13 votes
GI File - What is a .gi file and how do I open it?
Learn about .GI files and view a list of programs that open them.
Languages
Overview
What is a GI file? A GI file is a disk image created by older disc-authoring software, such as Sonic RecordNow or Roxio Easy Media Creator. It contains an exact copy of the data from a CD or DVD, including the files and folders stored on the original disc, as well as its structure and formatting information. Users typically create GI files to back up discs, burn copies, or transfer disc contents to a computer’s hard drive.
More Information Veritas developed the Global Image (GI) file format, which Sonic Solutions later acquired. Sonic RecordNow and Roxio Easy Media Creator were two popular disc-authoring and burning applications in the early 2000s that adopted the GI format. Both programs allowed users to create, copy, and manage CDs and DVDs. RecordNow and Easy Media Creator could write GI files to blank discs, and users could mount them as a virtual drive, allowing users to access their contents without needing the physical disc. They could also split GI files into multiple parts, especially when dealing with larger DVDs. As disc-burning technology evolved and .ISO became the standard format for disk images, the use of GI files declined. However, users who created backups or copies of media using Sonic or Roxio software may still encounter GI files in old archives.
Lightning UK! ImgBurn 2.5.5 Icon
Breadcrumbs
DeveloperSonic Solutions
Popularity2.8 | 13 Votes
Previous / Next
In-Depth
.GI File Extension
Global Image
| Developer | Sonic Solutions |
| Popularity |
2.8 | 13 Votes |
What is a GI file?
A GI file is a disk image created by older disc-authoring software, such as Sonic RecordNow or Roxio Easy Media Creator. It contains an exact copy of the data from a CD or DVD, including the files and folders stored on the original disc, as well as its structure and formatting information. Users typically create GI files to back up discs, burn copies, or transfer disc contents to a computer’s hard drive.
More Information
Veritas developed the Global Image (GI) file format, which Sonic Solutions later acquired. Sonic RecordNow and Roxio Easy Media Creator were two popular disc-authoring and burning applications in the early 2000s that adopted the GI format. Both programs allowed users to create, copy, and manage CDs and DVDs.
RecordNow and Easy Media Creator could write GI files to blank discs, and users could mount them as a virtual drive, allowing users to access their contents without needing the physical disc. They could also split GI files into multiple parts, especially when dealing with larger DVDs.
As disc-burning technology evolved and .ISO became the standard format for disk images, the use of GI files declined. However, users who created backups or copies of media using Sonic or Roxio software may still encounter GI files in old archives.
How to open a GI file
You can open GI files with various disk image utilities, such as Roxio Creator NXT , Lightning UK ImgBurn , and Smart Projects IsoBuster . For example, to open a GI file with Roxio Creator NXT, select File → Open .
How to convert a GI file
Several programs, including Lightning UK ImgBurn, Smart Projects IsoBuster, and EZB Systems UltraISO, can convert GI files.
For example, UltraISO can convert GI files to the following formats:
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open GI files
Sort
Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Roxio Creator NXT Pro 9
Paid
Lightning UK! ImgBurn
Free
Smart Projects IsoBuster
Paid
EZB Systems UltraISO
Free Trial
Category: Disk Image Files
Updated: June 5, 2025