How to Make Copy of CD on Mac

If you are using a Mac computer, then you might want to make a copy of your CD for backup or sharing purposes. Making a copy of your CD on Mac is not as difficult as you might think. However, different methods can be employed based on your needs. In this post, we will be discussing multiple methods on how to make a copy of CD on Mac.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Make a Copy of CD on Mac

You might have important data on your CD, or a music album that you love. CDs can easily get damaged or scratched, or may get lost. You may need another copy of your CD for backup or share it with others. Creating a copy of CD on a Mac computer gives you the benefit of having a secure backup copy if the original disc gets damaged or lost. Moreover, you won’t need to buy the same CD again, saving you both time and money.

Method 1: Using Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a pre-installed app on all Mac computers. You can use this app for creating a perfect copy of CD on Mac.

Steps:
1. Insert CD into your Mac if it hasn’t been inserted yet.
2. Launch Disk Utility from the Applications folder.
3. Choose the inserted CD and click on the "New Image" button.
4. Select the destination for your image file and save it as ".cdr."
5. Choose "CD/DVD master" format and click on Save.
6. Wait for Disk Utility to create your disc image copy of the CD.
7. Once the process is completed, eject the original CD.

Pros:
– Disk Utility is a free and easy-to-use tool that comes pre-installed with your Mac.
– The disc image copy created with Disk Utility is an exact replica of the original CD.

Cons:
– This method only copies CDs that have no copy protection.
– You may need to purchase a software that can bypass copy protection feature for creating a perfect copy of protected CDs.

Method 2: Using iTunes

iTunes is not only for music management but can also be used as a method for creating a CD backup copy.

Steps:
1. Insert the CD into your Mac and open iTunes.
2. Click on the CD icon located in the upper left corner of iTunes.
3. Click on the "Import Settings" option and select "Import Using" from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose the "Apple Lossless Encoder" option and click on OK.
5. Click on the "Import CD" button and wait for iTunes to finish.
6. Once your CD is imported, insert a blank CD and click on the "Burn" button.

Pros:
– iTunes comes pre-installed on a Mac and is available for free to use.
– This method imports music and makes a backup copy in one go.

Cons:
– This method is time-consuming.
– The quality of the music copy depends on the settings of the encoder.

Method 3: Using Third-party CD Rippers

Apart from iTunes, numerous software programs are available that can quickly rip data off your CD. Some popular third-party applications are BurnX, LiquidCD, and Express Burn.

Steps (using BurnX):
1. Insert your CD into your Mac and launch BurnX.
2. Select Data CD in the list of options and click on the "Select files" button.
3. Drag and drop the files you want to copy into the BurnX window.
4. Once you have selected the files, click on the "OK" button.
5. Select the "Burn" button, and wait for the software to accomplish the process.

Pros:
– Third-party CD rippers come packed with extra features.
– You can rip data from any type of CD, such as DVD or Blu-ray.

Cons:
– Third-party software can sometimes be expensive.
– Compatibility issues may occur with certain types of CDs.

Method 4: Using Finder

Another approach for creating a CD backup copy is using Finder. Finder allows you to copy any type of data from the original CD to the computer and create a duplicate.

Steps:
1. Insert the CD into your Mac and open Finder.
2. Drag the CD icon from Finder to your desktop.
3. Double-click on the CD icon on your desktop to open it.
4. Select all files and copy them to your Mac by dragging and dropping.
5. Eject the original CD and insert a blank CD.
6. Drag and drop the copied files into the blank CD.
7. Click on "Burn" to start burning the new CD.

Pros:
– This method is simple and free to use.
– All data including movies, music files, and other formats can be copied.

Cons:
– This method is not as reliable as other methods.
– Sometimes, the copy process may fail to work.

What to Do If You Can’t Make a Copy of CD on Mac

If you encounter problems creating a CD backup copy, you can try the following fixes.

1. Check if your CD is working correctly.
2. Try other methods to make a copy of your CD.
3. Use a different computer or drive to copy the CD.

Bonus Tips for Making a Copy of CD on Mac

1. Always use blank, high-quality CDs for making backups.
2. Obtain permission to make copies if the CD is protected against copying.
3. Test the copied CD to verify the quality and make sure all the files have been properly copied.

5 FAQs on Making a Copy of CD on Mac

Q1: How do I know if a CD is copy-protected?

A: You can’t know if a CD is copy-protected just by looking at it. However, if you encounter errors or problems when trying to copy the CD, it is probably copy-protected.

Q2: Is it legal to make a copy of the CD?

A: Making a backup copy of a CD is considered legal, provided that it is only for personal use. Distributing or selling copies of the CD without the copyright owner’s permission is illegal.

Q3: What is the difference between a copy and an image of a CD?

A: A copy is a duplicate of the data on the CD, while an image is a file containing the entire data of the original CD in an exact, unaltered format.

Q4: Can I use a DVD to make a backup copy of my CD?

A: DVD drives are compatible with CDs, and files from a CD can easily be copied to a DVD. However, not all DVDs are suitable for copying CDs.

Q5: How long does it take to make a backup copy of a CD on a Mac?

A: The time it takes to make a backup copy of a CD largely depends on the size of the data on the disc and the method used to create the copy. Usually, it takes roughly 5-10 minutes for a CD image to be created.

Final Thoughts

Creating a backup copy of CD on a Mac is easier than you think. You can use in-built apps like Finder and Disk Utility, or use a third-party software. Always ensure that the copied file is free of errors and working correctly before using it. Making copies of CDs should only be done for personal use. We hope this post has been helpful, and you can now enjoy all your CDs without fear of losing them.