How to Recover Deleted IDML Files: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview of IDML File

An IDML (InDesign Markup Language) file is an XML-based format used by Adobe InDesign to store project data such as text, images, formatting, and layout information. It’s often used for opening newer InDesign files in older versions or exchanging files between collaborators. IDML files are structured, portable, and easily readable, but they’re not immune to data loss.

Just like DPX or design-related file types, IDML files can be lost due to software crashes, disk errors, or human error. Losing an IDML file can be frustrating, especially when it contains hours of careful layout design, typography, and creative work. Fortunately, there is still a good chance you can get it back. Let's start from understanding the root cause of data loss which helps determine the best recovery approach.

The Common Cause of IDML File Loss

Before diving into recovery methods, it helps to understand what may have caused the file loss. You might find the right recovery method from these causes. Here are the most frequent reasons:

• Accidental Deletion: You may have deleted the file while cleaning up folders or uninstalling InDesign.
• Formatting or Partition Loss: Formatting a hard drive or SD card can erase IDML files stored there.
• System Crash or Power Outage: If InDesign was open when your computer shut down unexpectedly, the file might become corrupted or lost.
• File Sync Errors: Cloud storage tools may overwrite or remove local copies during sync conflicts.
• Virus or Malware Attack: Certain malware can encrypt or delete creative project files.
• Disk Errors or Bad Sectors: Hardware issues on SSDs or HDDs can make IDML files inaccessible.

How to Recover Deleted IDML File on Windows

Whatever the reason, acting quickly is essential. The longer you wait, the greater the chance the deleted data will be overwritten. Let’s go through the 6 effective recovery methods, from simple manual checks to advanced software solutions. You can choose the method that suits you based on your actual situation.

Check the Recycle Bin

The most straightforward method to recover deleted IDML files is to look inside the Recycle Bin. The files deleted (not permanently deleted) from desktop or folder will be send to the Recycle Bin. You can restore them before the Recycle Bin is emptied.

Step 1. Double click the Recycle Bin icon on your computer to open it.

Step 2. Browse for the deleted items and choose the files you wish to recover.

Step 3. Right click on them and choose "Restore" to recover them to their original location.

If the deleted IDML files isn't in the Recycle Bin, this could be because they have been permanently deleted.

Restore from Previous Versions

If you’ve previously enabled File History on Windows before IDML file loss, it may save the copies of your IDML files. You may be able to restore an older copy of your IDML file. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Locate the folder or drive where the deleted IDML files were stored in the Files Explorer.

Step 2. Right click on it and choose "Restore previous versions" from the context menu.

Step 3. Choose a desired version from the list of versions and click "Restore" to return it.

Recover from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Backup and Restore (Windows 7) is a legacy feature built-in Windows which is still available on Windows 10 and 11. If you have backed up the IDML file, you can directly restore from the backups.

Step 1. Open "Backup Settings" and click "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 2. Click "Select another backup to restore files from" and choose a backup including the deleted IDML files.

Step 3. Choose the files you wish to recover by clicking on "Browse for files/folders". Similarly, you can check the "Select all files in this backup" option to restore all files in the backup.

Step 4. Select a destination folder to save the recovered files and click "Restore" to start the process.

When the process is completed, the message "Your files have been restored" will pop up. You can check the recovered files by clicking on "View restored files".

Recover from Cloud Backup

If you use Adobe Creative Cloud, OneDrive, or Google Drive to store or sync design projects, your deleted IDML files may still be available in the cloud’s trash or version history. But importantly, they usually only keep deleted files for about 30 days. So, act quickly before the files are permanently deleted. Take OneDrive as an example here:

Step 1. Sign in to OneDrive with your account.

Step 2. Locate the "Recycle bin" section, look for the deleted IDML files.

Step 3. Select the IDML files and click "Restore" in the upper left corner. Then the files will be sent to their original location.

Recover with Windows File Recovery Command

If no backups are available and the files have been permanently deleted, this command-line data recovery tool—Windows File Recovery provided by Microsoft may help you recover the lost IDML files. It excels to recover permanently deleted data from local storage devices like USB drive, SD cards. But it only compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery on your computer from Microsoft official website.

Step 2. Open Windows File Recovery in the Start menu and run it as administrator.

Step 3. Type the following command "winfr F: E: /regular /n *.idml" and press "Enter". Replace the drive letters "F" and "E" with your actual drive letters.

★Tips:

F: the source drive letter.

E: the destination drive letter.

/regular: the scan mode. If the files were deleted a long time ago, switching to extensive mode might be more effective.

/n *.idml: the filter command. Only recover files with ".idml" extension.

Wait for the process to complete, you can press "y" to check the recovered files in the destination folder path.

Recover Deleted IDML Files with MyRecover

While Windows File Recovery is a powerful tool, but it requires some technical knowledge which is more challenge for most beginners. If you are seeking an easier and more user-friendly tool, MyRecover comes highly recommended. Its intuitive interface allows even novice users to complete data recovery with just a few clicks on the icons.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store, avoid installing it on the drive with lost IDML files.

Step 2. Run it and select the drive where the lost IDML files were stored, then click "Scan".

Step 3. Choose the files you attempt to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover".

Step 4. Select a destination folder to save the recovered files.

Once the process is finished, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop up. You can check the recovered files by clicking the destination folder path or "Browse" button.

Final Thoughts

Losing an IDML file doesn’t have to mean losing your entire InDesign project. Whether the deletion happened for any reasons, there are multiple recovery options from checking the Recycle Bin and File History to using advanced recovery software like MyRecover.

If you often handle large creative projects, the Professional Edition of MyRecover is worth having. It lets you recover unlimited files, check them before restoring, and even rescue data from systems that can’t start normally.