Overview
Snagit is a widely used software utilized for screen recording and screen capturing created by TechSmith. It contains features that make it useful for professionals, teachers, and content makers where one has to capture, edit and share visual information. But things happen, and you can find yourself in a situation where some important Snagit files have been removed. These can be screen captures, video files, and even annotations. The mere thought of losing anything like that is irritating. In this approach, we surely will discuss the recovering methods for erased Snagit files and also examine some recommendations about how to avoid their loss in a more comprehensive way.
Analyzing Snagit Format Management
Before going deeper into looking for the answers, it would be good to figure out how the Snagit application was built first. First, Snagit records the capture images or videos into some file types, knowing the location of those file types will help in most of the recovery processes.
File Types
Image files: Snagit saves images mainly in most cases in png, jpeg, or gif for example.
Video files: Timeline videos capturing a screen’s motion are always captured and saved through mp4.
Snagit Project Files: These are stored with a .snag or .snagproj extension since they hold images, annotations, and diversity of other contents.
Location Where Files Are Saved By Default
By default, Microsoft Snagit will save files as follows:
For Windows: C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsSnagit
For Mac: ~/Documents/Snagit/
You can even alter the saving place in the settings of the Snagit Program which can also affect the area where you should search for more of your files in case they are deleted.
General cases that may cause the loss of data
Awareness of situations that may result to loss of data is quite helpful in taking caution in the future. Some common problems as to why Snagit files get accomplished and remember them ahead in time:
Accidental Deletion: This is the most prevalent problem that results in file loss, most often occurring as a result of cleaning up or organizing files.
Software Crashes: It’s not uncommon for Snagit to freeze up and close out, potentially wasting work that had not yet been saved.
Crashes of Disk: A damaged disk or memory medium may cause loss or damage of data.
Malicious Programs or Worms: Such software may also infect your computer and modify or remove documents from it.
System Restore or Updates: There are times when an update of the system or a system restore might cause deletion of some files without warning.
Ways to get back deleted Snagit Documents
First Method: Search in Recycle Bin/Trash
When you erase a file on Windows or on Mac OS, the file goes to the Recycle Bin or the Trash before permanent erasure most of the times. To do so, try the following:
Windows:
To Access Recycle bin double click its icons present on your desktop.
Search for your snag it files. If they are present, right click on the file and click on restore.
Mac:
From your Dock select Trash Bin or Open Trash.
Next, search for the erased snag it documents. To undo the action, right-click on the file and choose Put Back.
Second Method: Restore Previous Versions (Windows)
Windows system has this built-in functionality to help restore former versions of certain files. This will work only if you have enabled either File history or system restore. Follow these steps to use this method:
Go to the location of the folder where you stored your Snagit files.
Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option.
A list of versions available will now show up. Choose a version that is before the removal of the file in question.
Finally, click on the Restore button to get back your files.
Option 3: Make use of the recovery feature in Snagit
There is the auto recovery feature within Snagit which will some how allow the recovering of lost projects in case the application meets a closure.
Start the Snagit application.
File.
As for Open Reported Projects that are not saved click the corresponding button.
If there are some files that can be recovered, they will be shown. Highlight the required file for recovery.
Step 4: Use File Recovery Programs
If the mentioned approaches do not prove successful, then it would be necessary to resort to the assistance of other software. The said programs would carry out a search in your hard disk of files you would have deleted and try to restore them. Among them are:
Recuva (Compatible with Windows)
This is a free utility which recovers deleted files from hard drives, memory cards, as well as other devices.
Get Recuva and install it.
After opening the application, turn to the screen and choose the drive for scanning.
Find and rescue the lost Snagit documents as instructed within the application.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems)
This is a comprehensive data recovery application where different types of files can be restored with ease.
Get starting with EaseUS by getting the application downloaded and installed on your system.
Pick the region from which the files are supposed to be deleted and begin scanning.
Interactively select desired files and restore them after inspection.
Disk Drill (Compatible with Windows and Mac computers)
An uncluttered and easy to use tool for recovery operations.
Acquiring Disk Drill would imply downloading and installing it.
Do a search for any files that are missing from your disk.
Any Snagit documents restored should be saved and used.
Method 5: Verify Use of Cloud Services
In case, you have availed of such cloud services, say Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, etc. There are high chances that all the Snagit files get uploaded over there. Look through your cloud storage service to see if any of your file versions are saved:
Google drive
d. On your Google Drive, Go to My Drive, use the search option for the files or the recent tab.
OneDrive:
First, you will have to access your OneDrive account.
Next, either use the search option or go to the Recycle bin on the One drive.
Dropbox:
You will need to access your Dropbox first.
Next, search for your files or look for deletions from the deleted files section.
Restore Deleted Files from Recycle Bin
If you take routine backups of your computer using Windows backup, Mac’s Time machine or any other backup services, then one can also take back Snagit files from those backups.
Windows Backup:
Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
Tap the Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7) option.
Complete the steps to recover files from the backup.
Mac OS (Time Machine):
Plug in your Time Machine backup.
Open the directory which you inserted your Snagit files.
In the menu bar, click on the Time Machine icon and then choose the Enter Time Machine option.
Restore your files by locating them in the backups.
Avoid Losing Data Ever Again
Though learning the procedure of recovering broken Snagit files is highly important, it is better not to lose them in the first place. This are some useful suggestions to help you avert the loss of data in the due course:
1. AutoSave Should Be Activated
Find Snagit preferences and see if there are any features that will automatically save your work in case the program shuts down unexpectedly.
2. Backup on a Regular Basis
Make use of either integrated backup applications (like Windows Backup, Time Machine) or independent services to back up your information at regular intervals. Also, it might be wise, for security reasons, to make use of external devices and online storage.
3. Keep Everything in Their Respective Place
Mostly, prevent the unnecessary deletion of files by maintaining a tidy filing system within your computer. You may also create a Snagit folder for all your Snagit files to quickly find them.
4. Employ Version Control
When it comes to file changes, editing from time to time is allowed. You may want to use version control software that saves earlier work and tells you of the changes done on files so you can keep track on what has been done.
5. Exercise Deletion with Restraint
Be careful not to rush into deleting files. Scrutinize if they are really not needed anymore. For this reason, train yourself to consider the necessity of a file and whether it is okay to delete it before pressing delete.
Conclusion
It is quite upsetting to lose Snagit files, and while there are ways of recovering them many times you are able to use them successfully. By learning how Snagit stores files and what the offered solutions for recovery, such as checking the Recycle bin, recovery programs or using the cloud storage in a different way, your possibilities of success in recovering files are better.
Also, the risk of losing data in the future can be reduced by other means namely making backups regularly and keeping your files in order. With this complete guide, you can be assured of dealing with any mistakes relating to deletion of documents, and that your most valued Snagit files will be preserved and easily accessible.