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Partclone
What it is
Partclone is free, open-source GNU/Linux software for saving and restoring used partition blocks and cloning devices. It can create a filesystem image or restore an image to a partition, supporting Btrfs, ext2/3/4, ReiserFS, Reiser4, XFS, JFS, NTFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, UFS2, VMFS, F2FS, and NILFS2. Its text-mode commands include an ncurses interface option and support stdin, stdout, and pipes for scripting. Pipe direction is task-specific: receiving piped data is available for restore, while sending data to a pipe is available for backup. Rescue mode attempts to bypass bad blocks and save readable data. CRC32 verifies backup blocks, and partclone.chkimg checks image files. Additional utilities create raw copies, inspect image headers, check images, and restore Partclone images. The project uses the GNU General Public License. Downloads include GitHub source and Debian and Ubuntu repositories; Clonezilla is described as an integrated related tool.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Broad filesystem support
- Rescue mode for bad blocks
- CRC32 backup verification
- Command-line and ncurses options
Against
- GNU/Linux platforms only
- Pipe input and output have task limits
- No free trial listed
The verdict
Partclone offers focused partition imaging and cloning utilities with extensive filesystem support and verification tools. Its command-line design and pipe restrictions are important considerations for scripting workflows.
Who it suits
Partclone suits GNU/Linux users who need partition imaging, restoration, cloning, or scripted backup workflows. It is also relevant for self-hosted environments and rescue operations.
Plans and prices
Partclone
Free and open source partition imaging and cloning software
Read 10 Oct 2026 · partclone.org
On the record
- Command-line interface
- Partclone commands use text mode and provide an ncurses interface option.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page links to GitHub source and Debian and Ubuntu package repositories, and labels SourceForge and NCHC Taiwan as deprecated sources.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Filesystem support
- The project lists support for Btrfs, ext2/3/4, ReiserFS, Reiser4, XFS, JFS, NTFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, UFS2, VMFS, F2FS and NILFS2.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Imaging mode
- Partclone can save a filesystem to an image or restore an image to a partition.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The download page says Clonezilla is an integrated tool based on DRBL, Partclone and udpcast.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Integrity check
- The features page says backup blocks are verified with CRC32, and the project provides partclone.chkimg to check image files.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- License
- The About page identifies the license as the GNU General Public License (GPL).partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Partclone provides utilities to save and restore used blocks on partitions and to clone devices.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Related tools
- The project includes utilities to make raw copies, check images, display image header information and restore Partclone images.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Rescue
- Rescue mode attempts to skip bad blocks and back up readable blocks.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Streaming
- The utilities support pipes, stdin and stdout for scripting workflows.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The help page lists bug reporting through SourceForge and GitHub, plus IRC, mailing lists, forums and email contact.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Usage limit
- The manual says receiving data from a pipe is supported only for restore, while sending data to a pipe is supported only for backup.partclone.org · read 10 Oct 2026
