How to Recover .RLF Files After Formatting a Mac’s Hard Drive

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

How to Recover .RLF Files After Formatting a Mac’s Hard Drive
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What is a .RLF file?

Report template created by ArcGIS Desktop geospatial visualization and analysis software; stores the layout for a report and includes template fields and source data information; used for generating geospatial reports (.RDF files).

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

There could be several common causes for ".RLF" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".RLF" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer systems, leading to their loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with software or hardware components, such as a sudden system crash, power outage, or malfunctioning storage device, can result in the loss or corruption of ".RLF" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect a computer system and corrupt or delete files, including ".RLF" files.
  4. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can lead to the loss or failure of ".RLF" files.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".RLF" files, such as forceful termination of the associated program or improper shutdown of the system, can cause file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause errors or file corruption, leading to the loss of ".RLF" files.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally overwriting or saving changes to ".RLF" files, can result in their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up important files, including ".RLF" files, to minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Use programs for recovering ".RLF" 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 ".RLF" 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.
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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 ".RLF" 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 ".RLF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo arcGIS Report Layout File image file file?

Programs that open ".RLF" files

Windows
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop

Additional Information

  • File type: ArcGIS Report Layout File

  • File extension: .RLF

  • Developer: ESRI

  • Category: Page Layout Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:13 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .RLF 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 the purpose of .RLF file format?

    The .RLF file format is used for storing font rasterization data. RLF stands for "Raster Font File." Font rasterization is the process of converting vector-based font information into pixel-based representations for display or printing purposes.

    The purpose of the .RLF file format is to provide a compact and efficient way to store the rasterized font data. It contains information about the shape, size, and positioning of each character in the font, allowing for accurate rendering on different devices and resolutions.

    RLF files are commonly used in embedded systems, printers, and other devices where efficient storage and rendering of fonts are essential. They help ensure consistent and high-quality text display across various platforms and devices.

  • How can I convert a file to .RLF format?

    The .RLF file format is not a widely recognized or commonly used file format. It is possible that you are referring to a specific file format used by a particular software or application. Without more information about the specific software or purpose of the file, it is difficult to provide a precise answer.

    However, here are a few general suggestions:

    1. Research the specific software or application that uses the .RLF file format: Look for documentation, user guides, or support forums related to the software you are using. They may provide instructions on how to convert files to the .RLF format.
    2. Use the software or application that supports the .RLF file format: If you have access to the software that uses the .RLF format, open the file within that software and save or export it as a .RLF file.
    3. Contact the software developer or support team: If you cannot find any information about the .RLF file format or how to convert files to it, consider reaching out to the software developer or support team directly. They should be able to provide guidance or clarification on the process.
    4. Consider alternative file formats: If the .RLF format is not essential, you may want to explore alternative file formats that are more widely supported and compatible with various software applications.

    Remember, without more specific information about the .RLF format and the purpose of the file, it is challenging to provide more detailed instructions.

  • Which software applications support the .RLF file format?

    The .RLF file format is primarily associated with the RealFlow software, which is a fluid and dynamics simulation tool used in the film, television, and gaming industries. RealFlow is developed by Next Limit Technologies. Therefore, RealFlow is the main software application that supports the .RLF file format.
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