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Claus Valca edited this page Sep 15, 2026 · 3 revisions

❓ FAQ

Is this legal?

OpenROM is a conversion tool — it doesn't distribute or download ROMs. Converting ROMs you own is generally considered fair use in most countries. We don't take legal responsibility for how you use it.

Does it delete my original files?

No. OpenROM always creates a new file and leaves the original untouched.

Why is CHD so much smaller than ISO?

ISO files contain redundant error correction data from the original disc format. CHD strips that out losslessly and compresses what's left. Your game data is 100% intact — typically 30–50% smaller.

Can I convert back?

Yes — almost everything is reversible:

  • CHD → ISO / BIN+CUE ✅
  • CSO/ZSO → ISO ✅
  • ECM → ISO/BIN ✅
  • XISO → files ✅
  • RVZ/WIA/WBFS/GCZ → ISO ✅

Does it support 3DS / Switch / NDS?

Not currently. 3DS requires crypto key handling and Switch is an active console — both are outside OpenROM's scope for now.

NDS ROMs are cartridge-based and don't need conversion.

My antivirus flagged OpenROM — is it safe?

Yes. This is a known false positive caused by bundled emulation binaries (chdman, maxcso, ecm).

In v2.6.1 we migrated from PyInstaller to Nuitka, dropping detections from 27/67 → 14/67. The remaining flags come from two bundled tools, not OpenROM itself.

Verify your download with SHA256 checksums in [SECURITY.md](https://github.com/M5Devs/OpenROM/blob/main/SECURITY.md).

My modded ISO fails to convert

Some modded or fan-translated ISOs have their platform headers patched over, causing detection to fail.

Fix — use force-platform in CLI:

openrom-core --input "modded_game.iso" --format CHD --force-platform PS2

A GUI option for this is coming in a future release.

Does OpenROM support RVZ for GameCube/Wii?

Yes — RVZ, WIA, WBFS, and GCZ are all supported via the bundled nodtool. See Conversion Matrix.

Will there be a Flatpak?

Yes — Flatpak support is planned. The manifest is being updated for the Flutter-based UI. Follow the [repo](https://github.com/M5Devs/OpenROM) for updates.

Will there be Android support?

Android support via Termux is on the roadmap. See Termux Guide for the current workaround.

Can I convert BIN to ISO directly?

Short answer: don't.

Direct BIN → ISO strips audio tracks from multi-track games (most PS1 games). Your game launches but music and sound effects will be gone.

The right way:

BIN/CUE → CHD        (best — stay here)
BIN/CUE → CHD → ISO  (if you really need ISO)

OpenROM handles both steps. CHD is smaller and every modern emulator supports it.

Does it work on Steam Deck?

Yes — use the Linux build. See Steam Deck Guide for setup.

Can I use it without the GUI?

Yes — openrom-core is a full headless CLI included in every release. See CLI Reference or run openrom-core --help.

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