CardRescue for Mac

Used CardRescue for Mac?

CardRescue Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

CardRescue is a trial version backup software designed for Mac users seeking to recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices. This program specializes in restoring files from memory cards, USB drives, and other removable media, making it a valuable tool for photographers, videographers, and anyone who frequently uses removable storage. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the recovery process, allowing users to navigate through lost files with ease.

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The software supports a wide range of file formats, including images, videos, and documents, ensuring versatility in data recovery. CardRescue employs advanced scanning algorithms to locate and retrieve data efficiently, even after formatting or accidental deletion. Users can preview recoverable files before completing the recovery process, which adds an extra layer of assurance. Overall, CardRescue presents a robust solution for data recovery on Mac systems.

CardRescue for Mac

Used CardRescue for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 1, 2019

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 5.62

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 9,465

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.9/5

7 User Votes

Answered my prayers!
prczar1March 22, 2013
Pros
Recovered photos from my 32 GB class 10 card in a reasonable length of time.
Cons
I only used this once so I can't say at this time. I noticed it changed the RAW Nikon format (.NEF) to a .TIF file. Not sure that's much a con but thought I would note it.
Summary
I initially used the demo version to recover photos that I had inadvertently deleted from the card. I wasn't sure this was the card that even contained the photos. Much to my relief, lo and behold, the entire photo shoot containing my deleted photos was recovered in tact. This is after I had already reformatted the card in my Nikon. The photos were from a professional photo shoot so I have to say this was the best $39.95 I've spent in a long time! Well worth it!
SIMPLY AMAZING!
AVLPhotographerSeptember 16, 2012
Pros
It works. It not only retrieved the photos I took that day, but also the photos that I had taken before I formatted the card. Worked flawlessly on my Mac. No problems reading a 16GB SD Card.
Cons
You can't "preview" RAW photos. Only JPEG. I could see there were "zero bad sectors" and a several hundred boxes showing photos that could be recovered, I just couldn't see them before buying the product. It worked out 100% GREAT!
Summary
Amazing. I thought surely a day's worth of photos from my trip to India would be lost. CardRescue worked flawlessly retrieving my RAW PHOTOS.
Life Savor. Works flawlessly. Dumb Proof. DELIVERS!!!
qazipiqturesMay 6, 2012
Pros
Easy to use Works as advertised No problems yet
Cons
I have seen none.
Summary
I will give this product 10 out of 5 if I could. It saved my life and I fully support this.
What a life saver!!! THANK YOU!!
MCPhotogMay 28, 2011
Pros
It works!! (Thank goodness!!!) Easy to use Fair price (very worth it!)
Cons
The "preview" part in program is odd and inconvenient (6-at-a-time)
Summary
If you need to retrieve files, use this! It's worth every penny, and easy to use.
I'm impressed.
tfd330April 9, 2011
Pros
It works, fair price.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I tried five different "recovery" apps to get some Canon camera images back from an SDHC card my wife had accidentally deleted. CardRescue was my final shot, and it got them all back, the only one of the group that did. Worked great for me.
Worked first time - great product.
Relieved2October 7, 2010
Pros
Fast and easy, read the card very quickly. Although requires payment to recover photos, it was very fast and drama-free. Highly recommended.
Cons
$40, but sometimes you have to pay the dumb tax.
Summary
You can use the free version so see if there are photos/files to recover - that way you can decide whether the cost is worth it. The time from my credit card payment to the company emailing me a code to having the photos in my desktop folder - less than 30 seconds.
Worked on the first try!
corbin1234September 18, 2010
Pros
Attractive Interface, Recovered all of my damaged files, worked as described
Cons
None, the program worked very well.
Summary
I found this program online after two my card rescuing programs failed - the Lexar and Sandisk programs - I had potentially lost 250 photos from my CF card. CardRescue gave me the option to preview what files it could retrieve before purchasing and it found all of my damaged files on the first scan. I bought this in a real pinch, but it ended up working out as a really helpful piece of software. I hope that I don't have an occasion to use it again, but nice to know that it was successful this time. I would recommend having a program like this on hand anyway if you're using a lot of memory cards - they can fail from time to time.

Developer’s Description

Recovers lost pictures from digital camera memory cards.

CardRescue is a photo recovery software for Mac OS X. It can rescue deleted photos and movies, or reformatted photos from digital camera flash memory card. It can also recover lost photos from corrupted flash memory cards. CardRescue recovers your lost pictures from Secure Digital (SD card), Compact Flash (CF card), xD Picture card, MemoryStick, SmartMedia card and more.