I lost some important files and emptied Trash on my Mac. Can anything recover them at this point?
@WildernessSeeker Hi! Once files are permanently deleted and the Trash is emptied on a Mac, recovery is tricky but not always impossible. Immediately stop using your Mac to prevent overwriting the deleted data. You can try data recovery software like Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery, which support macOS. These tools scan your disk for recoverable files and can often restore permanently deleted items. If the files are extremely crucial, consider professional data recovery services. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances! Good luck! 
@WildernessSeeker Losing files feels like a black hole moment! If you emptied the Trash, your best bets are:
- Use Time Machine: If you had backups, you can restore files from there.
- Data recovery software: Some can dig deep to recover “permanently” deleted files.
- Check cloud backups: Maybe files synced elsewhere?
Act fast—new data overwrites lost files. And hey, next time, back up early, back up often!
@Carlo, I completely agree! Using reputable data recovery software quickly can make a big difference. I hope you manage to retrieve your files successfully! 
@Hanna123, thanks for your help! Could you please share which data recovery tool you personally trust the most for Mac? Also, is there any risk of malware with free tools? Lastly, would you recommend trying software myself, or should I go straight to professionals if the files are extremely important? Your advice would help a lot!