How to Recover Deleted Lightroom Catalog Files (.Ircat)

This article describes how to recover deleted Lightroom catalog files (.Ircat) from recent backups or use reliable data recovery software MyRecover to scan for it.

Ivy

By Ivy / Updated on December 26, 2024

Share this: instagram reddit

Are you a photography enthusiast who uses Adobe Lightroom to manage and edit your photos? If so, you understand the importance of having a well-organized catalog to keep track of all your valuable images.

However, accidents happen, and you may find yourself in a situation where your Lightroom photos and even catalog get accidentally deleted or lost. So users are looking for ways to recover deleted files from Lightroom, e.g., photos, catalogs, etc.

I accidentally deleted my Lightroom catalog, and I'm freaking out. I've been working on it for hours, and I don't want to start from scratch. Has anyone been through this before? Is there any way to recover a deleted Lightroom catalog? I'm using Adobe Lightroom Classic on my Windows 10 PC.” 

recover-deleted-lightroom-catalog

Don't panic! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of recovering deleted Lightroom catalog while ensuring your precious photos are not lost forever.

What is a LRCAT file?

In simple terms, a catalog is a database that stores information about your photos, such as file locations, edits, keywords, and more. Think of it as a virtual library that helps you quickly locate and manage your images.

Through LRCAT files, you can make edits to your photos without overwriting the original files in your storage. Instead, every modification is stored within the catalog file alongside its corresponding LRCAT-DATA file, enabling non-destructive picture editing.

lrcat-file

Common causes of Lightroom catalog loss

Accidental deletion of a Lightroom catalog can occur due to various reasons.

  • Some common causes include mistakenly deleting the catalog file, formatting the storage device, or experiencing a system crash.
  • Additionally, hardware malfunctions, software conflicts, or even malware attacks can contribute to the loss of your catalog.

How to recover deleted Lightroom catalog files 

Now let's explore 3 effective methods to recover a deleted Lightroom catalog and follow the detailed instructions to get them back quickly.

Method 1. Recover deleted LRCAT files even after permanent deletion

⚠️Since data loss accidents always come without any warnings and very suddenly, many users cannot restore deleted or lost files from backups. But don’t worry, without a backup, you can still attempt to recover deleted Lightroom catalog using reliable file recovery software. It usually offers users the best chances to retrieve data successfully.

MyRecover is cutting-edge data recovery software that empowers you to effortlessly retrieve your valuable files with just a few clicks. It also provides users with many flexible recovery options to simplify the process. It's crucial to act quickly and avoid using the affected device to prevent overwriting deleted data.

MyRecover
Why Choose MyRecover?
  • Combine Quick Scan Deep Scan technologies to detect deleted or lost files.
  • Recover different data types, such as documents, images, audios, videos, compressed files, etc., up to 1000+ formats.
  • Search or filter data quickly through file name, extension, data type, etc.
  • Preview and recover files while scanning.
  • Recover specific files or folders instead of all.
  • Work perfectly with NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems.
  • Recover data in any scenario, such as accidental deletion, disk formatting, system crash, lost partition, or virus attack.

Don't let data loss disrupt your workflow. Choose MyRecover, the seamless, efficient and reliable data recovery companion.

Step 1. Download and launch data recovery software - MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the affected drive containing the Lightroom catalog, and click Scan.

select-location-to-scan

Step 2. While the scan is in progress, you can utilize the available filters, such as Size, Type, and Date modified, to search for the specific files. For example, you can input "lrcat" in the search box to locate your desired files. You don't need to wait for the complete scanning results.

scanning-drive

Step 3. Once found, double-click to preview them and select the deleted Lightroom catalog. Then, click "Recover x files" and select a new location to initiate the recovery process.

select-files-to-restore

⚠️The Trial version of MyRecover can only be demonstrated. To recover deleted Lightroom catalog, you need to upgrade to the Professional or Technician version. It offers users 3 different subscriptions: Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime.

Method 2. Recover from the Recycle Bin

When files are deleted on the Windows system, they are temporarily stored in a dedicated directory known as the Recycle Bin. This temporary storage serves as a safety net in case you regret or change your mind.

⚠️ If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin, they have been permanently deleted. You might as well use MyRecover to restore permanently removed files.

>> Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop > select the LRCAT files you wish to restore > right-click on the selected file(s) and click "Restore". 

recycle-bin-restore

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file(s) to the desired folder.

Method 3. Recover deleted LRCAT files via File History

Windows provides built-in backup features known as Windows File History and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) that can regularly create backups of your files, preserving historical versions of your data.

However, these features are not enabled by default. If enabled at the time of data loss, you can rely on them to retrieve a copy of your data, provided the affected files are in a backup-enabled folder.

⚠️If you find File History not working on Windows 11, check the tutorial to fix it.

Step 1. Start Control Panel > System and Security > File History.

file-history

Step 2. Click Restore personal files.

restore-personal-files

Step 3. Go to the path where the LRCAT files were stored > select and click the Recover button to get them back.

restore-deleted-file

How to open Lightroom catalog – LRCAT files

LRCAT files can only be accessed by installing Adobe Lightroom Classic and there is no alternative software to open it.

  • To open an LRCAT file using Lightroom Classic, launch the Lightroom Classic program and navigate to File > Open Catalog.
  • To check your default catalog, choose Edit > Preferences > Generalandcheck Default Catalog.

Furthermore, it's important to note that LRCAT files are not backward compatible. Consequently, files created using a newer version of Lightroom Classic cannot be opened using previous versions of the program.

If you intend to utilize a Lightroom Classic catalog file with the regular version of Lightroom, it must be converted to an MCAT file.

Precautions to prevent Lightroom file loss

To avoid the stress of losing your Lightroom catalog in the future, consider implementing these preventive measures:

  • Regularly backup your Lightroom catalog and store backups in multiple locations.
  • Keep your computer and storage devices secure by using reliable antivirus software.
  • Be cautious when deleting files and double-check before confirming any deletions.
  • Invest in a robust data recovery solution to increase the chances of successful recovery.

FAQ

 

Wrap things up

Losing a Lightroom catalog can be a distressing experience for any photographer. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can recover deleted Lightroom catalog with ease.

Remember to act quickly, utilize backups whenever possible, and seek professional data recovery software for help if needed. With the right approach, your Lightroom catalog and all your precious photos can be restored.

Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download
Ivy
Ivy · Editor
Lora is an editor of AOMEI Technology. She is also a tester and editor of AOMEI Data Recovery Tools. -- "Keep testing, write the most useful tutorials for helping people recover the lost data for Windows and phones" is the most meaningful thing for her. Dedicated to creating helpful tutorials, she hopes her tutorial can assist users to effortlessly solve data loss problems on their personal computers and mobile phones.