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cdrdao

disc-at-once CD recording and reading

TLDR

Read a CD and write contents to a file
$ cdrdao read-cd --device [/dev/cdrom] --read-raw [image.toc]
copy
Write a disc image to CD-R
$ cdrdao write --device [/dev/cdrom] --speed [8] [image.toc]
copy
Simulate a write without actually burning
$ cdrdao simulate --device [/dev/cdrom] [image.toc]
copy
Copy a CD directly
$ cdrdao copy --source-device [/dev/cdrom] --device [/dev/cdrw] [image.toc]
copy
Blank a CD-RW disc
$ cdrdao blank --device [/dev/cdrw] --blank-mode minimal
copy
Show the table of contents
$ cdrdao show-toc [image.toc]
copy

SYNOPSIS

cdrdao command [options] toc-file

DESCRIPTION

cdrdao reads and writes CDs in disc-at-once (DAO) mode. Unlike track-at-once recording, DAO writes the entire disc in a single pass without gaps between tracks, preserving exact sector timing and sub-channel data. This makes it the preferred tool for creating accurate copies of audio CDs where track transitions matter.The tool uses TOC (Table of Contents) files to describe disc layout, which can represent complex disc structures including multi-session discs, mixed-mode discs, and CDs with hidden tracks or non-standard gaps. The TOC format provides more control over disc layout than cue sheets.A typical workflow involves reading a disc with `read-cd` to create a TOC file and binary image, then writing the image back with `write`. The `simulate` command performs a dry run without actually burning.

PARAMETERS

--device device

CD/DVD device path
--read-raw
Read in raw mode (preserves all data)
--driver name
Use specific device driver
--speed n
Set write speed
--source-device device
Source CD device path (for copy command)
--eject
Eject disc after operation
--overburn
Allow writing more data than the medium capacity
--multi
Do not close the session after writing, allowing additional sessions
--blank-mode mode
Blanking mode for CD-RW (minimal or full)

COMMANDS

read-cd

Read a CD to image and TOC files
write
Write image to disc
copy
Copy disc to disc
simulate
Simulate write operation
show-toc
Display TOC file contents
read-toc
Analyze each track and create a TOC file without reading audio/data
blank
Blank a CD-RW disc
unlock
Unlock the recorder device after a failed write or simulation

CAVEATS

Requires a CD/DVD writer for write operations. Raw read mode may not work with all drives. Copy protection may prevent reading some discs.

SEE ALSO

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