System and processes

The mkfs.vfat command

Formats a partition as FAT32, the format compatible with Windows, cameras and almost any device.

Syntax

mkfs.vfat DISPOSITIVO

Most useful options

-n NOMBREVolume label

Copy-ready examples

$ sudo mkfs.vfat /dev/sdb1Format as FAT32

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • FAT32 does not support files over 4 GB or Unix permissions.

Related commands

mkfs.ext4fdiskmount

FAQ

Why use FAT32 on a USB stick?

Because Windows, macOS, Linux, TVs and cameras read it without problems.

Learn to actually use it

The basic Linux course takes you from zero to console fluency with 24 self-grading lessons.

Start the free course