Desperate for photoshop help

Eli

Hi everyone, I have been finishing up my assignment for class and I screwed up so huge. I went back too far in history trying to undo brushes I was playing with and now hours of work is gone. Is there any way to retrieve it in CC?

burvantill

@eli Oh NO!! I hope you can recover it. Do you have back up software on your computer? Hope hope! A saved earlier version?

Eli

@burvantill Not earlier enough. I lost a ton of work and was really happy with it. It's technically due in about 20 minutes. I'm just going to turn in what I have. I am defeated.

MissMushy

@eli oh no! that sucks

Chip Valecek

I may be to late, but there is a redo in photoshop. Unless you where deleting straight from your history window. Not sure how that works. I know with the latest update they seem to changed the way the undo works. Before I think it only allowed you to undo 2 or 3 steps. But know you can do a lot more. I believe the setting is under preferences > performance.

I have come to learn, save often. I sometimes save it as a different file name. That way I can always go back to an earlier version. If you are on windows you might be able to right click and restore the file from a previous version.

Eli

@chip-valecek Thanks, Chip. I think it is too late, but I appreciate the help. I just tried the restore from a previous version but it didn't work. Thanks for trying.

burvantill

@eli Oh Eli! I’m so sorry. That’s sucks. Big digital hug!!!

burvantill

@chip-valecek @Eli To add on what Chip said about saving other files. I do that too. It was a necessary practice when I worked in prepress and has stuck with me. Whenever I make a huge change or plan on revamping I save the file with an x1, x2, x3 you get the point. Sometimes it makes for a lot of files clogging up the folder, but after I’m done with the project I just delete the ones I didn’t use. I also use what I call a “worker” file with the add on “wkr”. A .psd or tiff file with TONs of layers organized into folders in the layers window. I will use the x1 system in there as well. It may seem redundant and extensive but like you I’ve lost important stuff before and did not like the feeling. My boss didn’t either. I am sorry for your data loss.

Kristin Wauson

I’m so sorry that happened! That’s the worst. I don’t know what to suggest. I used to use time machine and that helped with this sort of thing, but not always. I have only recently upgraded to CC, so I’m not sure what options are available to help with that in the future other than just compulsively hitting Command+S every 30 seconds or so.

Eli

@kristin-wauson Haha thanks! It worked out ok--I ended redoing a bunch of it and then I had to leave parts out (it was a master copy for Digital Painting class) but in the end it turned out pretty good! It was a painful lesson, but one I won't forget in a hurry!!

riftweaver

I shared this with Eli in class, but maybe others will find it helpful: The PS history palette also can be used to create snapshots of your working state. I have used this regularly over the years. I find it helpful when I get to something I like, but still plan to do more work, and probably some experimenting. Then I can go back to the snapshot at any time. It's like having file versions but in the same file. Very handy! At least for me.

And yes, we do learn painful lessons the best. Unfortunately!