ISO files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Disc Image File
General Information
| Title | ISO File Extension |
| Extension | .iso |
| Full Form | ISO Disk Image |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | International Organization for Standardization |
| MIME Type | application/x-iso9660-image |
File Function
| Primary Function | Optical disk representation |
| Additional Functions | Data backup, distribution |
| Features | Sector-by-sector copy, Archive format |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With tools |
Use Cases
| Software Installation | Yes |
| Operating System | Boot, Install |
| Data Archiving | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Malicious code |
| Best Practices | Scan for viruses, Mount with caution |
Historical/Version Information
| ISO 9660 | 1988 |
| Extensions | Joliet, Rock Ridge |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .img, .bin, .mdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Daemon Tools |
Free, Paid versions | Windows, Mac |
| PowerISO |
Free trial, Paid | Windows, Linux |
| WinCDEmu |
Free | Windows |
Type 2: Arbortext IsoDraw Document
We have free .ISO files apps. They allow to view, edit, convert, merge, split, and compare ISO files without installing anything. Click the links to see details for each feature. ISO files save dat...
General Information
| Title | ISO File Extension |
| Extension | .iso |
| Full Form | Arbortext IsoDraw Document |
| File Type | Vector Graphic Document |
| Developer | PTC |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store illustrations |
| Additional Functions | Technical documentation, CAD drawing |
| Features | Vector-based, 2D/3D |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High precision |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Technical Illustration | Yes |
| Product Documentation | Yes |
| Parts Catalogs | Yes |
| Maintenance Manuals | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Embedded scripts |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Varies with Arbortext releases |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .idw, .dwg, .dxf, .cgm |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Arbortext IsoDraw |
Paid | Windows |
| Arbortext Editor |
Paid | Windows |
Type 3: PlayStation 2 ROM File
ISO file contains data from PlayStation 2 game. Used for backup copies of PS2 games. Open with PlayStation 2 emulator like PCSX2. To open ISO file in PCSX2, drag and drop file. Or select CDVD, Iso S...
General Information
| Title | ISO File Extension |
| Extension | .iso |
| Full Form | ISO 9660 Disk Image |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | International Organization for Standardization |
| MIME Type | application/x-iso9660-image |
File Function
| Primary Function | Archive game data |
| Additional Functions | Emulation, Backup |
| Features | Exact copy, Sector-by-sector |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Game Emulation | Yes |
| Software Distribution | Yes |
| Data Backup | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Piracy, Malware |
| Best Practices | Legal sources, Antivirus |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1988 |
| Latest Standard | ISO 9660:1988 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .img, .bin, .cue, .mdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 |
Free | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Daemon Tools |
Free, Paid versions | Windows, macOS |
| ImgBurn |
Free | Windows |
Type 4: Wii / GameCube ROM
General Information
| Title | ISO File Extension for Wii/GameCube |
| Extension | .iso |
| Full Form | Disc Image File |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | N/A |
| MIME Type | application/x-iso9660-image |
File Function
| Primary Function | Software distribution |
| Additional Functions | Backup, emulation |
| Features | 1:1 copy, archival |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Exact replica |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Game Emulation | Yes |
| Software Archiving | Yes |
| Data Sharing | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Piracy, malware |
| Best Practices | Verify source, checksum |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Wii (2006), GameCube (2001) |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gcm, .wbfs |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Emulator |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android |
| ImgBurn |
Free | Windows |
| Daemon Tools |
Freemium | Windows, Mac |
Type 5: PlayStation Portable ROM
General Information
| Title | ISO File Extension for PSP |
| Extension | .iso |
| Full Form | ISO-9660 CD Disc Image |
| File Type | Disc Image File |
| Developer | International Organization for Standardization |
| MIME Type | application/x-iso9660-image |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store PSP game |
| Additional Functions | Backup, Distribution |
| Features | Archival, Portable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Gaming | Yes |
| Emulation | Yes |
| Backup | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Piracy, Malware |
| Best Practices | Legal usage, Virus scan |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2004 |
| PSP Launch | 2004 |
| ISO 9660 Standard | 1988 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .cso, .dax, .jso |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| PPSSPP |
Free, Paid version | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
 Sony PSP Firmware |
N/A | PSP System Software |