a recovery tool like 4DDiG might be necessary.

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: A DNG file is a Digital Negative image format created by Adobe. It stores raw image data for easy editing without losing quality.

Ans: You can open DNG files on Mac using Preview, Adobe Lightroom, or Photoshop. Simply drag the file into the app to view or edit it.

Ans: Back up your DNG files regularly to external drives or cloud storage. Use reliable antivirus software to protect files from corruption or malware.

Final Words

Recovering deleted DNG files on Mac is possible with built-in options like the Recently Deleted folder, iCloud, Time Machine, and Terminal. However, for permanently lost files, using a reliable recovery tool is essential. 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery stands out with its efficient and user-friendly approach, ensuring you can recover DNG files quickly and safely. If you're facing data loss, don't wait; 4DDiG is the ultimate solution to retrieve your valuable files with ease.