Can You Restore .RIF Files After Formatting a Disk on Mac or Windows?

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 .RIF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

Can You Restore .RIF Files After Formatting a Disk on Mac or Windows?
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What is a .RIF file?

An RIF file is a raster image created by Corel Painter (formerly MetaCreations Painter), a program used for digital painting. It contains an image that may include brushstrokes, pencil sketches, image hose graphics, and various other painted elements. RIF files may also be seen with the less common .RIFF file extension.

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

There can be several common causes of ".RIF" files lost or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".RIF" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing files, leading to their loss.
  2. Operating system or software issues: Sometimes, operating system errors or software glitches can cause ".RIF" files to become corrupted or inaccessible.
  3. Hardware failure: Hard drive failures, power outages, or other hardware issues can result in the loss or corruption of ".RIF" files.
  4. Virus or malware infection: If a computer gets infected with a virus or malware, it can damage or delete ".RIF" files, rendering them unusable.
  5. Software conflicts: Incompatible software or conflicting programs can interfere with the proper functioning of ".RIF" files, leading to errors or failures.
  6. Improper file handling: Improperly handling ".RIF" files, such as force closing the program or abruptly shutting down the computer, can cause them to become corrupted or lost.
  7. File system errors: File system errors, such as disk errors or bad sectors on the hard drive, can result in the loss or failure of ".RIF" files.
  8. Human error: Accidental overwriting, formatting the wrong drive, or improper file transfers can also lead to the loss or failure of ".RIF" files.

It is always advisable to regularly backup important files, including ".RIF" files, to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How to recover lost ".RIF" 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 ".RIF" 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 ".RIF" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".RIF" 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 ".RIF" 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.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

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 ".RIF" 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 ".RIF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo painter Raster Image File image file file?

Programs that open ".RIF" files

Windows
Corel Painter 2020 Corel Painter 2020
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019
Mac
Corel Painter 2020 Corel Painter 2020

Additional Information

  • File type: Painter Raster Image File

  • File extension: .RIF

  • Developer: Corel

  • Category: Raster Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:59 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .RIF 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 are some common reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .RIF files?

    Some common reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .RIF files include:

    1. Incompatible software: If you don't have the appropriate software installed on your computer to open .RIF files, you may encounter problems. Ensure you have the necessary software or application that supports .RIF file format.
    2. Corrupted file: If the .RIF file is corrupted or damaged, you may face difficulties opening it. This can happen due to transmission errors, incomplete downloads, or storage issues. Try obtaining a new copy of the file or repairing the existing one.
    3. Incorrect file association: If your computer is not configured to recognize .RIF files or has an incorrect file association, you may encounter problems. Make sure the default program associated with .RIF files is set correctly.
    4. Outdated software: If you're using outdated software or an older version that doesn't support the .RIF file format, you may face compatibility issues. Update your software to the latest version and check if it supports .RIF files.
    5. File format confusion: Sometimes, files may have a similar file extension but belong to different formats. Ensure that the file you are trying to open is actually a .RIF file and not a similarly named file with a different format.
    6. File permissions: If you don't have the necessary permissions to access or open the .RIF file, you may encounter problems. Check the file's permissions and ensure you have the required access rights.
    7. Virus or malware infection: If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, it may interfere with the opening of certain files, including .RIF files. Perform a thorough scan of your system using reliable antivirus software.

    If you're still unable to open .RIF files after troubleshooting these common issues, it may be helpful to consult the software developer or seek further technical support.

  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .RIF files?

    If you are experiencing issues with opening .RIF files, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

    1. Check the file extension: Ensure that the file extension is indeed .RIF. Sometimes, file extensions can be mistakenly changed or corrupted. Confirm that the file you are trying to open has the correct extension.
    2. Use the correct software: .RIF files are typically associated with specific software applications. Make sure you have the appropriate software installed on your computer to open .RIF files. For example, .RIF files are commonly associated with Autodesk Revit, so ensure that you have Revit installed.
    3. Update the software: If you already have the correct software installed, check if an update is available. Outdated software versions may have compatibility issues with certain file formats. Update the software to the latest version and try opening the .RIF file again.
    4. Try alternative software: If the software associated with .RIF files is not working or you don't have it installed, try using alternative software that supports .RIF files. There might be other programs available that can open and view .RIF files.
    5. Check for file corruption: It's possible that the .RIF file itself is corrupt. Try opening other .RIF files to see if the issue persists. If only a specific file is causing the problem, it might be corrupted. In such cases, you may need to obtain a new, uncorrupted version of the .RIF file.
    6. Scan for malware: Malware or viruses on your computer can sometimes interfere with file operations. Run a thorough scan of your system using reliable antivirus software to ensure that your computer is clean.
    7. Contact the file source: If you received the .RIF file from someone else or downloaded it from the internet, there is a possibility that the file is not in the correct format or is incomplete. Contact the source of the file and verify if it is a valid .RIF file.

    If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be helpful to consult with technical support for the software associated with .RIF files or seek assistance from an IT professional.

  • Are there any specific software or tools recommended for resolving problems with .RIF file opening?

    There are several software and tools that can be helpful in resolving problems with .RIF file opening. Some of the recommended options include:

    1. Notepad++: It is a powerful text editor that can open various file formats, including .RIF files. It provides syntax highlighting and can help identify any issues within the file.
    2. Microsoft Excel: If the .RIF file contains tabular data, opening it in Excel can be useful. Excel can read and display the contents of .RIF files, allowing you to analyze and manipulate the data.
    3. File Viewer Plus: It is a universal file viewer that supports over 300 file formats, including .RIF files. It can display the contents of the file and provide detailed information about its structure.
    4. RIF Viewer: This is a specialized tool designed specifically for viewing and analyzing .RIF files. It provides a user-friendly interface to explore the contents of the file and troubleshoot any issues.
    5. RIF File Converter: If you are unable to open the .RIF file, converting it to a different format might be a solution. Various file conversion tools are available online that can convert .RIF files to more accessible formats like .CSV or .XLS.

    Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that you have the latest version of the software associated with the .RIF file. If the file is related to a specific application, checking for updates or reinstalling the application may resolve any compatibility issues.
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