Updated 31 May. 2023

Comprehensive AI file recovery for macOS and Windows

AI recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for AI, Adobe Illustrator File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
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rateDisk Drill
666762
ZAR
Single user license $69.95, Technician (site) license $199.95
Free recovery: Free digital image recovery
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rateZAR
10110
M3 Data Recovery
Free, Home edition $69.95, Professional edition $99.95, Technician edition $299
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
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rateM3 Data Recovery
22436
Fireebok Data Recovery
$69.95
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateFireebok Data Recovery
33606
uFlysoft
$84.95
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateuFlysoft
265

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 10
time icon How long we tested 4 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 10

3 important things to consider when choosing AI recovery software

Operating system availability

Data loss can occur on any operating system but not all data recovery programs support multiple platforms. Make sure the app you choose is fully compatible with the OS you run or, at least, has a version for that platform particularly. Certain programs even allow the recovery of storage media formatted for a different operating system entirely.

Free version with data recovery

A lot of data recovery solutions out there offer a free trial that only gets you as far as previewing recoverable files. Once you attempt to retrieve them, you’ll get hit with a message asking you to purchase the full version. Check if the software has a free version that allows actual recovery.

Wide file type support

Whether it’s pictures, documents, audio, or file types, it’s a good idea to select a recovery program that supports the retrieval of a wide range of file extensions. Once you’re done recovering your files this time around, you may need to use the program again in the future for a different file type.

Simple steps to recover deleted AI, Adobe Illustrator File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Install the application on a macOS or Windows machine

Step 2:

Start the applicaiton and select the disk where you last saw the missing files

Step 3:

Cick the Recover button to start the scanning process

Step 4:

Click Recover a second time to get back your selected files

3 AI loss prevention tips

1 Tip

Do routine maintenance on your computer/laptop. Neglecting your computer or laptop can lead to dust build-up, ventilation issues, and other hardware pitfalls. In turn, this could cause your device to abruptly fail, resulting in data loss. So make sure to always perform regular maintenance on your machine to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape.

2 Tip

Create an image at the first sign of storage failure. If you notice that your storage device is starting to fail, you should immediately create a backup image of the medium so that you can attempt data recovery later. That way, you can preserve whatever information is currently on the drive before it incurs further data loss.

3 Tip

Invest in a surge protector. A major power surge can do heavy damage to your computer. A strong enough one could fry the components in your computer, taking all of your important files along with it. So if you live in an area with unpredictable electric currents, spending some money on a surge protector can be a lifesaver.

FAQ

Data recovery software often saves recovered files in a specified directory which you can then access through Windows File Explorer. Disk Drill, for example, is one of the best data recovery programs around and includes a button at the end of the retrieval process that will open the folder where your recovered AI files are located.

When AI files are deleted from a computer, they are not permanently erased just yet. So long as they’re not overwritten by new data, these files remain out of sight on the storage media and can be recovered through quality data recovery programs. Backup tools like File History, System Restore, and Timeline can also be used to recover lost data.

On Windows PCs,AI files that weren’t permanently deleted using the Shift + Delete command can be found and restored from the Recycle Bin tool. For Macs, all deleted X files are sent to the Trash first, so you can get them back from there. Otherwise, you can use Windows File History if you enabled it before the deletion or the Mac Timeline feature.