XZ · gzip · Zstandard · bzip2
Write compressed disk images
Write a compressed image without extracting it first.
Supported formats
Bootable supports XZ, gzip, Zstandard, and bzip2 files that contain raw disk images or hybrid ISOs.
Check the expanded size
Bootable measures the expanded image before choosing a drive. Invalid or truncated files fail before erasure.
Streaming write
- Open the compressed image and wait for inspection.
- Select a removable drive larger than the measured expanded size.
- Review the source file and expanded size.
- Confirm erasure and start the write.
- Leave the media connected through read-back verification.
Bootable decompresses the file while writing. It does not create an extracted copy.
Integrity checks
A publisher checksum checks the compressed download. Read-back checks the expanded bytes on the drive.
Cancellation and failure
A decompression error stops the write. A cancelled or failed drive is marked incomplete and needs a full rewrite.
Keep enough space for the compressed download. Bootable still needs the complete source file.