Play and convert UDF file - so it'll work

If you have received a UDF file or downloaded it from the Internet and now want to play it or possibly even convert it, you need a corresponding program. In this practical tip, we will show you how to play and convert UDF files.

What are UDF files?

In most cases, files with the extension "UDF" (Universal Disk Format) are image files from CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays, ie complete images of the data carrier. In contrast to the more widespread ISO format, the UDF format can contain files with longer names. There is also no limit to the depth of the directory.

This is how they play UDF files

To play or open a UDF file, you need a suitable program such as IsoBuster. You can link the software to files in UDF format already during the installation.

• If you want to open the UDF file via the IsoBuster program interface, you must change the file extension to "All files" when selecting the file.
• If the UDF file was opened with IsoBuster, the program shows you all the files and folders contained in the image. You can extract them after a right click and save them on your hard drive. The files can then be used as usual.

How to convert UDF files

• To convert a file from UDF format to the more common ISO format, for example, you need software such as UltraISO, which is available as shareware. After you have installed and started the program, click on "Tools" in the menu bar and then on "Convert". Select the source file ("All files" as file extension), the target folder and the output format. Finally click on "Convert".
• If the UDF file is the image of a video DVD and you want to convert it to a different video format, you must first copy the files to your hard drive (see "How to play UDF files"). You can then convert the files to another format using a converter. You can find more information in this practical tip.

Help with problems with media burned in UDF format

Unfortunately, data carriers burned in UDF format cannot be played by all playback devices. In such a case, you need to re-burn the disk, you cannot convert it directly.

• Modern PCs should always be able to open data carriers burned in UDF format. Copy all files and folders from the data medium to your hard drive and burn them with a burning program such as CDBurnerXP.
• When burning, make sure that you use ISO 9660 / Joliet instead of UDF as the file system. For CDBurnerXP, click on "Medium" in the menu bar, then "Change file system" and then select the appropriate file system.
• However, please note that you cannot use the ISO file system if you want to burn files that are larger than 4 GB or if the file and folder names consist of more than 107 characters. You can find out how to open an ISO file in the video below.

You can also mount most image files in a virtual drive and then use them like a burned disk. We will show you how in the next practical tip.