ISO images are great because they’re self-contained, perfect representations of the data on a disc.
Fortunately, several freeware tools are available that make creating ISO images a straightforward task.
These directions are for Windows, macOS, and Linux users.
There’s a separate section for each tutorial.
Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of those operating systems are supported.
There are also “Premium” and “Professional” versions of BurnAware that are not free.
Just double-check you choose the download link from theBurnAware Freearea of their website.
See some other software suggestions at the bottom of this page.
Install BurnAware Free by executing theburnaware_free_[version].exefile you just downloaded.
During or after installation, you may see one or moreOptional OfferorInstall Additional Softwarescreens.
Feel free to decline or deselect any of those options and continue.
SelectCopy to ISOfrom theDisc Imagescolumn.
TheCopy to Imagetool will appear in addition to the existingBurnAware Freewindow.
Choose the optical disc drive you plan on using from the drop-down at the top of the window.
If you only have one drive, you’ll only see one choice.
you’re free to only create ISO images from discs your optical drive supports.
Regardless, close whatever comes up.
Do you get aThere is no disc in the source drivemessage?
If so, chooseOKand then give it another spin in a few seconds.
Wait while the ISO image is created from your disc.
you’re able to see the progress by watching theImage progressbar or thex of x MB writtenindicator.
you could also now remove the disc you were using from your optical drive.
Create ISO Images in macOS and Linux
Making an ISO in macOS is possible with included tools.
you’re free to do this viaApplications>Utilities>Disk Utility.
Go toFile>New Image>Image from [gadget name].
Name the new file and pick where to save it.
There are also options to change format and encryption controls.
ChooseSaveto make the image file.
When finished, selectDone.
Some favorites we’ve tried over the years includeInfraRecorder,ISODisk,ImgBurn, andCDBurnerXP.
The ISO file for Windows varies with each update, but it’s typically about 5-5.5GB.
