ISO files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.iso file type #1: ISO disk image
Files with iso extension are typically utilized for the universal CD/DVD disk image format. These are often used standard backup format for physical disks and are extensively compatible with burning or virtualization software.
Further details:
ISO file, often called an ISO image, is a single file that's a perfect representation of an entire CD, DVD, HD DVD, or Blu-ray disc.
It is a type of disk image composed of the data contents from every written sector on an optical disc, including the optical disc file system. ISO image files usually have a file extension of .iso.
The name ISO is taken from the ISO 9660 file system used with CD-ROM media, but it also refers to the ISO 13490 standard for storing audio/video content. These ISO files can be used to write or "burn" to a new disc, creating a replica of the original disc, or they can be mounted as a virtual disc and accessed as if it were a physical disc. This is useful for storing disc data in a single file, for backup, transfer, or distribution purposes.
Open file with:
ISOBuster
A highly specialized and easy to use CD, DVD and blu-ray data recovery tool
PowerISO
Application used to manage DAA and other disk images
Daemon Tools
One of the best ISO emulation programs
Apple Disk Utility
A disk mounting utility from Mac
DAEMON Tools for Mac
Solution for mounting CD/DVD/HDD disc images on Mac
.iso file type #2: CALS ISO 8613 bitmap graphics
Files with iso extension are used by the CALS as a graphics file format.
Further details:
The iso file extension is associated with CALS, Computer Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support.
The .iso files may contain images in ISO 8613 raster graphics format, spreadsheets or video/voice. Standards used by NATO.
We are sorry, there is currently no specific software link to open this kind of file.
PPSSPP
A PSP emulator
.iso file type #3: Cimagraphi CAD data
Files with iso file extension could also be some old CAD files Cimagraphi software. Probably no longer actively used.
Further details:
The iso file extension is also reported to have been used in some older version of Cimagraphi CAD software for one of its CAD format.
Most likely later replaced by one of the common CAD standards like DXF or IDES.
Open file with:
Cimagraphi
A comprehensive CAD/CAM package for craftsmen, artists, and designers
.iso file type #4: ePSXe Sony Playstation game image
Files with iso file extension may be also found as special game disk for ePSXe Sony Playstation emulator. Not standard ISO format.
Further details:
The iso file extension is also used in Sony Playstation gaming console emulator for Widows and Linux called ePSXe for its default disk image format.
These files are different than the standard CD/DVD ISO format just share the same file extension.
Open file with:
ePSXe
A Sony Playstation emulator
.iso file type #5: InstallShield uninstall data
An iso file extension is associated with the InstallShield program. An iso file stores uninstall data.
Further details:
The iso file extension is related to the InstallShield, a software, which enables users to create MSI ane EXE Installers for Microsoft Windows system.
The iso file contains uninstall information generated by this program.
Open file with:
InstallShield
An installation package maker
.iso file type #6: Sega CD game disk image
An iso file extension is related to the Gens, an emulator of Sega video gaming consoles. An iso file contains game disk image.
Further details:
The iso file extension is associated with some emulators of Sega CD, such as Gens.
Sega CD was CD-ROM accessory for Sega Genesis (also known as Mega Drive).
Image used by Gens. Disk image contains game for Sega CD (Sega Genesis).
Open file with:
Gens
A Sega Genesis emulator