Freedom251 › Data recovery software
recoverjpeg
What recoverjpeg is
recoverjpeg is free GPL software for attempting to recover JPEG pictures from damaged or overwritten storage. Listed sources include memory cards, USB drives, disks, filesystem images, and peripherals, including camera cards. The Unix package also documents recovermov for MOV movies and sort-pictures for organizing photos; sort-pictures requires exif and ImageMagick. The tool is associated with Linux and Unix systems and has existed since 2004. It has no bootable recovery option and does not provide file preview. recoverjpeg stops when it reaches the first bad sector, so the project suggests making an image with dd or ddrescue before running recovery. Its C library off_t type and lseek function must support offsets at least as large as the device. The latest development version is offered through GitHub, where users can report issues, request features, or submit patches.
Who it suits
recoverjpeg suits Linux or Unix users trying to retrieve JPEG files from memory cards, USB drives, disks, or images. It is aimed at practical recovery rather than browsing files during the process.
What it does well
- Free GPL software
- Supports memory cards and USB drives
- Works with disks and filesystem images
- Includes recovermov for MOV movies
- GitHub issue and patch channels
What to know first
- Stops at the first bad sector
- No bootable recovery option
- No file preview
- sort-pictures requires exif and ImageMagick
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| recoverjpeg | GPL software · packaged Unix version 2.6.3 | Free |
As rfc1149.net lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
recoverjpeg focuses on JPEG recovery from several storage sources, with companion utilities for MOV recovery and photo sorting. Create a drive image first when bad sectors are possible, and verify system support for large device offsets.
Facts from recoverjpeg's own pages
- Authors
- recoverjpeg was written by Jan Funke and Samuel Tardieu. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2004 · rfc1149.net, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes recoverjpeg for recovering lost files from damaged memory cards or USB drives, including camera cards. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The packaged Unix version is distributed under the GPL. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Photo sorting
- sort-pictures requires exif and ImageMagick. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Physical damage limit
- The repository says recoverjpeg aborts when it encounters the first bad sector and suggests imaging the drive with dd or ddrescue first. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Portability limit
- The C library off_t type and lseek function must support offsets at least as large as the device being recovered. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The tool attempts to recover JPEG pictures and, through recovermov, MOV movies from damaged memory cards or USB drives. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker's product page does not state security certifications or compliance claims. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Source
- The maker offers the latest development version through a Git repository on GitHub. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites bug reports and feature requests through GitHub issues and accepts patches through pull requests or email. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Use case
- The maker says it may help after a partition is mistakenly overwritten or when a digital camera memory card is bogus. · rfc1149.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Utilities
- The repository documents recoverjpeg, recovermov, and sort-pictures manual pages. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where recoverjpeg stands on Freedom251
- Data recovery software#71 of 128