How to Convert IMG Files to ISO

To make it readable by all computers

IMG and ISO files are two common disk image file formats. They are often used to store, distribute, or backup the content and file system of optical discs (CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc) to another disc or device.

Despite having many similarities and practical usage, ISO is widely accepted as the standard/format for disc images.ISO filesare compatible with almost all operating systems (OS) as well as disk burning software. Many devices and OS have built-in tools that can extract and read disc files in ISO formats.

IMG files, on the other hand, are commonly compressed and therefore unreadable by some devices and disk imaging software. Due to this disparity in acceptance and compatibility, many users prefer to have disk images/files in ISO format.

If you find yourself needing to convert a disc image file from .img format to .iso, the tools and conversion methods in this post would come in handy. They’re relevant to both Windows and Mac devices.

1. Rename the File Extension

IMG and ISO disc image files have an identical data structure, save for the fact that the former can be compressed while the latter cannot. If an IMG file is uncompressed, you can easily convert it to ISO by renaming the file extension. The contents of the image file will function properly and remain unchanged.

Right-click on the IMG file and selectRenamein the context menu. Change the format (after the period symbol) from .img to.isoand pressEnteron your keyboard.

Open the renamed file and check if your computer can mount the ISO file. If you get an error that reads “The disc image file is corrupted,” the IMG file is most likely compressed. Revert the file extension back to.imgand use other methods below to convert to ISO.

Quick Tip:If you’re unable to change the file extension because the IMG file doesn’t have a .img extension suffix attached to its name, here’s how to make Windows show the file extension.

Launch File Explorer and go to theViewtab. Afterward, selectOptionson the Quick Access Toolbar.

In the Folder Options window, go to theViewtab and uncheck theHide extensions for known file typesoption. SelectApplyand thenOK. The IMG file you want to convert should now carry a.imgsuffix in its filename.

2. Use Third-Party Software

There are a bunch of file management tools that offer file conversion services and do so brilliantly. We tested some of these programs and these are our favorites.

This tool lets you convert about 30 different image file formats to ISO. Although file conversion speed depends on file size, PowerISO converted our sample IMG file to ISO quickly.

It’s important to note that PowerISO operates on a freemium model. The free version gets the job done just as fast as the paid/registered version, but with some limitations. First, you cannot create, edit, or convert files greater than 300MB as a free user. Secondly, there’s a 5-seconds pop-up (urging you to pay for the app) that you must view each time you launch the app.

Download PowerISOfrom the developer’s website and install it on your PC. SelectToolsfrom the menu bar and chooseConvert file format.

Select the folder icon next to theSource filedialog box to choose the IMG file, check theEnable password protectionbox if you wish to secure the resulting ISO file with a password, and clickOKto start the conversion.

This is another great tool to convert IMG files to ISO. It can convert up to 10GB files (to ISO format) in a single operation but the free version has a 300MB limitation. Unlike PowerISO, you don’t get annoying pop-ups when you launch the app or anytime during usage.

Install and launch the app on your PC, then proceed to selectToolson the menu bar and chooseConvert.

Click the folder icon next toChoose source fileand select the IMG file you want to convert. Confirm that the output format is set to Standard ISO image file (.ISO) and clickConvert.

Convert IMG to ISO on Mac

The apps mentioned above are only compatible with Windows PCs. If you use a MacBook or an iMac, there’s an easy way to convert IMG to ISO without having to install third-party software. All you need is the Terminal app.

  1. Go toApplications>Utilitiesand launch theTerminalapplication.

  2. Type or pastehdiutil convertand leave a space.

  3. Drag the IMG file you want to convert into the Terminal console. Press the spacebar to leave a space and proceed to the next step.

  4. Type or paste-format UDTO -oin the console and press the spacebar.

  5. Again, drag the IMG file you want to convert into Terminal but this time, rename the file extension from .img to.iso. You should have a string of commands like the one below.

hdiutil convert /Users/name/folder/File.img -format UDTO -o /Users/name/folder/File.iso

  1. Finally, pressReturnto execute the command.

Terminal will create a new copy of the file in CDR format (that is,.iso.cdr) in the same path as the original IMG file.

CDR is the Mac variant of an ISO disk image file. Rename the newly-generated file (delete the .cdr extension from the filename) and pressEnter.

SelectUse .isoon the confirmation prompt.

That’s it; you’ve successfully converted the IMG file to ISO. You can also use this trick to convert DMG files to ISO.

IMG to ISO in a Twinkling

These are the methods and utilities you can use to reliably convert IMG files to ISO. If you’re a Windows user, a third-party software is your best bet. Alternatively, transfer the IMG file to an external storage device and convert it for free on a Mac without any size limitation. Drop a comment if you’re stuck, need further assistance, or have other methods that are just as effective.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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