How to Retrieve .SFL Files from Formatted Drives on 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 .SFL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve .SFL Files from Formatted Drives on Windows

What is a .SFL file?

Stores regions and markers information about a specific sound file; created automatically by Sound Forge Pro when user edits have been made to a sound file; saved in the same directory as the corresponding audio file with the same name, but with a "*.sfl" extension.

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

There are several common causes of ".SFL" (Sound Forge Library) files getting lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SFL" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or system crashes: If the software or system crashes while working with ".SFL" files, it can lead to file corruption or loss.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".SFL" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. Improper file transfer: If the ".SFL" files are not transferred correctly or interrupted during the process, they may become damaged or lost.
  5. Hardware failure: Issues with the computer's hard drive, such as bad sectors or physical damage, can result in the loss of ".SFL" files.
  6. File system errors: File system errors, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can cause ".SFL" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  7. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications can lead to the loss or failure of ".SFL" files.
  8. Power outages: Unexpected power outages or sudden system shutdowns can cause ".SFL" files to become corrupted or lost.

It is essential to regularly back up ".SFL" files to prevent loss and use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of accidental deletion or file corruption.

How to recover lost ".SFL" 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 ".SFL" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 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 ".SFL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SFL" 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 ".SFL" 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™ 4.9
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 ".SFL" 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 ".SFL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo sound Forge Pro Sound Data File image file file?

Programs that open ".SFL" files

Windows
MAGIX Sound Forge Pro 13 MAGIX Sound Forge Pro 13
MAGIX VEGAS Pro 17 MAGIX VEGAS Pro 17

Additional Information

  • File type: Sound Forge Pro Sound Data File

  • File extension: .SFL

  • Developer: MAGIX

  • Category: Audio Files

  • Format: N/A

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:24 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SFL files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
Post comment
User
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What is a .SFL file and what is its purpose?

    A .SFL file is a type of file that is used by various software applications. The purpose of a .SFL file can vary depending on the specific software that uses it. In general, a .SFL file is often associated with font files and is used to store information about fonts, such as font styles, sizes, and other attributes.

    For example, in some software applications, a .SFL file may be used as a font library file that contains a collection of fonts that can be accessed and used within the application. The .SFL file would typically contain information about each font, such as its name, style, and file location.

    In other cases, a .SFL file may be used to store information about sound effects or audio samples. These files would contain data about the sound files, such as their names, durations, and other properties.

    Overall, the purpose of a .SFL file is to provide a way for software applications to organize and access specific types of data, such as fonts or sound files, efficiently and effectively.

  • How can I open a .SFL file and what programs are compatible with it?

    A .SFL file is typically associated with SoundFont Library files. SoundFont is a file format used for storing instrument sounds and samples for MIDI playback. To open a .SFL file, you will need a compatible software or application that supports SoundFont files. Here are a few options:

    1. SoundFont-compatible music production software: Programs like FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase often support SoundFont files. You can import the .SFL file into these applications to use the included instrument sounds.
    2. SoundFont players: There are dedicated SoundFont players available, such as Vienna Ensemble Pro, SFZ Player, or Sforzando. These players allow you to load and play SoundFont files directly.
    3. Media players: Some media players, like VLC Media Player, can also play SoundFont files. However, they may not provide the same level of control and customization as dedicated SoundFont players or music production software.

    Once you have a compatible program installed, you can usually open a .SFL file by importing it into the software or using the "Open" or "Load" option within the program. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the software you are using.

  • Are there any specific steps or instructions to follow when trying to open a .SFL file?

    Opening a .SFL file depends on its file type. Here are some general steps you can follow:

    1. Identify the file type: Determine the specific type of .SFL file you are dealing with. The file extension alone may not provide enough information. Common .SFL file types include SoundFont Library, Shapefile Index, and Symbol Font Library.
    2. Use the appropriate software: Once you know the file type, find the software that can open it. Here are some examples:
    • SoundFont Library: Use a software synthesizer or audio editing program like MuseScore, SynthFont, or Polyphone.
    • Shapefile Index: Open the .SFL file using Geographic Information System (GIS) software like ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth Pro.
    • Symbol Font Library: Use a font management tool like Adobe Type Manager or a graphic design program like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
    1. Install or update necessary software: If you don't have the required software, download and install it from the official sources. Make sure you have the latest version to ensure compatibility.
    2. Open the file: Once you have the appropriate software installed, double-click on the .SFL file or open it through the software's File menu. If the software supports drag-and-drop functionality, you can also try dragging the file into the program window.

    Note: It's crucial to be cautious when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or be incompatible with the software you have.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat