dd Command Generator
Generate dd commands to convert and copy files at the block level (disk imaging, ISO writing)
Getting Started with dd
## What is dd?
The `dd` command copies data at the block level. It is the standard tool for disk imaging, writing ISO files to USB drives, erasing devices with `/dev/zero`, and rescuing data from failing media. Unlike most commands, `dd` uses `operand=value` syntax rather than flags.
## How to Use
1. **Set `if=`**: Specify the input file or device (e.g., `/dev/sda`, `img.iso`). 2. **Set `of=`**: Specify the output file or device (e.g., `disk.img`, `/dev/sdb`). 3. **Tune Transfer**: Set `bs=` (block size), `count=`, `conv=`, and `status=` as needed. 4. **Copy & Run**: Paste the generated command into your terminal. `dd` writes directly — verify devices before pressing Enter.
Common Options
### `if=FILE` Input file
The source to read from. Defaults to standard input if omitted.
### `of=FILE` Output file
The destination to write to. Defaults to standard output if omitted.
### `bs=BYTES` Block size
Read and write this many bytes per block (e.g., `4M`, `1K`, `512`). Larger blocks are usually faster for whole-disk copies.
### `count=N` Block count
Copy only N input blocks, then stop. Useful for sampling or creating fixed-size files.
### `skip=N` / `seek=N`
`skip=N` skips N input blocks before reading; `seek=N` skips N output blocks before writing. Use them to copy to/from an offset.
### `conv=LIST` Conversions
Comma-separated transforms: `noerror` (continue on read errors), `sync` (pad blocks), `fsync` (flush to disk before finishing), `notrunc` (do not truncate output).
### `status=LEVEL` Progress
Controls transfer output: `progress` (show periodic stats), `noxfer` (stats only at end), `none` (silent).
▶Is dd dangerous?
▶How do I write an ISO image to a USB drive?
▶How do I make a full disk image for backup?
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