ImgBurn

ImgBurn is a lightweight CD, DVD, HD-DVD, or Blu-ray burning software. It has several modes, each for performing different tasks. With the app, you can read a disc to an image file, creates an image file from files on your computer or network (you also can write the files directly to a disc).

ImgBurn is a Windows-based software application designed to facilitate the creation and manipulation of disk images. A disk image is a complete copy of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc, including all its files and folder structures, which can be stored as a single file on your computer. The tool is known for its lightweight nature and versatility in handling various image formats, making it a popular choice for burning, reading, and creating disk images.

With this tool, you can write an image file to a disc, ensure that a disc is 100% readable (you can also have ImgBurn compare it against a given image file to ensure the actual data is correct), and discovery used in combination with DVDInfoPro, you can check the quality of the burns your drive is producing.

Itsupports a wide range of image file formats - including BIN, CCD, CDI, CUE, DI, DVD, GI, IMG, ISO, MDS, NRG, and PDI. It can burn Audio CDs from any file type supported via DirectShow / ACM - including AAC, APE, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, MPC, OGG, PCM, WAV, WMA, and WV. You can use it to build DVD Video discs (from a VIDEO_TS folder), HD DVD Video discs (from an HVDVD_TS folder) and Blu-ray Video discs (from a BDAV / BDMV folder) with ease.

It has several 'Modes', each one for performing a different task:

• Read - Read a disc to an image file
• Build - Create an image file from files on your computer or network - or you can write the files directly to a disc
• Write - Write an image file to a disc
• Verify - Check a disc is 100% readable. Optionally, you can also have Img Burn compare it against a given image file to ensure the actual data is correct
• Discovery - Put your drive/media to the test! Used in combination with DVDInfoPro, you can check the quality of the burns your drive is producing

Features

Create Disk Images: You can create ISO, BIN, and other disk image files from physical media or existing files and folders on your computer.

Burn Disk Images: It allows you to burn disk images to physical media like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. It supports various burn modes and provides options for fine-tuning the burning process.

Verify and Test: After burning a disk, it can verify the integrity of the written data to ensure a successful burn. It can also perform test burns without actually writing to a disc.

Advanced Options: For more experienced users, it offers advanced settings for tweaking the burning process, including layer break settings, file system types, and buffer settings.

Build Mode: This feature enables you to create custom disk images by compiling files and folders from your computer into a single image.

Reads: You can use the tool to read and extract data from disk images back to your computer's storage.

Support for Various Formats: It supports a wide range of image formats, including ISO, BIN, CUE, IMG, NRG, and more.

User Interface

ImgBurn's user interface is straightforward and utilitarian. It may not win any design awards, but it gets the job done efficiently. The main window is divided into several sections, with each section dedicated to a specific task or function. Novice users might find the interface a bit overwhelming initially, but with some exploration, it becomes intuitive to navigate.

Installation and Setup

Installing the software is a breeze. Simply download the installer from the official website or a trusted source like FileHorse and run it. The installation process is quick and straightforward. During installation, you can choose whether to install additional software bundled with the app. It's advisable to pay attention to these options and opt-out of any additional software if you prefer a clean installation.

How to Use

Creating a Disk Image:

• Launch.
• Click on "Create image file from disc."
• Select the source drive (the physical CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive).
• Choose the destination folder and file name for the image.
• Click the "Read" button to start creating the image.

Burning a Disk Image:

• Launch the program.
• Click on "Write image file to disc."
• Select the source image file.
• Choose the destination drive (the physical CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive).
• Adjust burning settings if needed.
• Click the "Write" button to start burning.

Creating a Custom Disk Image:

• Launch.
• Click on "Build" mode.
• Add files and folders to your compilation.
• Set output options and file system settings.
• Click the "Build" button to create the custom image.

Verifying a Disk Image:

• Launch.
• Click on "Verify disc."
• Select the source drive (the physical CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive).
• Click the "Verify" button to start the verification process.

Reading Data from an Image:

• Launch the app.
• Click on "Read image file to disc."
• Select the source image file.
• Choose the destination drive (where you want to extract the data).
• Click the "Read" button to begin the reading process.

FAQ

Is ImgBurn safe to use?
Yes, ImgBurn is safe to use when downloaded from the official website or reputable sources like FileHorse. Be cautious when downloading from unofficial websites to avoid malware.

Can I use ImgBurn on Windows 10/11?
Yes, the program is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as earlier versions of Windows.

What is the difference between ISO and BIN/CUE formats?
ISO is a standard disk image format, while BIN/CUE is an older format that includes both the binary data (BIN) and a separate cue sheet (CUE) for describing the disc's layout.

Can I create a bootable USB drive with ImgBurn?
No, ImgBurn is primarily designed for creating and manipulating disk images. To create a bootable USB drive, you'll need a different tool like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.

Does ImgBurn support multi-session discs?
Yes, it supports creating multi-session discs, allowing you to add more data to an existing disc in subsequent burning sessions.

Alternatives

Nero Burning ROM: Known for its robust feature set and comprehensive multimedia capabilities, Nero offers advanced burning options.

Ashampoo Burning Studio: A user-friendly software with a clear interface, suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

AnyBurn: Free program for CD / DVD / Blu-ray burning and imaging!

Pricing

ImgBurn is FREE software, available for personal and commercial use without any cost. There are no premium or paid versions, which makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
• CPU: Pentium 166MHz or higher
• RAM: 32MB or more
• Free Hard Disk Space: 10MB

PROS

• Free to use with no hidden costs.
• Versatile support for various disk image formats.
• Lightweight and doesn't consume much system resources.
• Reliable burning and verification capabilities.
• Advanced options for experienced users.

CONS

• This product is not developed actively anymore.
• The user interface may appear dated and intimidating for beginners.
• Lacks support for creating bootable USB drives.
• No official Mac or Linux versions available (Windows only).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it remains a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable, free, and feature-rich disk image manipulation tool. Its ability to create, burn, and verify disk images makes it an indispensable utility for both casual users and professionals. While the user interface might not be the most visually appealing, its functionality more than compensates for it. ImgBurn's extensive format support and advanced options are bound to satisfy even the most demanding users.

If you're looking for a powerful, no-frills solution for all your CD/DVD/Blu-ray burning needs, ImgBurn is a top contender worth considering. Just be sure to download it from reputable sources to ensure your safety while using this excellent piece of software.