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Raspberry Pi Imager

raspberrypi.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.9 #11 of 38 in Bootable USB Software

What it is

Raspberry Pi Imager writes Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to storage media for Raspberry Pi use. It includes popular images, accepts locally stored images, and lets advanced users configure a custom image repository from a file or URL. For supported systems, setup options can set a hostname, time zone, user and Wi-Fi credentials, and remote connectivity; SSH can be enabled with password or public key authentication. After writing, the app checks the image, a step Raspberry Pi recommends completing. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS installation options and AppImage downloads documented for other Linux distributions. Compatible Raspberry Pi models can install an operating system over a wired network without a separate computer or SD card reader. Writing overwrites all data on the chosen storage device, so selecting the destination carefully matters. Anonymous usage telemetry is on by default and can be disabled in App Options. Raspberry Pi publishes the source code publicly and accepts vulnerability reports. The software is free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Raspberry Pi Imager installs Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems onto storage media for use with a Raspberry Pi.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Intended users
The tool is for people preparing bootable storage for Raspberry Pi devices, including headless setups that need preconfigured credentials or remote access.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Headquarters
Cambridge, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Founded
2012Read 28 Sep 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Custom images
Users can select a local operating system image, and advanced users can configure a custom image repository from a file or URL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Device setup
For supported operating systems, Imager can preconfigure a hostname, time zone, user credentials, Wi-Fi credentials, and remote connectivity.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Installation options
Raspberry Pi Imager is available for Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, and Raspberry Pi OS, with Linux AppImage downloads documented for other Linux distributions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Network install
Compatible Raspberry Pi models can install an operating system over a wired network without a separate computer or SD card reader.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Open source
Raspberry Pi publishes the Imager source code in a public GitHub repository.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
OS selection
Imager includes popular operating system images and supports images downloaded from Raspberry Pi or third-party vendors such as Ubuntu.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Security reporting
Raspberry Pi accepts vulnerability reports for Raspberry Pi Imager and describes its investigation and disclosure process on its security page.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
SSH
Imager can enable SSH with password or public key authentication during operating system customization.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Storage warning
Writing an image overwrites all data on the selected storage device, and the documentation advises users to select the destination carefully.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
Telemetry
Anonymous usage telemetry is enabled by default and can be disabled in App Options; the project says the collected counts are not associated with personal data.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Write verification
After writing an image, Imager verifies that it was written correctly, and Raspberry Pi recommends completing verification.Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com

Plans and prices

Raspberry Pi Imager Free Desktop imaging utility · Windows, macOS, Linux Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com

Every Raspberry Pi Imager plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Offers popular OS images and custom image sources
  • Can preconfigure credentials and remote access
  • Verifies written images
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Source code is publicly available

Limits

  • Writing erases all data on the selected device
  • Anonymous telemetry is enabled by default

Who it suits

It suits people preparing bootable storage for Raspberry Pi devices, including headless setups that need credentials or remote access configured in advance. It also supports PC and Mac use with Raspberry Pi Desktop images.

Verdict

Raspberry Pi Imager combines image selection, device setup, and write verification in a free utility. Check the destination carefully before writing, and disable telemetry in App Options if preferred.

Where Specifiction places it

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