How to Create macOS Sonoma ISO: 8 Easy Steps

In this guide, we will share the exact steps to create macOS Sonoma ISO that you can use to create a bootable ISO or run macOS Sonoma on virtual machines.

Creating a bootable macOS Sonoma ISO file is incredibly useful for IT professionals, developers, or anyone looking to install the OS on a virtual machine (like VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop) for testing and development. Apple doesn’t distribute an ISO directly, but you can easily create one yourself using Terminal.

If you direct want to download the macOS Sonoma ISO file, you can follow this guide:
Download macOS Sonoma ISO for VirtualBox and VMware

This guide will walk you through the entire process in 8 clear and straightforward steps using built-in macOS commands.

Prerequisites: Create macOS Sonoma ISO

• A Mac compatible with macOS Sonoma.
• At least 20-25 GB of free storage space.
• A reliable internet connection is required to download the installer.

---

Create macOS Sonoma ISO: Step-by-Step guide:

Step 1: Download the macOS Sonoma Installer Package

Download InstallAssistant.pkg from our website archive.

At the time of writing this article, we are currently running macOS Sequoia 14.7.8. So, you can download the InstllAssistant.pkg file of the same version as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 2: Install the macOS Sonoma Application

Note: The download from the App Store in Step 1 automatically places the “Install macOS Sonoma.app” bundle into your Applications folder. No separate installation is needed. This step is complete once the download finishes.

Step 3: Create a Blank Disk Image

We need a container to build the bootable installer. Open Terminal (found in Applications/Utilities/) and carefully paste the following command:

hdiutil create -o ~/Desktop/Sonoma -size 16000m -volname Sonoma -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J

• Explanation: This command creates a 16GB (~16000m) blank disk image named Sonoma.dmg on your Desktop. It is formatted as macOS Journaled (HFS+J), which is required for the bootable installer process.

Step 4: Mount the Disk Image

Next, we need to mount this new image so the system can treat it as a removable drive. Run this command in Terminal:

hdiutil attach ~/Desktop/Sonoma.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/Sonoma

• Explanation: This attaches the Sonoma.dmg file and makes it accessible at the mount point /Volumes/Sonoma.

Step 5: Create the Bootable Install Media

This is the core step. We use Apple’s built-in createinstallmedia tool to copy the boot files into our mounted volume. Enter this command, and be ready to type your administrator password when prompted:

If you are using the Public version:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Sonoma --nointeraction

If you are using the Beta version:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma\ beta.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Sonoma --nointeraction

• Explanation: The sudo command requires your password to execute with root privileges. This tool erases the mounted volume, copies the installer contents to it, and makes it bootable. The --nointeraction flag automatically confirms the prompt.

Step 6: Unmount the Volume

Once the process in Step 5 finishes (it will take 10-20 minutes), you need to unmount the volume. Important: Note that the volume name changes during the process. Use this command:

If you are using the Public version:

hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma

If you are using the Beta version:

hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma\ beta

The volume name is now “Install macOS Sonoma”, not just “Sonoma”.

Step 7: Convert the DMG to a CDR (ISO) Format

Now, convert the finished .dmg file into a universal CDR/ISO format that is recognized by virtualization software.

hdiutil convert ~/Desktop/Sonoma.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/Sonoma.cdr

• Explanation: The -format UDTO option tells hdiutil to output a CDR (DVD/CD Master) file, which is a direct equivalent to an ISO image.

Step 8: Rename the CDR to ISO

For convenience and compatibility, simply rename the file extension from .cdr to .iso using the mv (move) command.

mv ~/Desktop/Sonoma.cdr ~/Desktop/Sonoma.iso

And that’s it! You now have a complete, bootable Sonoma.iso file on your Desktop, ready to be attached to a virtual machine.

---

Complete Video Tutorial:

How to Use Your New macOS Sonoma ISO File

The primary use for this ISO is virtualization on Apple hardware.

1. In VMware: Create a new virtual machine. When prompted to select an operating system, choose “Use a different disc or disc image” and select your new Sonoma.iso file.
2. In Parallels Desktop: Create a new VM, select “Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file,” and then point the software to your Sonoma.iso file.

You can use these guides:
How to Install macOS Sonoma on VMware on Windows PC
How to install macOS Sonoma on VirtualBox on a Windows PC

Important Disclaimer: Running macOS virtually on non-Apple hardware is against Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA). This guide is intended for use on genuine Apple hardware for legitimate purposes such as software testing, development, and safe evaluation of new OS versions.