TestDisk & PhotoRec for Mac

Name: TestDisk & PhotoRec
Rating: 4.3 (24 reviews)
Author: CG Security

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMarch 4, 2026

TestDisk & PhotoRec is a robust, free, and open-source software suite designed to recover lost partitions and files from a wide range of storage devices. It is ideal for users who require advanced disk repair and data recovery capabilities without relying on visual interfaces. The suite delivers precise control over damaged drives, offering both partition-level recovery and detailed filesystem diagnostics for technical users.

This software is useful for professionals and enthusiasts who manage corrupted drives or accidentally deleted files. TestDisk & PhotoRec supports numerous file systems and storage types, providing a practical and free solution for recovery tasks across multiple computing environments.

Key capabilities that users rely on

TestDisk & PhotoRec delivers essential partition recovery and boot sector repair functionality to restore lost partitions or fix unbootable drives. Its undelete support covers FAT, NTFS, exFAT, and ext2/3/4 filesystems, helping retrieve data that might otherwise be lost. Users can pair it with alternatives like Recuva for file-focused recovery, while this software remains the preferred choice for deep, disk-level restoration tasks.

The suite operates primarily via a command-line interface, which ensures it remains lightweight and compatible across multiple platforms. Despite the minimalistic interface, the workflow is guided by stepwise menus, making recovery clear and structured. Its broad filesystem support and ability to handle multiple storage media provide reliable performance without unnecessary overhead. This makes it suitable for professional use, casual recovery, and any environment requiring precise data restoration.

While PhotoRec focuses on file-level recovery and TestDisk on partition and boot sector restoration, both tools remain completely free and unrestricted. Advanced users benefit from the depth and precision offered, while beginners may need careful attention to documentation. The suite’s ongoing updates enhance stability and device detection, keeping it compatible with evolving storage technologies and diverse file systems across computing environments.

Pros
- Powerful partition and file recovery capabilities
- Supports multiple file systems and storage media
- Free and open-source with no limitations
- Stepwise menu guides ensure precise recovery
Cons
- Command-line interface requires learning curve
- Not as beginner-friendly for basic file recovery tasks

Bottom Line

Reliable open-source recovery for all users

TestDisk & PhotoRec offers a free, powerful solution for recovering lost partitions, repairing boot sectors, and restoring deleted files. Its broad filesystem support, stepwise workflow, and consistent performance make it indispensable for professionals and tech enthusiasts. The suite’s combination of partition-level and file-level recovery ensures users can address a wide range of data loss scenarios, making it a practical and must-have tool for any computing environment.

What’s new in version 7.2

Improved filesystem support across multiple storage devices
Enhanced stability and detection for unbootable drives
Updated documentation for advanced recovery guidance

TestDisk & PhotoRec for Mac

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 6, 2019

Latest update: March 4, 2026

Version: 7.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks
OS X Mountain Lion
OS X Lion
OS X Snow Leopard

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 87,782

Downloads Last Week: 7

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

24 User Votes

It's Simple, It's Effective, and Best of All, It's Free
Serv the DevAugust 30, 2015
Pros
It helped me recover most of the photos I accidentally deleted and the interface was fairly straightforward and simple. However, the fact that it was free sold it for me.
Cons
The program wasn't able to recover all photos lost and used up quite a lot of disk space during recovery. Also, the Terminal interface may be intimidating to those who are new.
Summary
Overall, a fairly effective program for something that is free.
Didn't recover my pics
PinnetjesMarch 13, 2014
Pros
Simple and quick to install program and it's free
Cons
I tried to recover pictures from the bin (mac), but it didn't work. Might have done something wrong myself though. I can't open .gz files either.
Summary
Not sure if it works but looks legit
Does the job very well.
starmildmentholJuly 20, 2013
Pros
- Easy to use - Simple interface (Duh, it's Terminal) - Clear instruction - It does really work
Cons
Working in Terminal may scare some people
Summary
It works...
Adamada68August 16, 2012
Pros
Recovers photos, thumbnail and full photo recovered
Cons
Not all photos recovered, works in Terminal, didn't recover all of my photos
Summary
Recovered photos but the size is TINY
jitzhakianApril 21, 2011
Pros
Recovered lost photos FREEE!
Cons
Hard to work with The photos I got were really small (like thumbnail size)
Summary
I'm really happy that I was able to recover my photos from my CF card, but the program is so hard to navigate. When I finally got my photos, they were TINY (literally thumbnail size). If anyone knows how I can get full size photos, please let me know!
Worked like a charm!
AppleMikeApril 16, 2011
Pros
Does what it says! Free!
Cons
Runs in Terminal, no GUI.
Summary
I am impressed, it just works! I tested this on a corrupt Sony Memory Stick Duo Card. I hope not to need this again, but now I have the tools to cope with this in the future. Thanks for such a valuable program!
Saved a year's worth of pictures off my dead CF card!
hiramsternMarch 13, 2011
Pros
Did a great job recovering almost everything off a crashed compact flash card. Instructions very good.
Cons
Cryptic terminal interface kept me from giving it 5 stars. However, with instructions I was able to make it work.
Summary
Hey! Donate to this guy because he'll save your lost files and doesn't expect to get paid! Install his software before you need it on your laptop because you'll be traveling and your camera card will corrupt at the worst possible time (mine did in China!)
Command line-works well,takes a little getting used to
majorclattoDecember 2, 2010
Pros
It is truly Free Small Download Works efficiency
Cons
Is command line only could put novice users off Do need a little tetchy knowledge
Summary
Will use again
Worked! Saved my bacon.
jpbadonkJuly 29, 2010
Pros
Recovered photos from a corrupted memory card.
Cons
Text/terminal based UI isn't intuitive for non-technical people.
Summary
Free and it works.
works for free
sexyguynotinthecityJuly 23, 2010
Pros
works for me
Cons
no GUI, hard to use
Summary
Bottom-line, it works.

Developer’s Description

By CG Security

Recover data and photos from lost partitions and drives.

TestDisk is a powerful data recovery utility. It was primarily designed to help recover lost partitions and/or make non-booting disks bootable again when these symptoms are caused by faulty software, certain types of viruses or human error (such as accidentally erasing your Partition Table). PhotoRec is file data recovery software designed to recover lost pictures or lost files from digital camera memory (CompactFlash, Memory Stick, SecureDigital, SmartMedia, Microdrive, MMC, USB Memory Drives), even Hard Disks and CDRom.

PhotoRec is safe to use, it will never attempt to write to the drive or memory support you are about to recover from. Recovered files are instead written in the directory from where you are running the PhotoRec program. Version 6.3 includes unspecified updates.

TestDisk & PhotoRec for Mac

Editors’ Review

Key capabilities that users rely on

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Reliable open-source recovery for all users

What’s new in version 7.2

TestDisk & PhotoRec for Mac

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User Reviews

It's Simple, It's Effective, and Best of All, It's Free

Didn't recover my pics

Does the job very well.

It works...

Recovered photos but the size is TINY

Worked like a charm!

Saved a year's worth of pictures off my dead CF card!

Command line-works well,takes a little getting used to

Worked! Saved my bacon.

works for free

Developer’s Description