Image Mastering API

The Image Mastering Applications Programming Interface, or IMAPI, is a component of Microsoft Windows operating system used for CD and DVD recording. It was introduced with Windows XP, and was completely redesigned for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Overview

IMAPI provides the ability to create and burn single-session and multi-session discs, including bootable discs. It also provides low-level access to the burn engine for developing support for new devices, as well as access to extended recorder properties. IMAPI supports every major writable CD and DVD format:

  • Recordable CD (CD-R). Formerly known as CD Write Once.
  • Rewritable CD (CD-RW)
  • Recordable DVD (DVD-R and DVD+R).
  • Rewritable DVD (DVD-RW and DVD+RW).
  • Random-access DVD (DVD-RAM).
  • Recordable dual layer DVD (in DVD-R and DVD+R formats).
  • Writes to other disc-like media.

IMAPI supports writing disks in ISO 9660 (including Red Book Audio), Joliet, and Universal Disk Format.

IMAPI was redesigned for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This version, GeneRally known as "IMAPIv2", was later released as an update for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 after Microsoft received requests from hardware and software vendors.

See also

  • Features new to Windows XP
  • MultiMedia Commands