Both .img and .iso are image file formats.
- .img: An .img file is an exact copy of a disk or partition, including all data, file structure, and metadata. It is like a “snapshot” of the disk at a particular point in time. .img files can contain any type of data, including operating systems, files, and settings.
- .iso: An .iso file is an image of an optical disc (such as a CD or DVD) that conforms to the ISO 9660 standard. This standard defines the structure and content of the image, including the table of contents, files, and directories. .iso files are often used to distribute operating systems, software, and data in a way that is compatible with most operating systems and devices.
.iso is the format that complies with the ISO 9660 standard, which is an international standard for creating and exchanging optical disc images. This standard ensures that .iso images are compatible with most operating systems and devices.
.img is not a standardized format, and its structure and content may vary depending on the tool or software used to create the image. However, many operating systems and tools support the .img format and can work with it without problems.
- .img: Exact copy of a disk or partition, without a specific standard.
- .iso: Image of an optical disk that complies with the ISO 9660 standard, ensuring compatibility with most operating systems and devices.
An .iso file is a special type of image (img) file that conforms to the ISO 9660 standard. In other words, .iso is a subset of .img, with additional features and restrictions that make it compatible with most operating systems and devices.
.iso is a .img with additional features
An .iso file contains all the data and structure of an optical disc, just like an .img file. However, it also includes additional metadata and follows a specific standard to ensure compatibility and interoperability.
You could say that .iso is a “specialized” type of .img that meets certain requirements and standards. But at their core, they are both image files that contain a copy of a disk or partition.
One way to think of this is to consider the relationship between an .iso and an .img as the relationship between a “car” and a “vehicle.” A car is a type of vehicle, but not all vehicles are cars. Likewise, an .iso is a type of .img, but not all .imgs are .iso.