An ISO file is an archive file of digital media or a disk created using the conventional format derived from the ISO 9660 File System. The ISO file format is essentially a format for storing digital data by converting image files into this format. This format is used to make copies of CDs/DVDs that can carry data, file system attributes, and directory structures exactly as they are. ISO files are used for backing up DVDs/CDs and creating replicas because these files can convert and carry complete data with all bits from the discs. Generally, when a file is copied from a disc, the data is not complete as the header information is lost, but ISO carries the complete data information, including the header on the disk. In other words, an ISO file is exactly similar to the original data media. These ISO files are complete images that resemble a ghost image for hard disks. These ISO file formats can be copied using various software recording packages to create CDs/DVDs.
### Creating an ISO File
An ISO file format can be created using effective software such as Magic ISO, which simply converts the file from a command-line utility. There is a limitation with this software, which restricts the file size to 10 GB. Most media and data files fall under this capacity. Magic ISO can burn almost all image files like ISO, BIN, NRG, CIF but is largely used to burn ISO files. This software acts as both a burner and a disk utility software. It can also edit ISO files.
### Software Used to Convert ISO Files
There are various software programs available on the Internet that help convert files to ISO format. Some of them include:
1. **ISO Recorder Power Toy**: This is freeware and is easily available on the net. This utility uses Windows to write images to CDs.
2. **Easy CD Creator (Roxio)**: This is not freeware but is easily available. You can easily create CDs from an ISO file format using this software. To use this software, you need to purchase it from Roxio.
3. **Nero - Burning ROM (Ahead Software)**: This is another paid software that should be purchased from the company. It is also used to convert an ISO file to a CD.
4. **CDBurn.exe tool in Windows**: This utility in Windows Server 2003 support tools enables the user to burn CDs using ISO files.
These softwares can help convert files to ISO format but do not support editable facilities. Files that need to be edited require an editor along with disk utility and recording software. Magic ISO can be the best option available. It will allow converting, recording, and editing files without losing any data information.
### Advantages of Using ISO Files
The main advantage of using ISO files for converting images is that it copies the exact replica of the image file. This copy includes the data and header information, meaning the complete data file without any loss. So, the next time you need to convert your media and data files, use the ISO file format and convert your data files without losing any information on your disk while creating an exact copy of the image.