PatchBurn for Mac

Used PatchBurn for Mac?

PatchBurn Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

PatchBurn is a free utility for Mac users designed to enhance CD and DVD drive compatibility. This software allows users to patch existing drivers, enabling support for various optical drives that may not be natively recognized by macOS. It is particularly useful for those utilizing third-party drives, ensuring seamless functionality with the operating system.

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Free

The program is compatible with Mac OS X and earlier versions, and its versionwas last updated in JulyPatchBurn requires minimal system resources, making it an efficient choice for users looking to optimize their media playback experience without taxing their system. With over 4,000 downloads since its addition to the catalog, it remains a relevant tool for managing optical drive compatibility.

PatchBurn for Mac

Used PatchBurn for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 31, 2007

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 4.0.5

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.4

Additional Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 1,238

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

5/5

19 User Votes

Change Date to Use Expired Patchburns
Mil MascarasJune 3, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I had an isue whereby I had to use a Patchburn that expired on June 1st, on June 1st. Ran it the first time, and it gave me an expiration notice, didnt allow me to continue. Developer was one day away from releasing this next version... I changed the Date on the affected Macs Date&Time System Preference (set it back one year, didnt even need to logoout/restart), and Patchburn again worked beautifully (like it always does). So remember, only the installer expires, NOT what it does.
Great Hack!
mwilkeMarch 29, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have struggled with an LG DVD burner all day. Even after flashing the ROM in the external enclosure it wasn't working. In. iTunes would burn to it just fine, but i couldn't do Burn Folders from the Finder. It is burning as I type. In Sytem Profiler, the burner was listed as able to burn -- a Yes followed by "(Unsupported)". Is it supported or not? After the patch, System Profiler saw the drive as supported. I don't have PayPal, so a pat on the back is the best I can offer. Thanks for the help.
A great hack (sometimes)
jerry7171November 5, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Ealier this year when I had an older iBook (1.2 ghz) running 10.3 PatchBurn worked perfectly under the option to install two patches under the "experts mode" so I could use a borrowed USB external HP DVD630e writer. Alas, as of today, after purchasing my own HP 630e burner to use with a newer iBook running 10.4, it no longer offers that option under the "experts mode" nor does it notice the burner when it's attached. I'm majorly bummed, but I suspect it has something to do with the current OS. I'm hoping another update or work-around will come along soon so I can take advantage of the burner but I can't complain--after all I got the burner on the cheap and PatchBurn is free at this time, so do your part if it works for you and make sure to donate to keep it going.
great app.
madchadAugust 27, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I bought a BenQ 16X Dual Layer burner and was really upset that it didn't work in OSX. Then I found this app and all was good. Except for one thing. With iTunes I can use the burner to burn with. That works great. However, if I try to import FROM the drive INTO iTunes it will lock up the drive and the app. I then have to force quit iTunes and cut the power to the drive.
MacMini + LG4163B Super DVD + Toast = YES!!
freebooterApril 30, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I've used Patchburn to hook my Mac Mini to a LG superdrive (in an OWC firewire box) and bingo! she works with little effort and almost no problems. I use Disk Utility, Toast 6.x, and Popcorn to burn, and burn, and burn...yeah, baby, yeah! I also used it to make the superdive work with my old Blue and White G3 Yosemite. The only hiccup I encounter is that when I start burning a data disc in Toast I loose my internet radio link in iTunes. I have to hit play again to relink. Sometimes I even loose my usb connection to my speakers and have to unplug and replug the usb cable to get sound. This only happen when when I burn a data disc and I suspect it has more to do with a Toast/Mac interface problem, and not a Patchburn effect, as I don't recall this happentning when I used the drive with the B&W. And I can't update the superdrive firmwear as the file is for PCs. Oh yeah, Patchburn and Toast also allow me to make disc copies from the internal MacMini combo drive to the external superdrive--very handy for making and distributing material for the info war.
Great Product
jrbqApril 1, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I'm surprised that Apple hasn't incorporated this into their system. The problem is this: Mac OS is set up only to auto-recongize internal Apple DVD-burners, not third party DVD burners. so the $100 Plextor drive was worthless. Christian Moeller's app overcomes this problem, and as a result I was able to back up my 6,000 ITunes songs (on 7 DVD disks). I sent a little money to him via PayPal, and I encourage others to do the same. I'm using OS 10.3.8 on a G4 iBook, attached to a Plextor DVD reader/writer.
very useful
Sorin PaligaMarch 31, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Last version has solved a previously reported problem of conflict with existing drivers, and has finally brought my usb 2/fireware Prolific box with an Asus cd-rw inside to be used in the Finder and other MAC OS X apps, like Disk Utility or iTunes. Good, simple and reliable.
GREAT!! Sony DRU-720A
LaribijMarch 16, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Could not be any simpler! Run it and restart. Why Apple excludes some drives is beyond me. Luckily Patchburn fixes it!
Great util
weakunixJanuary 26, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Had some problem with the original combo-drive in my TiBook (DVI 800MHz), and replaced it with a $159 UJ835B from Panasonic. Now I have 8X DVD- 4X DVD+ writing capability. Before using PatchBurn, only Toast recognizes the drive and burns correctly. ("drutil info" does not return correct information.) After PatchBurn, all OS burning capabilities are enabled and "drutil info" gives correct parameters as well. Awesome util. Worked without a hitch!
Great util
weakunixJanuary 26, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Had some problem with the original combo-drive in my TiBook (DVI 800MHz), and replaced it with a $159 UJ835B from Panasonic. Now I have 8X DVD- 4X DVD+ writing capability. Before using PatchBurn, only Toast recognizes the drive and burns correctly. ("drutil info" does not return correct information.) After PatchBurn, all OS burning capabilities are enabled and "drutil info" gives correct parameters as well. Awesome util. Worked without a hitch!

Developer’s Description

By Christian Moller

enable unsupported burners in iTunes, Finder

PatchBurn is a tool to patch existing CD/DVD-drivers (under Mac OS X 10.2.x) or to generate and install new device profiles (under Mac OS 10.3.x and later). It allows many, otherwise unsupported burners to be used directly with Mac OS X, iTunes and Disc Burner.