hdiutil MacOS command

The hdiutil command in MacOS is a versatile tool used for creating, manipulating, and converting disk images. It allows users to mount, unmount, verify, and resize disk images, as well as convert them between different formats. With hdiutil, users can also encrypt and decrypt disk images, making it a valuable utility for managing disk images efficiently on MacOS.

hdiutil Syntax:

hdiutil command [option] [parameter]

hdiutil Options:

Option	Description
-help	Display help for hdiutil command
-create	Create a new disk image
-attach	Attach a disk image
-detach	Detach a disk image
-info	Display information about a disk image
-convert	Convert a disk image from one format to another

Caution

Use caution when using the hdiutil command as it deals with disk images and can potentially lead to data loss if not used correctly.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
command	The specific hdiutil command to execute
option	The option to modify the command behavior
parameter	Additional parameter required for the command execution

hdiutil Command Usage Examples:

Create a New Blank Image

hdiutil create -size 100m -fs HFS+ -volname MyDisk MyDisk.dmg

Creates a new blank disk image named MyDisk.dmg with a size of 100 MB formatted with HFS+ file system.

Encrypt an Image with a Password

hdiutil create -encryption AES-256 -size 200m -fs HFS+ -volname EncryptedDisk EncryptedDisk.dmg

Creates a new encrypted disk image named EncryptedDisk.dmg with a size of 200 MB, using AES-256 encryption and formatted with HFS+ file system.

Mount an Image

hdiutil attach MyDisk.dmg

Mounts the disk image file MyDisk.dmg to the system, allowing you to access its contents.

Convert an Image to Read-Only

hdiutil convert -format UDRO -o ReadOnlyImage.dmg MyDisk.dmg

Converts the disk image file MyDisk.dmg to a read-only disk image file named ReadOnlyImage.dmg in UDRO format.

Verify Integrity of an Image

hdiutil verify MyDisk.dmg

Verifies the integrity of the disk image file MyDisk.dmg to ensure it is not corrupt or damaged.

Tip

When using the hdiutil command in MacOS, make sure to carefully read the command’s documentation and understand the available options to avoid any unexpected outcomes.

How do I mount a disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To mount a disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil attach /path/to/disk_image.dmg

How do I create a new disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To create a new disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil create -size 1g -fs APFS -volname NewDisk /path/to/new_image.dmg

How do I unmount a disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To unmount a disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil detach /path/to/mount_point

How do I verify a disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To verify a disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil verify /path/to/disk_image.dmg

How do I convert a disk image format using hdiutil in MacOS?

To convert a disk image format using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil convert /path/to/original_image.dmg -format UDTO -o /path/to/converted_image.cdr

How do I list information about a disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To list information about a disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil imageinfo /path/to/disk_image.dmg

How do I create a sparse disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To create a sparse disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil create -size 1g -type SPARSE -fs APFS -volname SparseDisk /path/to/sparse_image.sparseimage

How do I compact a sparse disk image using hdiutil in MacOS?

To compact a sparse disk image using hdiutil in bash, execute the following command:

hdiutil compact /path/to/sparse_image.sparseimage

Applications of the hdiutil command

• Create disk images
• Convert disk images between formats
• Mount disk images
• Verify and repair disk images
• Burn disk images to physical media
• Resize disk images
• Encrypt and decrypt disk images
• Split disk images into segments