How to create an ISO file on Linux

You may know that an ISO file can be burned to a CD / DVD or USB drive, but do you know that you backup or store your files and folders into an ISO file? will be better? With an ISO file, you can burn it to a CD / DVD as a backup or simply mount it as an external drive and access files from within.

If you want to back up the contents of a disc or if you have a bunch of files and folders that you want to back up and store, here's how you can apply to create ISO files in Linux.

How to create an ISO file on Linux Picture 1

1. Through Archive Manager

If using Ubuntu (or Gnome Desktop), you can easily create an ISO file using the Archive Manager application.

1. Open the Manager file. Select the files and folders you want to backup. Right-click on it and select Compress .

How to create an ISO file on Linux Picture 2

2. Select the ".iso" option and then click Create . This process will compress the selected files and folders to an ISO file.

How to create an ISO file on Linux Picture 3

2. Through the command line

dd is one of the useful commands that you can use to create an ISO file. All you need to do is identify the source and destination, and take steps to create an ISO file.

Use the basic statement below:

dd if = source of = destination

For example, if your CD-ROM drive is mounted at '/ dev / hdc,' and you want to back up the contents of the drive into a file 'my-cd-backup.iso', then you can use it. Use the following command:

dd if = / dev / hdc of = / home / username / my-cd-backup.iso

Source is not a CD-ROM drive. It can be a hard drive partition, or a portable hard drive or file path, although it does not work on a directory.

Alternatively you can use the mkisofs command to create an ISO file. The highlight of the mkisofs command is to give you lots of options to customize the ISO file created to your liking.

Use the basic statement below:

mkisofs -o destination-filename source

For example, use the command below to back up your Home folder:

mkisofs -o myHomeBackup.iso / home / username

You can request mkisofs to activate the Rockridge extension by setting the -R option:

mkisofs -R -o myHomeBackup.iso / home / username

Activate Joliet extension with flag -J:

mkisofs -R -o myHomeBackup.iso / home / username

In addition, you can set the Volume name (-V option) for the ISO file (in case if you burn the ISO file to a CD, the volume name will be used as the CD's name).

mkisofs -V "Home Folder Backup" -o myHomeBackup.iso / home / username

Also you can prevent another file from being added to the ISO file with the "-m" option. It supports both * characters, so you can use the following command:

mkisofs -m ". *" -o destination source

Refer to some of the following articles:

  1. 7 commands to manipulate the most basic files and folders everyone must know
  1. Ubuntu Bash tutorial on Windows 10
  1. Anyone should know these basic Linux commands

Good luck!

3.7 ★ | 9 Vote

May be interested

  • How to create USB Boot Live Kali LinuxHow to create USB Boot Live Kali Linux
    the most popular and fastest way to apply kali linux is to run it from a usb drive. this method has many advantages. to do this, we first need to create a bootable usb drive from an iso image of kali linux.
  • How to use Zsync to transfer a file part in LinuxHow to use Zsync to transfer a file part in Linux
    zsync is based on rsync, another popular linux tool to synchronize files or directories, and it's very easy to use. most linux distributions already have zsync available in the package repository, so it's easy to install and get started.
  • The Cat command in LinuxThe Cat command in Linux
    the cat command (short for 'concatenate') is one of the most frequently used commands in operating systems like linux / unix. the cat command allows users to create one or more files, view file contents, join files, and redirect output in a terminal or file.
  • Learn the file system and folders on Linux operating systemsLearn the file system and folders on Linux operating systems
    linux and unix file systems are organized in a hierarchy similar to the structure of a hierarchical tree. the highest level of the file system is the root directory, denoted by a slash '/' (root directory).
  • Basic file system in Unix / LinuxBasic file system in Unix / Linux
    a file system is a logical collection of files on a partition or a disk. a partition is an information store and can be combined into a hard disk if desired.
  • Basic Linux commands everyone needs to knowBasic Linux commands everyone needs to know
    when using linux, you should also learn basic linux commands to make operations quicker and easier. here are some basic commands on linux you should know.
  • File Management in Unix / LinuxFile Management in Unix / Linux
    all data in unix is ​​organized in files. all files are organized in folders. these directories are organized in a tree structure that is called the file system.
  • How to create file swap in LinuxHow to create file swap in Linux
    swap in linux is specific areas on the drive, reserved for virtual memory. they are mainly used to improve computer performance when handling heavy tasks like video editing.
  • How to create GPG key in LinuxHow to create GPG key in Linux
    do you have a file or message you want to keep private? to keep them safe, you should use gpg encryption keys.
  • Instructions for creating and using BAT file on WindowsInstructions for creating and using BAT file on Windows
    how to create a simple batch file and some basics about it will be presented in this article. at the same time you will be provided with some resources for learning and writing batch files.