How to Create an ISO Image from Files or a Disc on Linux

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to turn a group of files into an ISO file on a Linux computer. You can use the Linux command line (terminal) to do this, or try a simple free graphical program called Brasero. Whether you choose commands or a GUI app, you can easily create an ISO on Linux from existing files and folders or by copying a CD or DVD.

Creating an ISO in Linux

If you use a Debian-based Linux like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, install xorriso using "sudo apt install -y xorriso".
On Red Hat-based Linux distros like RHEL and CentOS, install genisoimage using "sudo dnf install -y genisoimage".
Both xorriso and genisoimage are pretty complicated if you're new to Linux. If you'd rather use a point-and-click program, install Brasero.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

From Files & Folders (Terminal)

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1
Install an ISO creation tool. If you want to use Terminal commands to create an ISO on Linux, you'll need to install a package first. The package you'll need varies by Linux distribution:
- Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, POP!_OS, Arch Linux – Install xorriso. Here's how:
  - If you use Apt (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, POP):
    - Open a Terminal.
    - Type sudo apt install -y xorriso and press Enter.
  - If you use Pacman (Arch):
    - Type sudo pacman -S xorriso and press Enter.
- Red Hat, CentOS, Rocky, Fedora – Install genisoimage. Here's how:
  - Open a Terminal.
  - Type sudo dnf install -y genisoimage and press Enter.^{[1]
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- If you'd rather use a graphical program to create an ISO, jump to From Files & Folders (Brasero).
If the files aren't in a single directory, create a new directory for them. This way, you can easily create an ISO from the folder.

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3
Create a standard ISO. If you don't need the ISO file to be bootable, use the following commands:
- Using xorriso:^{[2]
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  - xorriso -as mkisofs -o myISO.iso -J -R /path/to/folder
    - Replace /path/to/folder with the path to the directory containing the files you want to turn into an ISO, and myISO.iso with a name for your ISO image.
- Using genisoimage:
  - genisoimage -o myfiles.iso -J -R /path/to/folder.
    - Replace /path/to/folder with the path to the directory containing the files you want to turn into an ISO, and myISO.iso with a name for your ISO image.
4
Create a bootable ISO. If you need to be able to boot from the ISO from the BIOS or UEFI (xorriso only), you'll run the command a little differently. The command is very long, and you'll need to make a few changes to it before running it:^{[3]
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- Using xorriso: xorriso -as mkisofs -o myISO.iso -isohybrid-mbr /usr/lib/ISOLINUX/isohdpfx.bin -b boot/isolinux/isolinux.bin -c boot/isolinux/boot.cat -no-emul-boot -boot-load-size 4 -boot-info-table -eltorito-alt-boot -e boot/grub/efi.img -no-emul-boot -isohybrid-gpt-basdat -J -R \path\to\folder
  - Replace "/myISO.iso" with the name you want to give your ISO image, and "/path/to/folder" with the path to the folder containing the files you're turning into an image.
- Using genisoimage:^{[4]
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  Research source} genisoimage -o myISO.iso -R -J -l -v -V "MY_ISO" -hide-rr-moved -b boot/isolinux/isolinux.bin -c boot/isolinux/boot.cat -no-emul-boot -boot-load-size 4 -boot-info-table -pad /path/to/folder
  - Replace "/myISO.iso" with the name you want to give your ISO image, and "/path/to/folder" with the path to the folder containing the files you're turning into an image.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

From Files & Folders (Brasero)

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1
Install Brasero if you don't already have it. If you prefer using a simple graphical user interface (GUI) to create an ISO in Linux, Brasero is a great tool. You can install it from your distribution's package manager. For example, on Debian-based systems, use sudo apt install brasero.^{[5]
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2
Open Brasero and click Data Project. Once Brasero is installed, you will find it in your application list. If you don't see it, you can launch it from a terminal by typing brasero & and pressing Enter.
3
Add the files you want to include in your ISO image. Click the green +, then select the folder or files you want to include in your ISO.^{[6]
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- If you want the files to be compatible with a Windows computer, click Rename for Full Windows Compatibility if prompted.
4
Click Burn. This opens a window that prompts you to save the file.
5
Name the ISO file and click Create Image. Be sure to choose a location you'll remember so you can find the file easily. Once the ISO is ready, it will appear in the selected location.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

From a CD or DVD (Terminal)

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1
Insert the CD-RW that you want to rip. You cannot rip an ISO file from CDs with read/write protection (e.g., audio CDs or movie DVDs).
- If you'd rather use a GUI program, jump to From a CD or DVD (Brasero).
2
Locate the name of your optical drive. To do so, type lsblk, then press Enter. Your optical drive will be called something like /dev/sr0.^{[8]
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Type dd if=/dev/cdrom of=myISO.iso, making sure to replace the "/dev/cdrom" section with your CD's location and the "myISO" with your preferred ISO file name. This rips the CD or DVD to an ISO image.^{[9]
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4
Press ↵ Enter. As long as your CD's directory is correct, your computer will create an ISO file from the CD's contents and place it in the home directory.
- You may be prompted to enter your password before the ISO file is created. If so, type in your password and press ↵ Enter.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

From a CD or DVD (Brasero)

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1
Install Brasero if you don't already have it. If you want to rip a CD or a DVD to an ISO image with a simple point-and-click interface, Brasero is a great option. You can install it from your distribution's package manager. For example, on Debian-based systems, use sudo apt install brasero.^{[10]
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2
Open Brasero and click Disc Copy. Once Brasero is installed, you will find it in your application list. If you don't see it, you can launch it from a terminal by typing brasero & and pressing Enter.^{[11]
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3
Select your optical drive from the list. If you haven't already inserted the disc you want to rip to ISO, insert it now.^{[12]
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4
Choose an image file to write to. Choose a location to save your ISO image, then enter a name for it. For example, myISO.iso.^{[13]
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Click Copy. This copies the CD or DVD to an ISO image at the selected location.

Community Q&A

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Question

Will the created ISO from Method 1, Step 4 be bootable?

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Top Answerer

No, it will not be bootable.

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Is it possible to use an audio CD to create an ISO image?

Community Answer

Yes, this works with nearly every CD (some DRM-secured discs excluded).

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How do I rearchive Linux systems into ISO files?

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You will have to get a program to create disk images. Clonezilla is one of them.

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Most Linux distributions have a file manager that will allow you to create an ISO file using the right-click menu as well.

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Warnings

Not all versions of Linux function identically to one another. If you're unable to find your CD's path or the ISO command isn't working, you can check your distribution's manual online.

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