USBImager is an open source ISO to USB imaging tool. A GUI application designed for writing compressed disk images to USB drives. It can also be used for creating backup images of USB flash drives. This free portable image ISO to USB utility is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux requiring no installation to the computer.
USBImager: Copying a Bootable ISO to USB
USBImager is a simple lightweight imaging application designed for effortlessly writing disk images such as IMG and ISO files to and from USB drives. Similar to Balena Etcher it automatically works like manually using dd from a command line. Some of its most notable features include:
- Open Source: Free and open for all users with an MIT license.
- Portable Execution: No installation required; simply extract the archives and use.
- Compact Imager: Extremely small in size, keeping it efficient without additional dependencies.
- Multilingual Interface: Minimalistic interface available in 17 languages for user convenience.
- System Protection: Prioritizes system safety, avoiding accidental overwrites of the system disk.
- Synchronized Writes: Guarantees data is written on the disk when the progress bar hits 100%.
- Write Verification: Verifies writing accuracy by comparing the disk to the original image.
- Image Compatibility: Supports a variety of disk image formats for flexibility (.img, .bin, .raw, .iso, .dd, etc.).
- On the Fly Reading: Capable of reading compressed images and archives in real-time (.gz, .bz2, .xz, .zst, .zip, .zzz, .tar, .cpio, .pax).
- USB Backup Creation: Enables users to create USB backups in both raw and ZStandard compressed formats.
Combines simplicity with powerful features, making it an efficient tool for USB drive management and system imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is USBImager?
- An open source tool designed to write ISO and other disk images to USB drives. It can also be used to create backup images of USB flash drives, making it a versatile tool for USB stick management.
- Is USBImager free to use?
- Yes, it is completely free and open-source. It is licensed under the MIT License, meaning it can be used, modified, and distributed freely.
- Does USBImager require installation?
- No, it's a portable application. You can simply extract the archive to a USB drive and run the tool without installation.
- What operating systems are supported by it?
- It is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, Linux, and macOS.
- Can it write compressed images?
- Yes, the USB imaging tool supports on-the-fly reading and writing of compressed images and archives, including formats like
.gz,.bz2,.xz,.zst,.zip,.zzz,.tar,.cpio, and.pax. - Does it verify the accuracy of written data?
- Yes, it includes a write verification feature, ensuring the data written to the USB matches the original disk image by performing a comparison.
- What image formats is it compatible with?
- Supported image formats include
.img,.bin,.raw,.iso,.dd, and more. - Is USBImager safe to use?
- Yes, it was originally designed with system protection in mind. It avoids accidental overwriting of your system disk by prioritizing safety during the imaging process.
- Can I create backups of my USB drive using it?
- Yes, the USB imaging application allows users to create backups of USB drives in raw or ZStandard compressed formats, making it a reliable backup tool.
- Does it require a lot of resources?
- This standalone imaging utility is extremely lightweight, with a file size of only 551 KB. It is both tiny and efficient and does not require additional dependencies, making it suitable for use even on resource constrained systems.
Alternatives: Etcher and Win32 Disk Imager
If you're considering other tools, here’s how USBImager compares to popular alternatives:
Comparison Chart:
| Feature | USBImager | Etcher | Win32 Disk Imager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Required | No (Portable) | Yes | Yes |
| Write Verification | Yes | Yes | No |
| Compressed Image Support | Yes (.gz, .bz2, .xz, .zst, etc.) | No | No |
| USB Backup Creation | Yes (Raw and ZStandard) | No | No |
| System Protection | Yes (Prevents overwriting system disk) | No | No |
| File Size | 551 KB | ~89 MB | ~12 MB |
USBImager Specifications
- Website: Project Page
- Developer: BZT (Baldasti Zoltan Tamas)
- File Size: 551 KB
- License: Open Source MIT
- Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Linux, MacOS
- Price Currency: USD
- Price: $0 Free
- Application Category: UtilitiesApplication
- Editor's Rating: 5 Star
- Downloading: You can get the Windows version of this free USB Imaging tool here:
USBImager Download
Final Thoughts
USBImager stands out as a lightweight, portable, and open-source tool for copying ISO and disk images to USB drives. Its key advantages, including write verification, support for compressed images, and the ability to create USB backups, make it a versatile choice for users who require a reliable tool without the need for installation. Compared to alternatives like Etcher and Win32 Disk Imager, it offers a more compact experience with enhanced system protection and backup capabilities.
If you're looking for a simple, no-frills USB imaging tool with powerful features, USBImager is an excellent option. Its portability, support for various image formats, and system safety mechanisms make it a reliable solution for creating bootable drives and managing USB data. Whether you're a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this free and portable ISO to USB imaging tool provides the right balance of functionality and ease of use.