An IMG file is a disk image, a complete copy of a storage device like a hard drive, floppy disk, CD, or DVD. It contains all the data and structural information, including files, folders, boot sector information, and file system. IMG files are often used for backups, software distribution, and creating virtual machines. They allow users to create an exact replica of a storage device, which can be used to restore the original device to its previous state or to create a virtual environment that mimics the original device. The format is a raw sector-by-sector copy, making it a bit-for-bit identical representation. This makes it useful for forensic analysis and data recovery. While some IMG files are simple raw images, others may be compressed or contain additional metadata. They are often used in conjunction with virtualization software to create and manage virtual machines.