Written by
Sherry Song
Summary: Do you wanna recover your CR2 files on Mac? Whether they are lost, missing, deleted, or corrupted, let's guide you through the main methods to get back all of them with backups or without backups. iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac seems to be the best one.
CR2 files, Canon's Raw image format, are prized for their high quality and flexibility in post-processing. Losing these files can be frustrating, especially if they contain your valuable photos. Or even if you find the CR2 files can't open, recovering is a must.
I wanna know if it is possible to recover all my CR2 files. The camera is not dropped, let alone the SD card. Do you have solutions to recover corrupted or deleted CR2 files from it? -reddit.com
I can't open images of RAW(Canon CR2 files) on my Mac. I tried to convert them or recover them but neither worked. How can I do? -discussion.apple.com
Fortunately, there are several effective methods to recover CR2 files on Mac. Follow us, we will explore both the most possible way and common ways, along with tips to prevent future data loss.
An overall table to recover CR2 files on Mac
| Solutions | Need backups | Possibility to recover | Advantages | Overall score |
| Use iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac | No | High | Support recovering 1000+ types of files | |
| Check Mac Trash | No | Low | Built-in feature | |
| Do a backup on memory card | Yes | Moderate | Easy to find | |
| Utilize iCloud | Yes | Moderate | Convenient if you set | |
| Make use of Time Machine | Yes | Low | Built-in feature |
Among them, iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac seems to be the most effective method, which can recover all CR2 files whether you have a backup or not, and even the CR2 files can't be opened.
The quickest way to recover CR2 files on Mac
When you need fast and reliable results, iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac is your best choice. Have a back or not, lost 30 days or over several months, it can help you get back all CR2 files from the memory card with the fastest scanning speed.
iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac simplifies the recovery process with its user-friendly interface and advanced algorithms. Not only can it recover CR2 files on Mac, but it also supports recovery of over 1000 kinds of data for HDD, SSD, SD cards, and external hard drives…
Let's recover CR2 files with iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac:
- Free download, install, and open iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac.
- Select your device where you store CR2 files on the left menu, then click Search for Lost Data.
- After scanning, preview the CR2 files and choose your wanted files, click Recover.
(You can click Type to quickly find the files with the extension .cr2/.CR2)
Remember to save them to another place, not the original place. This tool is particularly effective for recovering deleted, lost, or corrupted CR2 files from both internal drives and external storage devices.
Download iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac now!
How to manually recover CR2 files on Mac
If you prefer manual recovery methods, or so sure you back up the CR2 files before, the following solutions can help you to recover lost CR2 files on Mac.
# Use Mac Trash to recover CR2 files on Mac
You're lucky to recover CR2 files on Mac if you haven't emptied Mac Trash, they might still be in the Trash:
- Dock > Trash.
- Look for the CR2 files you need on the list.
- Right-click the files and select Put Back to restore them to their original location.
Easy, right? However, after emptying Trash, you have to move to the next method.
# Use a memory card to recover CR2 files on Mac
If you delete or lost CR2 files after transferring them from the memory card, follow:
- Stop using the memory card immediately to prevent data overwriting.
- Connect the card to your Mac using a card reader.
- Use Finder to search for the files.
In that case, they don't appear, consider using a data recovery tool like iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac.
# Use iCloud backup to recover CR2 files on Mac
If you've enabled iCloud before, your CR2 files might be saved there. You can:
- Open your browser and visit iCloud.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and your password.
- Scroll down and click Data Recovery.
- Click Restore Files and choose your wanted CR2 files then click Restore.
(Or you can open Photos on Mac then sign in, and search for your CR2 files in the library or the "Recently Deleted" folder.)
Don't backup them on iCloud storage but the external drive with Time Machine? keep reading.
# Use Time Machine backup to recover CR2 files on Mac
For users who regularly back up their data using Time Machine, recovering CR2 files on Mac is straightforward:
- Connect your Time Machine backup drive which you set before to your Mac.
- Open the folder where the CR2 files were originally stored.
- Launch Time Machine from the menu bar.
- Browse through the backup history with the timeline, locate your CR2 files, and click Restore.
You must learn how to recover CR2 files on Mac, please share our post to help more users.
Tips to avoid future loss of CR2 files on Mac
Prevention is always better than recovery. Follow these tips to safeguard your CR2 files in the later days.
- Enable regular backups: Use Time Machine or a cloud storage service like iCloud to back up your files regularly.
- Handle memory cards carefully: Avoid abrupt removal of memory cards during file transfers to prevent corruption.
- Use reliable storage: Invest in high-quality memory cards and external drives for your photography needs.
- Act quickly after data loss: Stop using the affected drive or card immediately to prevent overwriting, and use recovery tools promptly.
Final words
Recovering CR2 files on a Mac doesn't have to be a daunting task. You're highly recommended to utilize iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac to realize a maximum possible data recovery result. Even if you can't open them at all, emergency recovery is necessary.
Act swiftly when data loss occurs to maximize your chances of successful recovery. Please share our post if you feel it is useful.
