Best 5 Open Source PC Imaging Software for Backup

Benefits of Using Open Source PC Imaging Software

Open source PC imaging software is free and collaborative software that allows users to create, back up, and restore disk images for PCs. These solutions are widely used by IT professionals, schools, and enterprises for maximum control and flexibility in system imaging.

Here are the key benefits of using open source computer imaging software:

🎯Transparent & Secure: Open source code can be audited by anyone, building high trust for use in sensitive environments.

🎯Cost-Free: Most tools are completely free, even for commercial use, eliminating per-device licensing fees.

🎯Highly Customizable: The tools can be modified and scripted to fit specific workflow and automation needs.

🎯Cross-Platform Flexibility: They support multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS) and work across diverse hardware.

Top Open Source Computer Imaging Software Options

Below are the most trusted open source computer imaging software options, along with their key features, pros & cons, and recommended use cases to help you choose the right tool.

1. Clonezilla — Most Popular Open Source Imaging Solution

Key Features:

• Supports disk and partition imaging
• Works with a wide range of filesystems
• Offers both Clonezilla Live (single machine) and Clonezilla SE (mass deployment)
• Provides compression, encryption, and multicast capabilities

👍Pros	👎Cons	🌟Best For
Extremely reliable and widely adopted Very fast imaging and restoration speeds Highly customizable and script-friendly	Text-based interface can be intimidating for beginners No real-time backup or incremental backup features	Technicians, IT admins, and advanced users who need powerful imaging with full control

2. FOG Project — Best for Network-Based Deployment

Key Features:

• Browser-based management console
• Supports PXE booting for hands-free imaging
• Includes task scheduling, inventory management, and user tracking
• Works well with Windows, Linux, and macOS environments

👍Pros	👎Cons	🌟Best For
Ideal for mass deployment across many PCs Fully automated imaging via network Rich admin dashboard with advanced device management	Requires a dedicated server More complex setup for small, one-time imaging tasks	Schools, enterprises, and IT labs needing fast, automated deployment

3. Rescuezilla — User-Friendly GUI Edition of Clonezilla

Key Features:

• Built on Clonezilla imaging engine
• Clean, modern graphical interface
• Supports backup, restore, and disk cloning
• Bootable environment works across most hardware

👍Pros	👎Cons	🌟Best For
Easy to use for beginners Compatible with Clonezilla image formats Excellent for quick backup and restore operations	Fewer advanced features than Clonezilla Not ideal for enterprise-level mass deployments	Home users, small businesses, and technicians who prefer a GUI

4. Partclone — Lightweight Engine for Imaging Utilities

Key Features:

• Serves as the core imaging engine for tools like Clonezilla and Rescuezilla
• Provides efficient imaging for many filesystem types
• Supports incremental backups and sparse files

👍Pros	👎Cons	🌟Best For
Extremely lightweight Fast imaging due to filesystem-aware copying Great for custom tools or automation scripts	Requires command-line expertise Not a complete imaging suite on its own	Developers and IT pros building custom imaging workflows; Advanced users who want direct control over the imaging engine

5. Redo Rescue — Simple, Modern Backup & Recovery Tool

Key Features:

• Clean GUI for disk cloning and backup tasks
• Bootable environment with built-in tools
• Supports bare-metal restore
• Includes file recovery and partition management utilities

👍Pros	👎Cons	🌟Best For
Very easy for non-technical users Quick installation and fast recovery Lightweight and regularly updated	Fewer customization options than Clonezilla Not suited for large-scale deployments	Home users needing quick system backups; Small businesses looking for simple recovery solutions

Example: How to Image a PC Using Clonezilla

Here I’ll walk you through the exact steps to create a system image using Clonezilla Live, the version designed for single-machine imaging.

Step 1. Create a Clonezilla Bootable USB

• Visit the Clonezilla website and download Clonezilla Live ISO.
• Use a tool like Rufus, Etcher, or Ventoy to write the ISO to a USB drive.

Step 2. Boot PC from the Clonezilla USB

• Plug the Clonezilla bootable USB into the PC you want to image.
• Boot PC and press F12, F2, Del, or Esc during startup to enter the boot menu.
• Select your USB drive to boot into the Clonezilla environment.

Step 3. Choose the Imaging Mode

• On the menu, select Clonezilla Live (Default Settings).
• Choose your language and keyboard layout.
• Select Start Clonezilla.
• Pick device–image mode (used to save the image to an external disk or network share).

Step 4. Select the Image Destination

Clonezilla will ask where you want to store the image. You can choose from local_dev, samba_ server, nfs_server, etc. Follow the prompts to mount the storage where the image will be saved.

Step 5. Choose “Savedisk” to Create a Full Disk Image

• Select savedisk to save the entire drive as an image file.
• Choose a name for your image directory.
• Select the source disk you want to image (e.g., sdb1).

Step 6. Confirm and Start Imaging

Review the confirmation messages carefully. Type y when prompted to begin imaging. Clonezilla will now clone the entire disk, displaying progress as it runs.

The process may take several minutes to over an hour depending on disk size and speed.

Step 7. Reboot and Verify the Image

Once imaging is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot your PC normally. Check the destination drive to ensure your image folder was created successfully.

You now have a complete system image that can be restored or deployed using Clonezilla’s restoredisk option.

Bonus: Best Free PC Imaging Software for Windows 11/10/8/7

While open source tools offer exceptional flexibility, transparency, and cost savings, some users still prefer a simpler, more polished, and beginner-friendly imaging experience. AOMEI Backupper Standard is the best free computer imaging software designed for both home users and small businesses.

Download AOMEI Backupper and use it to image your PC now! To create a system image for Windows 11/10/8/7, click Backup > System Backup and follow the wizard to complete the process.

💡 Note: If you’d like to create a disk image on your PC, please go to Backup > Disk Backup.

Wrapping Things Up

Open source PC imaging software provides a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective way to back up, clone, and deploy systems across different environments. Tools like Clonezilla, FOG Project, Rescuezilla, Partclone, and Redo Rescue each offer unique strengths. You may pick one tool that best fits your needs.

However, for users who prefer a smoother interface and more guided workflow, a free alternative like AOMEI Backupper Standard is a solid choice. It’s all-around backup and restore software for Windows 11/10/8/7. Try it now to discover more!