make_iso.sh adds preseed data and adds/updates packages to an existing Linux Mint ISO image to speed up the installation. The preseeded ISO image can be flashed to an USB stick or served from a iPXE server for centralized installation.
Imagine you have a Linux installation CD (ISO file). This tool helps you:
- Automate the installation so you don't have to answer questions
- Add or update software automatically
- Create a custom version that installs exactly what you want
- Make it foolproof for anyone to use
You need a Linux computer with internet. Open a terminal.
git clone https://github.com/tband/make_iso
cd make_iso
# Download Linux Mint (this takes a while, ~2-3 GB)
wget https://ftp.nluug.nl/os/Linux/distr/linuxmint/iso/stable/22.3/linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso
# Download the verification file
wget https://ftp.nluug.nl/os/Linux/distr/linuxmint/iso/stable/22.3/sha256sum.txt
# IMPORTANT: Verify the download is correct
shasum -c sha256sum.txt
# You should see: linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso: OK./make_iso.sh -i linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit.iso --update --signal --winboat
# Wait a few minutes..
# When done, you'll see something like:
# linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit-2026-01-20.iso has been created# Find your USB drive (BE CAREFUL - wrong choice erases data!)
lsblk
# Look for something like sdb, sdc (NOT sda which is your main drive)
# Write the ISO to USB (REPLACE /dev/sdX with your USB device)
sudo dd if=linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit-2026-01-20.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progressInstall and configure a IPXE server using https://github.com/tband/linux-employ
sudo ./install.sh --iso linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit-2026-01-20.isoTo update the packages in the ISO run make_iso.sh --update.
cd make_iso
git pull # update the make_iso.sh script
# Use the old iso as input, no need to re-add signal or winboat, just update
./make_iso.sh -i linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit-2026-01-20.iso --update
# linuxmint-22.3-cinnamon-64bit-2026-02-03.iso has been created| Option | What It Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
-i file.iso |
Input file (required) | Always needed |
-o file.iso |
Output file name | If you want a specific name |
--update |
Updates all software in the ISO | When the ISO is old |
--help |
Shows all options | When you're confused |
| Option | What It Does | For Who |
|---|---|---|
--chroot |
Opens a command prompt inside the ISO | Advanced users who want to manually add/remove things |
--signal |
Installs Signal messaging app | If you want Signal pre-installed |
--winboat |
Installs WinBoat for Windows apps | If you need to run Windows programs |
Don't worry about these details, but here's what the script does:
- Checks for tools - Automatically installs xorriso, squashfs-tools, bsdtar if missing
- Extracts the original ISO (like opening a zip file)
- Updates software if you asked for it (like running Windows Update)
- Installs extra programs if requested (like adding apps to your phone)
- Adds automated installation settings (so you don't click "Next" 50 times)
- Rebuilds everything into a new ISO (like zipping it back up)
- Creates a checksum file (like a fingerprint to verify it's correct)
- Downloading Linux Mint: 10-30 minutes (depending on internet)
- Creating custom ISO: 5-15 minutes
- Total: 15-45 minutes
- Original Linux Mint: ~2.8 GB
- Custom ISO: ~3.5-4 GB (bigger because of updates and extra software)
- Yes! It works with most Debian-based Linux distributions
- The script was designed for Linux Mint but works with Ubuntu, Debian, etc.
Common errors and fixes:
-
"Permission denied"
- Fix: Make script executable:
chmod +x make_iso.sh
- Fix: Make script executable:
-
"ISO already exists"
- Fix: Delete old output file or use different output name with
-o
- Fix: Delete old output file or use different output name with
-
"Not enough space"
- Fix: Free up at least 10 GB on your hard drive
-
"sudo password required"
- The script may ask for sudo password to install tools or mount filesystems
- This is normal and safe
- Use a fast USB drive (USB 3.0 or better) for better performance
- Verify downloads - always run
shasum -cto avoid corrupted files - Backup important data before writing to USB (it erases everything!)
- Test in a virtual machine first if you're unsure
- Keep the original ISO so you can create different versions
This runs apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade inside the ISO, so:
- Security patches are included
- Bug fixes are applied
- Software is current
These install extra software:
- Signal: Encrypted messaging app (like WhatsApp but more private)
- WinBoat: Lets you run some Windows programs on Linux
This is like "going inside" the ISO to make changes:
- You get a command prompt
- You can install/uninstall programs
- You can edit configuration files
- Type
exitwhen done
./make_iso.sh -i linuxmint.iso -o my_mint.isoResult: ISO that installs Linux Mint without asking questions
./make_iso.sh -i linuxmint.iso --update --signalResult: Latest software + Signal messaging app
./make_iso.sh -i linuxmint.iso -o repair_cafe.iso --update --signal --winboatResult: Complete system with updates, Signal, and Windows app support
- USB drives are erased completely - no undo!
- Large downloads - make sure you have 5+ GB free
- Time commitment - first time takes 30-60 minutes
- Verify everything - always check checksums
- Test before deploying - try on one computer first
- Check the original GitHub: https://github.com/tband/make_iso
- Read the script comments: open
make_iso.shin a text editor - Join Linux communities for support
- Linux computer with internet connection
- Downloaded Linux Mint ISO
- Verified ISO with shasum
- Have 10+ GB free space
- Understand what USB drive you'll use
- Ready to wait 20-60 minutes
You're ready to create your custom Linux ISO! 🎉