IMG (file format)

the IMG file format is an archive format used for creating a disk image of floppy disks. This allows for digital storage, transmission, and replication of floppy disks. Files created using this format typically use the ".IMG" file extension.

This format should not be confused with the Macintosh Disk Image format used by Aladdin Systems (now Allume Systems) ShrinkWrap and Apple Disk Copy for Mac OS although they share the same file extension.

Format details

An IMG file contains a raw dump of the content of a disk. This format is not compatible with IMA or Disk Copy Fast formats but is supported by multiple software vendors and conventions.

Support & development

The IMG file format is currently supported by GNU RaWrite & RaWrite2, RawWrite for Windows, and WinRawrite. It is utilized by Microsoft Virtual Machine/Microsoft Virtual Server and WinImage

Nero Burning ROM prior to 6.0 supported reading IMG file for creating bootable CD, it switched to use IMA format afterwards.

It was first popularized by the DOS-based programs HDCopy and DiskDupe.

Some newer software supports a ZIP compression version of the format, .IMZ, such as WinImage.

Use

IMG files are used for:

• digital storage, transmission, and replication of floppy disks.
• mounting virtual floppy disk volumes.