How to create bootable clone?

[ahmadof]

I have several macs that I want to backup (create bootable clones). I can see how I use disk utility to restore to a hard drive and that works well, but one clone takes over the entire hard drive (Mirrors it). I would like to be able to create a file (? Disk image) of the bootable copy so that I can store multiple computer clones on the same HD. Is this possible? Do I need to use something like Chronosync or Carbon copy cloner?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Use CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper to make a 1:1 bootable copy.

 

[Stooby Mcdoobie]

You will need a separate volume (partition) for each clone. So just create a partition for each machine you want to clone, then use Carbon Copy Cloner to create the clones on their respective partitions.

 

[ahmadof]

Can you partition a drive "on the fly" , or do you have to plan ahead as to how many computers you want to back up to that drive and create that many partitions?

 

[hafr]

Can you partition a drive "on the fly" , or do you have to plan ahead as to how many computers you want to back up to that drive and create that many partitions?

You can add partitions as you go.

 

[ahmadof]

Thanks , I will try today. Can you create a partition on the same drive being cloned and exclude it, then move it over to the NAS drive?

 

[hafr]

Thanks , I will try today. Can you create a partition on the same drive being cloned and exclude it, then move it over to the NAS drive?

I have actually never cloned a drive, so I don't know. But if you crate a disk image you can just move it over without any problems.