CDEmu
What it is
CDEmu is a free Linux software suite that emulates optical drives and discs, including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media. Its kernel module creates a virtual SCSI host adapter connecting the Linux kernel with a userspace daemon. The libMirage library provides access to optical image formats including MDS, MDX, CCD, CUE, BIN, TOC, CDI, ISO, NRG, UDF, DMG, CSO, GZ, DAA, and ISZ. Emulated media can be mounted in Linux, and automounting is allowed. The project also describes experimental CD-R and DVD+R recording emulation for writing blank virtual discs with burning software. Users can manage devices, view status, and adjust debug masks through command-line or GTK clients. The daemon exposes methods over D-BUS and can register on the session or system bus. CDEmu is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later. The project lists official source tarballs and packages from Linux distribution repositories, while noting that third-party packages are not verified or formally supported.
For and against
For
- Free software licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later.
- Supports many optical disc image formats.
- Emulated media can be mounted and automounted.
- Offers both command-line and GTK clients.
Against
- Available for Linux only.
- CD-R and DVD+R recording emulation is experimental.
- Third-party distribution packages are not verified or formally supported.
- Bus use has device-access or permission requirements.
The verdict
CDEmu provides Linux optical-drive emulation with broad image-format support and two client options. Be aware that recording emulation is experimental and third-party packages are not formally supported.
Who it suits
CDEmu suits Linux users who need to mount optical disc images through an emulated drive. It may also suit users who want command-line or GTK controls for device management.
Plans and prices
CDEmu
GPL v2 or later · Linux optical drive and disc emulator
Read 5 Oct 2026 · cdemu.sourceforge.io
On the record
- Clients
- CDEmu provides a command-line client and a GTK client for loading and unloading devices, viewing device status and managing debug masks.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Daemon interface
- The daemon exposes methods over D-BUS and can register on either the session bus or system bus.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Disc recording
- The project says its daemon has experimental emulation of CD-R and DVD+R recording, allowing blank virtual discs to be written with CD/DVD burning software.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project lists official source tarballs for its core software, client applications and image analyzer, along with packages from several Linux distribution repositories.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Image formats
- libMirage lists support for formats including MDS, MDX, CCD, CUE, BIN, TOC, CDI, ISO, NRG, UDF, DMG, CSO, GZ, DAA and ISZ.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Image library
- libMirage provides uniform access to data in optical disc image formats and supports both CD-ROM and DVD-ROM images.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The GTK client can send daemon and device status change notifications via libnotify when its Python bindings are installed.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- License
- CDEmu is licensed under the GNU GPL version 2 or later.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CDEmu is a software suite designed to emulate an optical drive and disc, including CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, on Linux.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Security and permissions
- The project documents that system-bus use requires special permissions and its installed D-BUS configuration allows root by default; session-bus use requires read and write access to the VHBA control device.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its support request tracker and mailing list for issues, suggestions and other feedback.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Third-party packages
- The project says third-party distribution packages are not verified by its maintainers and are not formally supported.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Virtual drive
- The suite includes a kernel module that provides a virtual SCSI host adapter linking the userspace daemon with the Linux kernel.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Virtual media
- Optical media emulated by CDEmu can be mounted within Linux, and automounting is allowed.cdemu.sourceforge.io · read 5 Oct 2026
