GNU Parted review
A capable, scriptable partition tool for Linux administrators who prefer open source.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
GNU Parted is a free, open-source command-line utility for creating and manipulating partition tables on Linux. It is aimed at Linux administrators and technically experienced users who need to inspect devices, create partitions, adjust partition boundaries, set disk flags, or prepare storage for an operating-system installation. The tool supports both partition-table formats, bootable media, interactive use, scripting, and machine-readable output. Its libparted library also provides reusable partition-table operations for software projects.
The feature set is broad for a command-line partition utility. GNU Parted can create partition tables and partitions, list devices and layouts, check partition alignment, remove partitions, and recover partitions. Its filesystem coverage includes btrfs, ext2, ext3, ext4, fat16, fat32, hfs, hfs+, hfsx, hp-ufs, jfs, linux-swap, nilfs2, ntfs, reiserfs, sun-ufs, ufs, and xfs. The free, open-source model makes it suitable for administrators who want a scriptable tool without a paid tier, while machine-readable output supports repeatable operational workflows.
Its main constraint is scope: GNU Parted is Linux-focused and does not provide move or merge partition operations. The resizepart command changes only a partition boundary, so it should not be treated as a general-purpose partition-content movement tool. Users who need a graphical workflow, partition moving, or partition merging should choose an alternative. GNU Parted is the better fit for administrators comfortable with command-line storage management, scripting, filesystem-aware partition work, and reusable library functions.
GNU Parted pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source with broad filesystem support
- Supports scripting and machine-readable output
- Includes partition recovery, alignment checks, and libparted
- Where it doesn't
- Linux-focused platform support
- Does not move or merge partitions
- Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
GNU Parted fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update