Recover Deleted GarageBand Files/Tracks on Mac

Overview of recovering GarageBand files

GarageBand is a music creation application for macOS and iOS that allows users to make music, podcasts, and remix their songs. The standard file format for GarageBand files is AIFF. Because this file type is uncompressed, the files can be quite large. This is why many users export their GarageBand files from their Mac to other storage devices or delete some unnecessary files to free up space on their Mac's hard drive, which can inadvertently lead to data loss.

Apart from accidental deletion while cleaning up memory, there can be other reasons like GarageBand crash, upgrade, hard drive formatting or virus attack that can result in loss of GarageBand files. In such situations, you can try out the following two feasible methods to recover deleted GarageBand files and tracks.

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Method 1: Recover an Unsaved GarageBand File from Auto-Save (Mac)

If you were working on and saving a GarageBand file on your Mac previously, you may be able to recover an unsaved file using Auto Save. Here's how.

Step 1: Control-click the problematic GarageBand project and choose Show Package Contents.

Step 2: In the package contents window, open the "Media" folder.

Step 3: Copy all of the .aif files from the package to a safe location.

Step 4: Finally, import the .aif file into a new GarageBand project.

If you lost your GarageBand file due to a crash or an unexpected Mac shutdown without saving, you may be able to recover the lost data this way. For permanently deleted GarageBand files, proceed to the next solution.

Method 2: Recover Deleted GarageBand Files/Audio Tracks Using a Data Recovery Software

If your GarageBand file has been accidentally deleted or lost for some other reason, and Auto Save is not an option, you can turn to the Mac Data Recovery Wizard. This powerful tool lets you effortlessly recover deleted GarageBand audio files and tracks.

With Data Recovery Wizard, you can restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin, hard disk drives, storage cards, SD cards, digital cameras, and more. Most importantly, it offers two protection options: “Simple Protection” and “Absolute Protection,” to safeguard essential files. Once Data Recovery Wizard is applied, it will protect your files for an extended period.

Download the Recovery Wizard now and restore your lost GarageBand files.

Step 1: Search for the Lost File

On macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and the latest Sonoma, choose the disk location where you lost the file (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or a removable storage device). Then, click the “Search Lost Files” button.

Note: Before you proceed with data recovery, it's recommended that you click “Disk Backup” from the left sidebar and create a backup of your Mac to prevent further data loss. After the backup, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can write new data again.

Step 2: Check the scan results

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will scan the disk volume you select immediately and display the scanning results.

Step 3: Select the files and recover them

Select the files you want to preview from the scan results, and then click the "Recover" button to get them back.

Additional Tip: How to Fix the "GarageBand Can't Find Audio File" Issue

Sometimes, when users try to open a GarageBand file, they only see a pop-up notification that reads “Audio File Can't Be Found.” We've listed some solutions for you here.

Step 1: Note the name of the file, and then Command-F in Finder to search for it.

If the file opens, proceed to the next step. If it doesn't, then sorry, there's nothing you can do.

Step 3: Right-click on the misbehaving GB.BAND file and choose “Show Package Contents” from the contextual menu.

Step 4: Find the file named "projectData" and a folder named "Media".

Step 5: Rename the file and copy the missing audio file, then drag it into the “Media” folder.

These steps might help resolve an issue where GarageBand can't find your audio files.

Bottom line

This article primarily focuses on how to recover lost GarageBand files. Generally, you can first attempt to utilize the Auto-Save feature. If that doesn't prove successful, professional data recovery software, such as Data Recovery Wizard or similar tools, can be employed to assist in the process. Lastly, if GarageBand displays an error stating "Audio file not found," these methods may help resolve the issue. Hopefully, you'll be able to successfully address your problem.