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shawnhank/macOS-ISO-howto.md

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Created November 8, 2021 08:35
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How to create a bootable ISO of macOS install application.
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macOS-ISO-howto.md

Download

First download the install app bundle. Older versions can be hard to find but the current version of the time you read this, can be found in the App Store.

Create and attach a drive wtih hdiutil

To create a drive run this command: hdiutil create -o /tmp/Mojave.cdr -size 6200m -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J.
Next you will need to mount that drive hdiutil attach /tmp/Mojave.cdr.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/install_build.

Create installation media in the new drive

Use the downloaded app bundle to create the media: sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/install_build.

Convert to ISO

Move the drive to your desktop: mv /tmp/Mojave.cdr.dmg ~/Desktop/InstallSystem.dmg.
Detach the drive: hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.
Covnert it: hdiutil convert ~/Desktop/InstallSystem.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/Mojave.iso.

Change file extension

The resulting file will be ~/Desktop/Mojave.iso.cdr. Rename this file to ~/Desktop/Mojave.iso and choose "use .iso" from the dialog. And you're all set!

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