The heartache of losing precious work can’t be overstated. Yet there are still possible avenues to explore. I’ll add my two cents to what @techchizkid mentioned (great stuff, by the way).
1. Check the Adobe Illustrator’s Recovery Data:
It might be worth diving deeper into Adobe’s own backup systems more intricately than usual. Besides the autosave, Adobe Illustrator sometimes retains sessions’ history. While it may not be the complete file, even partial recovery can be a godsend.
- Look in Unsaved Files:
Navigate to File > Open Recent and see if “Recovered [file name]” happens to pop up. Adobe can be sneaky in throwing such moments of hope around without much fanfare.
2. System Version History:
On top of that, macOS has a nifty feature called Versions. If you had saved your file previously and happened to close without saving recent changes:
- Accessing Previous Versions on macOS:
- Right-click on the folder containing your file and choose
Browse All Versions. - While this won’t restore recent changes, any saved version might serve as a solid base to rebuild upon.
- Right-click on the folder containing your file and choose
3. Look for Cached Files:
Different browsers and systems cache data to facilitate faster reloads. Sometimes, you can find unsaved work here.
- Checking Browser Cache (If you uploaded to a cloud service):
This is a long shot but why not check anyway? Head to the cache folder of your browser or employ a browser-specific method to reveal the cache.
4. Utilize the Creative Cloud Backup:
You could have auto-sync enabled if you’re using Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Log in to Creative Cloud: Head over to your dashboard.
- Check Synced Files: Often, cloud autosave captures minute changes which local files may miss.
- Restore Files: Navigate to the “Deleted” section on Creative Cloud for any missing files.
5. Data Recovery Tools:
Certainly, @techchizkid mentioned Disk Drill, which is an excellent suggestion especially when your reliability hangs in the balance. One thing to emphasize is how these tools update frequently with better algorithm efficiency, allowing possible enhanced recovery rates.
- More on Disk Drill:
They often run promos and some added features are now unlocked in their free tier. Check it out here and you might salvage your crescendo via Disk Drill’s refined data recovery algorithms.
6. Roll the Dice with Backup Recovery Utilities:
System backups or system restore points sometimes serve hidden gems. Enable backup settings going forward.
- On Windows 10:
Simply summon the Windows File History feature. With any luck, it might have snippets of Illustrator files you had once toiled over.
7. Virtual Environment or Virtual Machines (VMs):
It’s a long game strategy, ensuring your work’s safety by running it into virtual environments that deliver isolated locales safeguarding your primal data.
- Setting Up VMs:
- Tools like VMware or VirtualBox can help.
- Regularly transport your active projects into these VMs.
8. Proactive Solutions for the Future:
Can’t stress enough how proactive safety nets create smoother sailing amidst digital waves.
- Automated Backup Scripts:
Craft custom scripts that run routine backups across your directories. In Mac’s Terminal or Windows’ PowerShell, a few lines of code could potentially make a game-changer in preventing future mishaps.
9. Professional Help:
If your project’s survival absolutely depends on it, consider bringing in the pros. Data recovery experts provide tailor-made solutions within their arc of expertise beyond DIY methods.
Note: To integrate all these in real-time, consistently ensuring periodic saves, combined with a cloud layer to sync dynamically, builds robust coverage against unexpected drops.
In essence, blend these mitigation routes into your digital workspace for indispensable resilience. Don’t just recover, rebuild your safety strategies to future-proof your creative projects. The frustration of losing your work is quite relatable, best mitigated by periodically syncing, saving, and securing your workflow engines.