ROMs

Managing your ROM library in Provenance

Provenance makes it easy to build and manage your game library. This section covers everything from importing your first ROM to managing large collections with advanced tools.

📥 Getting ROMs Into Provenance

Importing ROMs — The starting point for adding games. Covers all import methods:

• Wi-Fi Web Server (upload from your computer)

• Downloading directly from Safari on iOS

• AirDrop from Mac to iPhone/iPad

• File manager apps (Apple Files, Dropbox, etc.)

• USB via Finder (Mac) or third-party tools

📋 Supported Formats

Formatting ROMs — Supported file extensions for every system, plus how to:

• Format cartridge and CD-based ROMs correctly

• Package multi-file ROMs (.cue + .bin) into archives

• Create .m3u playlists for multi-disc games

• Archive ROMs with .zip or .7z for import

🎨 Customizing Your Library

Customizing ROMs — Personalize game entries with:

• Custom or replacement cover art (paste or upload)

• Rename games

• Edit metadata: title, description, genre, release date

🔧 Advanced ROM Management

Advanced ROM Management — Power-user guide for large libraries:

• Organizational strategies for 1,000+ ROMs

• CHD format conversion (40–70% space savings)

• iCloud sync strategies with Provenance Plus

• Backup and migration between devices

• Database maintenance

💿 Ripping & Dumping Physical Media

Ripping ROMs — Legally dump games from cartridges and discs you own. Covers cartridge readers (GB Operator, Retrode 2, INLretro), disc ripping tools for macOS/Windows/Linux, network/softmod dumping methods, save data backup, and format conversion.

🩹 Mods & Patches

Applying Mods / Patches — Apply fan translations, ROM hacks, and bug fixes:

• IPS/BPS patching tools (Mac & Windows)

• PSX SBI files for PAL game compatibility

• N64 high-resolution texture packs

---

Quick Tips

• All ROMs must be formatted correctly before importing — see Formatting ROMs.

• Some systems require BIOS files — see BIOS Requirements.

• Multi-file ROMs (CD-based games) must be zipped into a single archive before import.

• Stuck? See Troubleshooting or ask on Discord.

---

Need help? Ask on Discord.