.PREL File Recovery

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .PREL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

PREL File Recovery

What is a .PREL file?

Video project created with Adobe Premiere Elements, a non-linear video editing program for Windows; contains a timeline, multiple audio and video tracks, video effects, and other settings; includes references to audio and video files rather than then media itself.

What Are Common Causes of ".PREL" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".PREL" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PREL" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system, leading to permanent loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software used to create or open ".PREL" files, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, can lead to file corruption or failure. Similarly, hardware malfunctions like sudden power outages or system crashes can also result in file loss or corruption.
  3. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can cause ".PREL" files to become inaccessible or get lost.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: If a computer system gets infected with a virus or malware, it can result in the corruption or deletion of files, including ".PREL" files.
  5. Improper file transfer or storage: If ".PREL" files are transferred or stored improperly, such as interrupted file transfers, using unreliable storage devices, or using incompatible file formats, it can lead to file corruption or loss.
  6. Human error: Human mistakes like accidental formatting of storage devices, improper handling of files, or selecting the wrong file for deletion can cause ".PREL" files to be lost.
  7. Software updates or upgrades: Sometimes, when software is updated or upgraded, it may not be fully compatible with the existing ".PREL" files, leading to file corruption or failure.
  8. Physical damage to storage devices: Physical damage to storage devices, such as hard drive failures, can result in the loss of ".PREL" files stored on them.

It is always recommended to regularly backup important ".PREL" files to prevent permanent loss and to use reliable storage devices and software to minimize the risk of file failure.

How to recover lost ".PREL" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".PREL" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".PREL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".PREL" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".PREL" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".PREL" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".PREL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo premiere Elements Project File image file file?

Programs that open ".PREL" files

Windows
Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 Adobe Premiere Elements 2019
Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019 Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019
Mac
Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 Adobe Premiere Elements 2019
Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019 Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2019

Additional Information

  • File type: Premiere Elements Project File

  • File extension: .PREL

  • Developer: Adobe Systems

  • Category: Video Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:14 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PREL files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a ".PREL backup" file and how is it created?

    A ".PREL backup" file is a backup file created by Adobe Premiere Elements, a video editing software.

    When working on a project in Adobe Premiere Elements, the software automatically creates backup files with a .PREL extension. These backup files contain a copy of the project file (.PREL) at a specific point in time. The purpose of these backup files is to provide a safety net in case the original project file becomes corrupt or if you want to revert to an earlier version of the project.

    The creation of .PREL backup files is automatic and occurs whenever you save your project in Adobe Premiere Elements. By default, the software keeps a certain number of backup files in the project's folder. The backup files are named with the project's name, followed by a timestamp, and the .PREL extension. For example, if your project is named "MyProject.prel," the backup files could be named "MyProject_20211201_1200.PREL" indicating a backup created on December 1, 2021, at 12:00 PM.

    It is important to note that these backup files are not meant to be directly opened or worked on. Instead, they serve as a fallback option in case the original project file gets corrupted or if you want to restore an earlier version. To restore a backup, you would typically rename the .PREL backup file to remove the timestamp and then open it in Adobe Premiere Elements as a regular project file.

  • How can I restore a ".PREL backup" file and recover my data?

    To restore a ".PREL backup" file and recover your data, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open the video editing software that you used to create the backup file. This file format is commonly associated with Adobe Premiere Elements, so ensure you have the software installed.
    2. Launch Adobe Premiere Elements and go to the "File" menu. Look for an option like "Open Project" or "Restore Project" and click on it.
    3. In the file browser window, locate the directory where your backup file is saved. Select the ".PREL backup" file and click on "Open" or "Restore."
    4. Adobe Premiere Elements will begin restoring your backup file. It may take some time depending on the size of the backup and the performance of your computer.
    5. Once the restoration process is complete, you should see your project loaded in Adobe Premiere Elements. You can now access and work with your recovered data.

    Note: If you don't have the original software used to create the ".PREL backup" file, you may not be able to restore it directly. In that case, you can try opening the backup file with a text editor to see if you can extract any useful information manually. However, this method is not recommended unless you have a good understanding of the file structure and data format.

  • Are there any specific software programs or tools required to open and access a ".PREL backup" file?

    Yes, a ".PREL backup" file is typically associated with Adobe Premiere Elements, a video editing software. To open and access a ".PREL backup" file, you will need Adobe Premiere Elements installed on your computer. Once installed, you can open the file within the software by going to "File" > "Open Project" and selecting the ".PREL backup" file.

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