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How to find missing or lost files in Capture One

Victor
  • Updated

If your files seem to have disappeared from Capture One, don’t worry—Capture One doesn't delete or move images on its own. There are a few common scenarios that may cause files to appear missing or offline. This guide walks you through where to look and how to recover them.

Contents

Compatibility

Applies to all versions of Capture One.

Why files may appear missing

  • Images show as offline: This usually means files were moved outside of Capture One. You’ll need to remap their new location. See more here: How to Fix 'Offline' Images in Capture One Catalogs
  • New document after reinstall: A fresh install may have started a new catalog or session without any images.
  • Deleted inside Capture One: If images were deleted from the catalog or session, check the catalog's or session's Trash within Capture One to recover them.
  • Cloud sync conflicts: Files may have been moved or removed by a cloud-syncing service (e.g., Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive).
  • Tethered capture settings:
    • If Composition Mode was used, images may not be saved.
    • If you set JPEGs to be saved to the computer and RAWs to the camera’s card, RAWs won’t appear in Capture One.
  • Global or local filters enabled: Filters may be hiding some images based on rating, color tag, or other criteria.

Troubleshooting

  • System search: Use your computer's search tool to locate files by name or type.
  • External drives: Check if the images were stored on a disconnected external drive.
  • Multiple catalogs or sessions: Ensure you're working in the correct document.
  • Cloud backups: Use Time Machine or your cloud service’s recovery tools if syncing was enabled.
  • Camera settings check: Review Capture One’s Camera Settings tool to verify where images were saved during tethered shoots.

  • Filters review: Filters may unintentionally hide content. Always check if any are active.

     

Step-by-step instructions

To remap offline images

  1. Right-click the offline image.
  2. Select Locate.
  3. Navigate to the current file location.
  4. Select the file and click Open.

To recover deleted files within catalogs or session

  1. Go to the Trash within your Catalog or Session.
  2. Drag and drop the image in a relevant Catalog/Session Collection.
  3. The image and its variant or variants will be removed from the Catalog/Session Trash. 

To export previews as JPEG QuickProof (catalogs only)

  1. Select the missing image(s) that still have the previews.
  2. Go to File > Export > Variants.
  3. Choose QuickProof and export.

To check and disable filters

  1. Go to View > Global Filters and uncheck any active filters.
  2. In the Filters tool or toolbar, clear any rating, color tag, or keyword filters.

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