How to Extract Files from a FAT Disk Image on macOS
FAT (File Allocation Table) is a widely compatible filesystem used in USB drives, SD cards, and embedded systems. FAT disk images (.img) are common in embedded development, Raspberry Pi distributions, and cross-platform file sharing.
The default way to open FAT files on macOS
Tool: hdiutil (built-in)
$ hdiutil attach image.imgSteps
- From Terminal: hdiutil attach image.img
- The FAT image mounts as a volume in Finder.
- Browse and copy files freely.
- Eject when done.
Extract individual files from a FAT archive
While the default macOS tools support selective extraction, the process typically involves Terminal commands. MacPacker makes this effortless with a visual file browser — just browse the archive contents and drag out what you need.
A better way: open FAT files with MacPacker
MacPacker is a free, open-source macOS archive manager that supports FAT and 30+ other formats. Unlike the default tools, MacPacker lets you:
- Browse archive contents like a folder
- Preview files with Quick Look without extracting
- Extract individual files via drag and drop
- Navigate nested archives (archives within archives)
- Enjoy a native SwiftUI interface that feels right at home on macOS
Get MacPacker
v0.15.1 · macOS 14+$ brew install --cask macpackerApp Store updates may lag a few days behind direct downloads due to Apple review.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a FAT disk image on Mac?
From Terminal, run: hdiutil attach image.img to mount the FAT image. You can then browse files in Finder. MacPacker can also browse FAT images directly without mounting.