Universal Image Format
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| File extension: | .uif |
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| Developed by: | MagicISO Inc. |
| Type of format: | Disk image |
Universal Image Format (UIF), is a proprietary 'compression image file format' for backing up CD/DVDs. It includes password-protection, data encryption, MD5 checksum support among other features. UIF can contain the complete image of a data CD or DVD similar to an ISO image. In addition, UIF also supports backing up multisession CD/DVDs, Red Book audio CDs, VCDs, SVCDs and DVD-Video discs.
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Advantages of UIF Format
- High compression[citation needed]
- MD5 checksum support for images
- Can contain the complete image of a multisession CD/DVD
- Can use some form of integrated encryption/password protection
Disadvantages of UIF Format
- UIF being a proprietary format cannot be read by any free application.
- Once a file is converted to UIF format, the only way to get the data out of it is to use the proprietary MagicISO application.
- The free version of MagicISO does not allow files greater than 300MB to be converted. A freeware tool called MagicDisc available on the MagicISO website does not support mounting of the UIF, although it was initially reported to allow that.
Reception of UIF Format
The ISO 9660 CD/DVD image format existed prior to the creation of UIF, serves the same purpose, and is an internationally recognised standard. As UIF is proprietary, many users prefer the more widely-used and standardised ISO image format.
See also
- UIF related file formats:
- DAA file format (.daa) -> see: Direct Access Archive
- ISO file format (.iso)
External links
- MagicISO, the proprietary application used to create and mount UIF disc images.
- What is UIF?, format explanation page at MagicISO's website.
