Since the ISO file format is capable of storing a 1-1 digital replica of a physical disc, there is no compression involved since it is intended to be used as it is without extracting. ISO files are most commonly used to create backup discs on physical CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray discs.
Unlike many other file formats, the ISO file extension does not use compression, as it’s a full digital copy of the original disc. This information stored on the ISO file can be “mounted” and used on your computer without a CD player, be opened to explore the contents, or simply burned onto a physical disc of your choice. The ISO file extension does not just store files and folders they house all the vital file system information about the disc’s structure. An ISO file is, simply put, a digital file format replicating a physical CD, DVD, or BD.
