Partclone

Partclone is an open-source block-level data cloning tool designed to efficiently copy partitions by transferring only the blocks that are in use by the file system. It is a core component of Clonezilla, a suite of disk-imaging and cloning utilities used for backup, deployment, and disaster recovery. By duplicating only active blocks rather than every sector, Partclone can produce smaller image files and speed up backup operations for partially filled partitions.

Partclone works by invoking filesystem-aware copy routines that handle the storage format of each supported file system. It provides implementations for several Linux file systems, including ext2/3/4, ReiserFS, XFS, JFS, and F2FS. The process preserves filesystem metadata such as inodes, permissions, and timestamps while omitting unused space.

Usage typically occurs within Clonezilla Live, where Partclone is selected as the imaging method. It can clone a partition directly to another partition or create an image file that can be stored locally or on network storage. The workflow often supports optional compression and is suitable for scripted backups or automated deployment tasks.

Limitations include its focus on Linux file systems; Windows NTFS or other non-Linux formats are not natively handled by Partclone (though Clonezilla supports cross-platform workflows through additional tools). Partclone is maintained as open-source software, and its capabilities are documented in the project repositories and manuals.