.PDI File Extension
InstantCopy Disc Image
| Developer | Pinnacle Systems |
| Popularity |
2.8 | 12 Votes |
What is a PDI file?
A PDI file is a disc image created by the now-discontinued InstantCopy, a DVD copying program developed by Pinnacle Systems. It contains an exact copy of the data from a DVD in the Pinnacle Disc Image (PDI) format, including menus, video, and audio data. PDI files are typically used to back up or duplicate DVD content.
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Pinnacle InstantCopy was a DVD and CD copying application developed by Pinnacle Systems and released in the early 2000s. It was designed for home users who wanted to back up or duplicate DVDs and CDs, especially for personal movie collections. Pinnacle Systems eventually discontinued InstantCopy as optical media declined in popularity.
The program saved disc images in the PDI format, which users could later burn to physical media or mount using compatible virtual drive software. PDI files preserved the entire structure of a DVD, including video files, menus, and chapters, making them useful for 1:1 backups.
How to open a PDI file
You can open PDI files with Lightning UK ImgBurn and Smart Projects IsoBuster in Windows. Pinnacle Systems InstantCopy can also open PDI files; however, the software is no longer supported.
How to convert a PDI file
Several programs, including Lightning UK ImgBurn and Smart Projects IsoBuster, can convert PDI files to other file types.
For example, IsoBuster can convert PDI files to the .ISO Disk Image format.
Programs that open PDI files
Playdate Image
| Developer | Panic |
| Popularity |
2.0 | 1 Vote |
A PDI file may also be an image format used by games developed for the Playdate, a handheld gaming console developed by Panic. It stores 1-bit black-and-white image data in a proprietary raster graphic format explicitly for the Playdate’s 400 × 240-pixel monochrome screen. Developers use PDI files to store and display in-game artwork, such as sprites, backgrounds, and UI elements.
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The Playdate SDK, which developers use to build Playdate games, supports both Lua and C programming languages. When creating a game, developers may convert standard image formats (such as .PNG or .BMP) into PDI files to efficiently display them on the device. This conversion process ensures the graphics match the console’s strict display requirements, including its 1-bit color depth.
Most users will encounter PDI files only when developing or modifying Playdate games. The files are typically bundled within a game’s source code or project directory.
How to open a PDI file
PDI files are not meant to be opened. Instead, the Playdate game references the PDI image to load the sprite, background, or UI element it stores.
However, developers may open PDI files with tools included with Panic Playdate SDK.