This guide will teach you how to create an ISO file from a folder, CD, or DVD on your Windows or Mac computer. The process allows you to make a disc image that can be mounted or burned without the physical media, provided you are not dealing with copyright-protected discs.

Before you start: Ensure you have a folder containing the files you want to include, or insert the CD/DVD you wish to copy. Note that you cannot create an ISO from copyright-protected discs.
Warning: Creating an ISO from a copyright-protected disc is illegal in many regions. Additionally, on Windows, you must install third-party software, and on Mac, you will need to use the Terminal command line, which carries a risk of data loss if commands are entered incorrectly.

A step-by-step guide to creating an ISO from a folder or disc

Follow the instructions below to build your ISO file using either Windows or Mac, depending on your operating system.

Method 1: Using Windows with WinCDEmu

  • Go to wincdemu.sysprogs.org in your web browser.
  • Click the green Download button and save the file to your computer.
  • Double-click the downloaded file and click Yes to give it permission to run.
  • Click the Install button and then click OK when the installation is complete.
  • Insert the disc you want to copy if you are duplicating a CD or DVD.
  • Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
  • Right-click the folder containing your files or the optical drive containing your disc.
  • Select Create ISO Image or Build ISO Image from the context menu.
    • If Windows 11: Click Show more options first to see the WinCDEmu menu.
  • Enter a File Name for your ISO and choose a save location.
  • Click Save to begin the process.
  • Wait for the progress bar to finish, then click Close.

Method 2: Using a Mac with Disk Utility and Terminal

  • Open Finder and organize the files you want into a single folder if they aren’t already.
  • Open Disk Utility by searching via Spotlight or navigating to Go > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  • Click the File menu and select New Image.
  • Select Image from Folder (or Image from [disc] if using a CD/DVD).
  • Select the folder or disc and click Open.
  • Enter a Name for the image.
  • Set the Where location to Desktop.
  • Set the Format to DVD/CD master.
  • Click Save. This creates a file with a .cdr extension on your Desktop.
  • Open Terminal (found in Go > Utilities > Terminal).
  • Type cd ~/Desktop and press Return.
  • Type the following command exactly, replacing [filename] with your actual file name: hdiutil makehybrid -iso -joliet -o [filename].iso [filename].cdr.
  • Press Return to convert the CDR file to ISO format.
Pro tip: If you are on a Mac and only plan to use the image file on other Macs, you do not need to convert the CDR file to ISO, as Macs can mount CDR files natively.

Creating ISO files is a vital skill for digital archiving and software distribution. It allows you to preserve the exact structure of a physical disc or a collection of files without needing the original media, which can degrade over time.

You Might Also Like
How to manage passwords with Chrome password manager?
How to manage passwords with Chrome password manager?
RE4 Remake bosses
All RE4 Remake bosses explained
How does a beginner learn Python?
From zero to Python hero in one easy guide

Furthermore, using ISOs is essential for virtualization and testing environments. You can mount these images directly in software like VirtualBox or VMware to test operating systems or applications without burning a physical disc, saving time and resources.