How to Convert a CD or DVD to ISO Image Files

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

ISO files are exact copies of a DVD or CD so they're great for archiving and sharing discs without worrying about scratches or other damage. You can create ISO images using any operating system, though Windows users will need to download an additional program.

Things You Should Know

  • Use [infrarecorder.org InfraRecorder] on Windows. Insert the CD, launch the program, and select "Read Disc". Follow the prompts to begin conversion.
  • Open Disk Utility on Mac. Insert your disc and go to File > New > Disk Image from <Device> where <Device> is the drive that contains the CD or DVD. Follow the prompts to begin conversion.
  • On Ubuntu, insert your disc and open Brasero. Select "Disc Copy" and choose your disc. Click "Select a disc to write to" > "Image File" > "Create Image." Follow the prompts to begin conversion.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. Windows does not come with the ability to create ISO files, so you'll need to use a separate program. There are many programs out there that can do this, but many of them also come with adware and other junkware. InfraRecorder is a free, open-source imaging program that does not contain any adware. No one profits from you downloading and installing it.
    • You can download InfraRecorder for free from infrarecorder.org . Download the installer and then run it to install the program. By default, a shortcut will be created on your desktop and in the Start menu.
  2. You can create an ISO image from any CD or DVD. The resulting image file will be the same size as the data on the disc (up to 800 MB for a CD, or 4.7 GB for a DVD).
    Advertisement
  3. A small InfraRecorder window will appear.
  4. This will open the "Copy to Disc Image" window.
  5. Choose the drive that you have inserted the disc into.
  6. This will allow you to choose where you want to save your new ISO file, and what you want to label it.
    • By default, it will save to your Documents folder.
  7. The time this takes will depend on the size of the disc and the speed of your drive. Once the process is complete, you'll find the ISO file in the location you set in the previous step. [1]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Mac OS X

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can use the Disk Utility program to create image files from any of your CDs or DVDs. You can find this in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder. You can also press ⌘ Command + Space and type "disk utility" to search for it. [2]
  2. Insert the CD or DVD that you want to create a disc image from.
  3. This will open a submenu.
  4. "<Device>" will be the drive that contains the CD or DVD.
  5. Saving it to your Desktop will make it easy to find later.
  6. This will create a correct copy of the disc.
  7. The time this takes will depend on the size of the disc and the speed of your drive.
  8. Your Mac will create the image file in CDR format. This is fine if you only plan on using it on a Mac, but you can convert it to an ISO file if you'd like.
  9. You can convert the CDR file to an ISO file using a simple Terminal command. You can find the Terminal in your Utilities folder.
  10. Enter the following command to convert the file, replacing the path with your own file's path:
    • hdiutil convert ~/Desktop/original .cdr -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/converted .iso
    11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Ubuntu/Linux

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can use the tools that come with Ubuntu to create ISO files without any additional software.
  2. This program comes preinstalled with Ubuntu, and can quickly create ISO files from discs.
    • You can find Brasero by pressing ⊞ Win and then typing "brasero."
  3. The "Copy CD/DVD" window will appear.
  4. If you only have one disc drive, it will be selected by default.
  5. This will create an image file from the original disc instead of copying it to a blank one.
  6. You'll be prompted to give the image file a name and select the location you want to save it to. After that, Ubuntu will begin creating the ISO file from the disc inserted in the computer.
  7. if you'd rather use the Terminal, you can create an ISO file using a single command. Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and enter the following: [3]
    • sudo dd if=/dev/cdrom of=/home/ username /image.iso
    • Replace /dev/cdrom with the path to your disc drive. Replace the path for the ISO file with whatever path you'd like to save it to.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I create an ISO from a file on the computer?
    Community Answer
    To create an ISO file from your own physical disc, you’ll need to get a third-party program that can do so. There are many tools for this and many of them are packed with junkware. Beware! InfraRecorder does a fine job of this and is free, open-source software that doesn’t include junkware. Insert a disc, click the “Read Disc” button, and select a source drive to read from and destination ISO file to create. As simple as that!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do I convert a PS2 disc in an ISO file?
    Aditya Telang
    Community Answer
    Yes. You need to use an image burning software. Some good one's are IMGBurn or MagicISO. Use the "Image File From Disk" setting. Insert the desired PS2 game disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive. Locate your CD/DVD-Rom Drive then choose a location on your computer where you would like to save the completed ISO file.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create an ISO from a Folder, File, or Disc
      How to
      Burn ISO Files to DVD
      How to
      Open an ISO Files on Windows and Mac
      How to
      Create an ISO File in Linux
      How to
      Create or Download a Bootable Windows XP ISO
      Easy Ways on Mac and Windows to Burn a CD
      4 Ways to Remove Scratches from a CD So You Can Use It
      How to
      Rip a DVD
      How to
      Fix a Scratched DVD
      How to
      Copy a DVD Movie
      How to
      Burn a DVD
      How to
      Burn Songs on to a CD
      Simple Ways to Clean a CD (and Remove Scratches)
      How to
      Clean a DVD
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.howtogeek.com/228886/how-to-create-iso-files-from-discs-on-windows-mac-and-linux/
      2. ↑ http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-create-windows-compatible-iso-disc-images-in-mac-os-x/
      3. ↑ http://askubuntu.com/questions/136165/how-to-create-iso-images

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Install InfraRecorder.
      2. Insert the disc you want to copy.
      3. Open InfraRecorder.
      4. Click Read Disc .
      5. Select your disc drive.
      6. Select a saving location.
      7. Click OK .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 315,197 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Prince Anson-Yevu

        Jan 6, 2017

        "The method is very good and easy. I recommend it to everyone."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement