What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac

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  1. Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac
  2. What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Pro
  3. What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Free
  4. What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Laptop

Jun 26, 2020  Disk Utility is free and included with every copy of the Mac OS. And while the various cloning apps have a lot more features, if you don’t have access to third-party apps, using Disk Utility will create a perfectly usable clone, although it may require a few more steps and lacks some nice features, such as automation and scheduling.

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Disk Utility User Guide

You can use Disk Utility to create a disk image, which is a file that contains other files and folders.

Note: You can burn information to a CD or DVD using the Burn command in the Finder. See Burn CDs and DVDs.

Create a blank disk image for storage

You can create an empty disk image, add data to it, then use it to create disks, CDs, or DVDs.

  1. In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose File > New Image > Blank Image.

  2. Enter a filename for the disk image, add tags if necessary, then choose where to save it.

    This is the name that appears in the Finder, where you save the disk image file before opening it.

  3. In the Name field, enter the name for the disk image.

    This is the name that appears on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar, after you open the disk image.

  4. In the Size field, enter a size for the disk image.

  5. Click the Format pop-up menu, then choose the format for the disk:

    • If the disk image will be used with a Mac that has a solid state drive (SSD) and uses macOS 10.13 or later, choose APFS or APFS (Case-sensitive).

    • If the disk image will be used with a Mac with macOS 10.12 or earlier, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled).

    • If the disk image will be used with a Mac or Windows computer and is 32 GB or less, choose MS-DOS (FAT); if it’s over 32 GB, choose ExFAT.

  6. To encrypt the disk image, click the Encryption pop-up menu, then choose an encryption option.

  7. Click the Partitions pop-up menu, then choose a partition layout.

  8. Click the Image Format pop-up menu, then choose an option:

    • Sparse bundle disk image: Same as a sparse disk image (below), but the directory data for the image is stored differently. Uses the .sparsebundle file extension.

    • Sparse disk image: Creates an expandable file that shrinks and grows as needed. No additional space is used. Uses the .sparseimage file extension.

    • Read/write disk image: Allows you to add files to the disk image after it’s created. Uses the .dmg file extension.

    • DVD/CD master: Changes the size of the image to 177 MB (CD 8 cm). Uses the .cdr file extension.

  9. Click Save, then click Done.

    Disk Utility creates the disk image file where you saved it in the Finder and mounts its disk icon on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar.

  10. In the Finder, copy your files to the mounted disk image, then eject it.

  11. Restore the disk image to a disk.

    For more information about disk image types, see the manual (man) page for hdiutil.

Create a disk image from a disk or connected device

You can create a disk image that includes the data and free space on a physical disk or connected device, such as a USB device. For example, if a USB device or volume is 80 GB with 10 GB of data, the disk image will be 80 GB in size and include data and free space. You can then restore that disk image to another volume.

  1. In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, select a disk, volume, or connected device in the sidebar.

  2. Choose File > New Image, then choose “Image from [device name].”

  3. Enter a filename for the disk image, add tags if necessary, then choose where to save it.

    This is the name that appears in the Finder, where you save the disk image file before opening it.

  4. Click the Format pop-up menu, then choose an option:

    • Read-only: The disk image can’t be written to, and is quicker to create and open.

    • Compressed: Compresses data, so the disk image is smaller than the original data. The disk image is read-only.

    • Read/write: Allows you to add files to the disk image after it’s created.

    • DVD/CD master: Can be used with third-party apps. It includes a copy of all sectors of the disk image, whether they’re used or not. When you use a master disk image to create other DVDs or CDs, all data is copied exactly.

  5. To encrypt the disk image, click the Encryption pop-up menu, then choose an encryption option.

  6. Click Save, then click Done.

    Disk Utility creates the disk image file where you saved it in the Finder and mounts its disk icon on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar.

Important: Don’t create a disk image of a disk that you believe to be failing or that contains corrupted information. The disk image may not serve as a reliable backup.

For technical information about creating a restore disk image, see the Apple Software Restore (ASR) manual (man) page.

Create a disk image from a folder or connected device

You can create a disk image that contains the contents of a folder or connected device, such as a USB device. This method doesn’t copy a device’s free space to the disk image. For example, if a USB device or volume is 80 GB with 10 GB of data, the disk image will be 10 GB in size and include only data, not free space. You can then restore that disk image to another volume.

  1. In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose File > New Image, then choose Image from Folder.

  2. Select the folder or connected device in the dialog that appears, then click Open.

  3. Enter a filename for the disk image, add tags if necessary, then choose where to save it.

    This is the name that appears in the Finder, where you save the disk image file before opening it.

  4. To encrypt the disk image, click the Encryption pop-up menu, then choose an encryption option.

  5. Click the Image Format pop-up menu, then choose an option:

    • Read-only: The disk image can’t be written to, and is quicker to create and open.

    • Compressed: Compresses data, so the disk image is smaller than the original data. The disk image is read-only.

    • Read/write: Allows you to add files to the disk image after it’s created.

    • DVD/CD master: Can be used with third-party apps. It includes a copy of all sectors of the disk image, whether they’re used or not. When you use a master disk image to create other DVDs or CDs, all data is copied exactly.

    • Hybrid image (HFS+/ISO/UDF): This disk image is a combination of disk image formats and can be used with different file system standards, such as HFS, ISO, and UDF.

  6. Click Save, then click Done.

    Disk Utility creates the disk image file where you saved it in the Finder and mounts its disk icon on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar.

For technical information about creating a restore disk image, see the Apple Software Restore (ASR) manual (man) page.

Create a secure disk image

If you have confidential documents that you don’t want others to see without your permission, you can put them in an encrypted disk image.

Note: If you want to protect the contents of the system disk, turn on FileVault using the FileVault pane of Security & Privacy Preferences.

  1. In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose File > New Image > Blank Image.

  2. Enter a filename for the disk image, add tags if necessary, then choose where to save it.

    This is the name that appears in the Finder, where you save the disk image file before opening it.

  3. In the Name field, enter the name for the disk image.

    This is the name that appears on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar, after you open the disk image.

  4. In the Size field, enter a size for the disk image.

  5. Click the Format pop-up menu, then choose a format:

    • Bluestacks app player mac black screen. If you’re using the encrypted disk image with a Mac computer using macOS 10.13 or later, choose APFS or APFS (Case-sensitive).

    • If you’re using the encrypted disk image with a Mac computer using macOS 10.12 or earlier, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled).

  6. Click the Encryption pop-up menu, then choose an encryption option.

  7. Enter and re-enter a password to unlock the disk image, then click Choose.

    WARNING: If you forget this password, you won’t be able to open the disk image and view any of the files.

  8. Use the default settings for the rest of the options:

    • Click the Partitions pop-up menu, then choose Single partition - GUID Partition Map.

    • Click the Image Format pop-up menu, then choose “read/write” disk image.

  9. Click Save, then click Done.

    Disk Utility creates the disk image file where you saved it in the Finder and mounts its disk icon on your desktop and in the Finder sidebar.

  10. In the Finder , copy the documents you want to protect to the disk image.

  11. If you want to erase the original documents so they can’t be recovered, drag them to the Trash, then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

When you’re finished using the documents on the secure disk image, be sure to eject the disk image. As long as it’s available on your desktop, anyone with access to your computer can use the documents on it.

To access the data in a disk image, double-click it. It appears on your desktop, and you can add, remove, and edit files on it just as you would with a disk.

See alsoAdd a checksum to a disk image using Disk Utility on MacVerify that a disk image’s data isn’t corrupted using Disk Utility on MacRestore a disk image to a disk using Disk Utility on MacConvert a disk image to another format using Disk Utility on Mac

Hard drive cloning is a process of creating 1 to 1 copy of the content of hard drive or solid-state drive. The contents are saved as a disk image file and can be transferred to storage devices like DVD, hard drive, or USB drive. In case, if your original hard drive fails, you can quickly swap it with the clone. This helps you to avoid reinstalling system software.

Following is a handpicked list of Top Hard Drive Cloning Tools, with its popular features and website links. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

1) Acronis

Acronis replicates a computer's operating system, software, patches, and drives. It allows you to duplicate the configurations of multiple PC so that each system is identically set up.

Features:

  • It provides a complete image of your PC at a single point in time.
  • This software defines when, what, and where to backup your important data.
  • Acronis secures your important using the stringent security.
  • It offers the easiest way to backup your data and clone disk.

2) EaseUS Todo Backup

EaseUS Todo Backup software product allows you to clone a smaller hard disk drive to a larger hard disk drive. It also allows you to clone HDD to SSD for increasing performance.

Features:

  • It allows you to clone MBR (Master Boot Record) disk to GPT (GUID Partition Table) disk or GPT disk to MBR disk from your small size disk to large size disk.
  • Clone one partition or multiple partitions instead of the whole disk to avoid the loss of your data.
  • This software product helps you to recover deleted data or backup your system.
  • You can restore files, system, partition, or disk.

3) AOMEI Backupper

AOMEI Backupper app enables you to transfer your operating system to another drive without installing it again. This software helps you to upgrade your hard from old disk to a new one.

Features:

  • You can clone one disk to another without a disturbing operating system.
  • Clone data sector by sector.
  • It supports GPT (GUID Partition Table) and MBR (Master Boot Record) partition styles.
  • Clone HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to HDD, HDD to SSD (Solid-State Drive), or SSD to SSD for disk upgrades and data migration.
  • Services are available for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows, etc.
  • It allows you to access your important files on your tablet, mobile phone, or laptop with your cloud network account.

4) MiniTool Partition Wizard

MiniTool Partition Wizard helps you to manage disks partitions and check the file system. This tool measures the read and writes speed under disk access scenarios like random or sequential.

Features:

What
  • This software helps you to check which file is taking too much disk space.
  • It allows you to move or resize the partition.
  • You can migrate the operating system to SSD.
  • It enables you to convert NTFS (New Technology File System) to FAT File Allocation Table).
  • MiniTool Partition Wizard allows you to recover partition and data.

Download Link:https://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html

5) Active@ Disk Image

Active@ Disk Image is a handy hard disk image software that helps you to t creates a similar copy of, SSD, USB, HDD, Blu-ray, etc. and stores it into a folder. This software can be used for PC upgrades, disk duplication or backups, purposes.

Features:

  • It supports Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 Vista, Server 2003, and 2012.
  • You can mount any image as a virtual drive.
  • This tool provides image compression.
  • A copy of disk partition or hard drives contains only occupied sectors.
  • It offers to image and restore fixed hard disks, and solid-state drives, and removable disks.
  • You can verify the image after creating it.

Download Link:https://www.disk-image.com/index.html

6) Macrium Reflect 7

Macrium Reflect 7 provides a backup, disk imaging and cloning solution for commercial as well as personal use. It offers direct disk cloning and a secure way to store your commercial and personal data. You can backup data to local, USB, and networked drives.

Features:

  • It increases the disk space of your computer by rapid delta cloning.
  • Create images of a live/running Windows OS.
  • You can boost your backup in Microsoft Hyper-V virtual machines.
  • This software encrypts your backups.
  • Schedule your backup with flexible templates.
  • It provides rapid data cloning and restores for fast DR.

Download Link:https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

7) Paragon Drive Copy

Paragon Drive Copy Professional allows you to migrate disk to a larger drive. It also allows you to manage hard disk partitions effectively.

Features:

  • Users can keep your disk properly organized.
  • This tool enables users to clone their OS to a USB flash drive and use it.
  • Copy or restore files to a hard disk with various sector sizes.
  • It allows the user to perform partitioning operations to keep disks properly organized.
  • This tool has a built-in wizard that restores various types of images.

8) O&O

O&O DiskImage allows you to restore the system and to duplicate or clone hard drive or PC. It supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows.

Features:

  • It is easy to restore files, folders, drives, and disk.
  • This software allows you to boost the system with driver integration.
  • It has enhanced functions to control via Command Lines.
  • You can directly create virtual hard disks.
  • This tool provides monitoring and warning of security risks.
  • You can adjust the selected DPI setting of a connected monitor.

Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac

9) Clonezilla

Clonezilla is a disk imaging or cloning program. It helps you to clone GNU/Linux, Intel-based Mac OS, MS windows, and FreeBSD.

Features:

  • You can restore one image to multiple local devices.
  • It allows you to restore multiple local devices.
  • This tool supports multicasting.
  • It provides AES-256 encryption to safeguard data access, storage, and transfer.
  • This tool offers BMR and GPT partition formats of a hard disk.
  • You can customize your imaging and cloning.
Software

Download Link:https://clonezilla.org/

10) R-Drive Image

R-Drive is a software which provides disk image files creation for duplication and backup process. It contains the exact copy of a hard drive, logical disk, and partition.

Features:

What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Pro

  • You can store drive image files in removable media such as Iomega Zip, Jazz disks, CD-R(W)/DVD, etc.
  • It creates images without restarting your windows system.
  • The tool can restore images onto their new disks, original disks, hard drive's free space, or partitions.
  • Clone disk by copying data from source disk to the target one.
  • It can connect its image files as read-only virtual drives.
  • This tool has a multi-language user interface.

Download Link:https://www.drive-image.com/

11) Driveimage XML

Driveimage XML is another effective software for imaging and backing up the partition and logical drives. It enables you to store images in XML files and process them with 3rd party software.

Features:

  • You can copy directly from one hard disk to another one.
  • This tool lets you browse images, view, and extract files.
  • You can run DriveImage from runtime WinPE boot CD-ROM or live CD.
  • This tool provides scheduling automatic backups.
  • It helps you to restore images to the same or a different drive.

Download Link:https://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

FAQ

💻 What is Hard Drive Cloning?

Hard drive cloning is a process of creating 1 to 1 copy of the content of hard drive or solid-state drive for backup purposes

🖥️ How long does Hard Drive Cloning take?

Cloning speed is a function of 2 parameters

What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Free

  1. Amount to data to be transferred
  2. SSD or Hard Drive Data transfer speed

What Is The Best Disk Imaging Software For Mac Laptop

Do note that a Hard Disk Manufacture like Western Digital may claim a transfer rate of 200MBps, but in the real-world, you may achieve only half of that speed.