/CHDMAN-Batch-Tools

Primary LanguageBatchfileMIT LicenseMIT

CHDMAN-Batch-Tools

Simple Windows batch scripts for converting CD and DVD images to and from CHD format using CHDMAN.

These scripts focus on simplicity. You can drag-and-drop files, run them from the command line, or let them scan folders recursively. There are no dependencies beyond CHDMAN itself.

These tools help with compressing disc-based game images into CHD, or restoring them for use with software that needs .cue/.bin or .iso formats. Common use cases include:

  • Game preservation and archival
  • Use with emulators (e.g. RetroArch, DuckStation, PCSX2)
  • Reducing storage size

Scripts

Script Converts For Disc Type
cd_chd_create.bat .cue → .chd CD (e.g. PS1, Sega Saturn)
cd_chd_extract.bat .chd → .cue + .bin CD
dvd_chd_create.bat .iso → .chd DVD (e.g. PS2, Wii)
dvd_chd_extract.bat .chd → .iso DVD

Note: Use the CD scripts for older systems like PlayStation 1, Sega Saturn, TurboGrafx-CD, etc.
Use the DVD scripts for PlayStation 2, GameCube, Wii, and other DVD-based consoles.

Requirements

  • Windows Operating System
  • CHDMAN executable (chdman.exe) from the official MAME project

Installation

To use these scripts:

  1. Download this repository as a ZIP:
    Download ZIP

  2. Extract the scripts folder to any folder on your system.

  3. Inside the extracted scripts folder, place a copy of chdman.exe (see below).

  4. Use the .bat files from that folder via drag-and-drop, double-click, or command line.

Getting CHDMAN

For safety and security reasons, this repository does not include the chdman.exe executable. Since you cannot always trust third-party binaries and repositories, it is best to download it yourself directly from the official source. This also ensures you get the most recent and compatible version.

  1. Go to the official MAME tools download page, download and install MAME.
  2. Go to the MAME install location and copy the chdman.exe executable to the same folder as these .bat scripts.

Usage

Option 1: Folder Scan (No Arguments)

If you run a script without arguments (e.g. double-click it), it will recursively scan the current folder for supported files and convert all that don't already have matching output files.

Option 2: Drag and Drop

Drag supported files (e.g. .cue, .chd, .iso) onto the appropriate .bat script.

Option 3: Command Line

cd_chd_create.bat "C:\Games\My PS1 Game.cue"
cd_chd_extract.bat "D:\Rips\Some Movie.chd"

Behavior

  • Output files are saved in the same folder as the input files
  • If the output file already exists, the script skips it
  • CHDMAN errors (e.g. invalid input) are shown in the console window

Credits

MAME Project – creators of CHDMAN