Igir

Overview

Igir is a free ROM library utility for people who want to bring DATs, ROMs, and patches into a consistent collection, including files stored in archives. It is best suited to collectors comfortable working at a command line, especially those managing large libraries or MAME sets. Its breadth is compelling for collection maintenance, but it is not a graphical, point-and-click option.

Key features

Igir scans DATs, ROMs, and patches, then organizes ROMs by console and applies consistent names. Archive support is advanced, a useful distinction for libraries stored in compressed files. Duplicate detection and hash verification help with collection checks, while filters can exclude unwanted titles, including ROMs in languages the user does not understand.

For disc-based collections, Igir can create multi-disc playlists; it can also apply patches in batches. Arcade collectors can build or rebuild MAME sets by un-merging, splitting, or merging them. Reports show which ROMs are present or missing for each console, and fixdats can help identify missing material. This makes Igir more than a renaming tool, though the command-line requirement puts a real barrier between its capabilities and less technical users.

Igir's defaults are non-destructive: it will not delete files unless users supply relevant commands and options. The project also says it should make no network requests beyond those users request, including no usage or telemetry data. These are useful safeguards for a utility operating on personal collections.

Pricing

Igir is free under the GNU General Public License version 3. The Igir plan costs nothing, with no usage or collection-size limit stated. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against the free plan; collectors can use it without a subscription, while accepting the command-line setup and ongoing update choices.

Downloadable executables do not update automatically. Igir can also be run through npm, Homebrew, or Scoop, installation methods its documentation describes for keeping it updated. The project provides no officially published Docker image, though it documents running Igir through a Node.js Docker image. All installation options require baseline command-line familiarity.

Platforms

Igir supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems supported by Node.js. It is distributed as an executable or through npm, npx, Homebrew, and Scoop. Its documentation also includes configuration guides for emulator frontends and related tools such as Batocera, LaunchBox, RetroArch, OpenEmu, and RomM. These integrations make it easier to fit Igir into an existing setup, but do not remove the command-line requirement.

Who it's for

Igir fits collectors who need repeatable organization, filtering, patching, and inventory reports across a substantial ROM library, particularly those reshaping MAME sets. Its stated lack of usage or collection-size limits makes it practical to consider for extensive collections. It is a poor fit for someone seeking a graphical manager or unwilling to use command-line tools.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Scans DATs, ROMs, patches, and archive contents, covering more than basic file renaming.
• Pro: Combines duplicate filtering, batch patching, multi-disc playlists, MAME set management, reports, and fixdats in one utility.
• Pro: Non-destructive defaults and the project's no-telemetry, user-requested-network policy suit cautious collection maintenance.
• Con: Every installation option assumes command-line knowledge, which rules it out for users expecting a conventional desktop interface.
• Con: Downloaded executables do not update automatically, so users choosing that route must manage updates themselves.
• Con: There is no officially published Docker image for users who prefer a ready-made container.

Alternatives

For a free option with web and self-hosted platforms, consider OxyROMon; RomM is also free, with web, self-hosted, mobile, and desktop platforms and no paid features. Choose ClrMamePro if a free tool with Linux and Windows support better matches your platform needs.

ROMSorter is another free Linux, macOS, and Windows option, though its current release is Win-x64 only. RomVault offers a free plan and Linux and Windows support. WolvenKit is free and open source for research and educational use. Retrom is a free option for desktop, web, or self-hosted platforms; romlm is free for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Browse more choices in ROM Management Software.

Verdict

Choose Igir if you want a free, broad toolkit for organizing and auditing ROM collections, with especially useful controls for MAME sets, and are comfortable at a command line. Its range and non-destructive defaults are persuasive for technically confident collectors. Look elsewhere if command-line setup is a deal-breaker or you need executables that update automatically.