Creating an ISO image from a folder on macOS can be useful for backups, burning discs, or transferring large sets of files in a structured manner. Fortunately, macOS provides built-in tools to achieve this without the need for third-party software. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step using Terminal.
Step 1: Open Terminal
The first step is to open Terminal. You can do this by pressing Command + Space, typing “Terminal,” and hitting Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Folder
Use the cd command to move into the directory containing the files you want to turn into an ISO image. Replace /path/to/your/folder with the actual folder path.
cd /path/to/your/folder
For example, if your folder is on the Desktop and named “MyFolder”:
cd ~/Desktop/MyFolder
Step 3: Create a Disk Image (DMG) from the Folder
Now, use the hdiutil create command to generate a .dmg file from the folder:
hdiutil create -srcfolder . -format UDRW -o ~/Desktop/myimage.dmg
This command creates a disk image (myimage.dmg) on your Desktop.
Step 4: Convert the DMG to an ISO
Once the .dmg file is created, convert it to an .iso file using the following command:
hdiutil convert ~/Desktop/myimage.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/myimage.iso
This will generate a file called myimage.iso.cdr on your Desktop.
Step 5: Rename the File
To ensure compatibility and remove the .cdr extension, rename the file using:
mv ~/Desktop/myimage.iso.cdr ~/Desktop/myimage.iso
Conclusion
Now you have successfully created an ISO file from a folder on macOS! This ISO can be used for various purposes, such as mounting, burning, or sharing. By following these simple steps, you can efficiently package your files into a structured disk image without the need for extra software.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or need further assistance!
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