New Web-Based Utility Brings Classic Z-Machine Text Adventures to Authentic 5.25″ Floppy Images for Apple II Hardware and Emulators
The A.P.P.L.E. (Apple Pugetsound Program Library Exchange) Users Group, is pleased to announce the immediate launch of the Apple II Infocom Disk Image Creator (InfocomGen), a free online tool that instantly converts Z-machine story files into bootable 5.25″ Apple II disk images.
Available immediately at https://www.callapple.org/zgen/, the drag-and-drop web application allows users to upload any .z3 or .z5 file and receive ready-to-use .dsk (and .nib for larger z5 titles) floppy disk images compatible with real Apple IIe, IIc, and IIGS computers (64K minimum) as well as most popular Apple II series emulators.
Key Features:
- Drag and drop for Z-machine .z3 and .z5 files into the converter
- One-click creation of standard 140KB Apple II .dsk images (35 tracks × 16 sectors × 256 bytes)
- Built-in Infocom 3K interpreter for z3 games and 5A interpreter for z5 games
- Automatic interleaving of game data with the interpreter
- Support for two-disk z5 titles with Side B in high-density .nib format (18 sectors/track)
- Simple instructions: upload → create → download → boot and play
There are many Inform 6-based projects which were never officially released for the Apple II in their original form, InfocomGen finally lets the Apple II community experience some of these games exactly as they were meant to be played—on original hardware or faithful emulators.
The project was initially developed in December 2025 and completed 26 February 2026, building upon previous works and knowledge in the Infocom and Inform 6 realm. Along with valuable assistance and input from Steve Nicholas (Usotsuki), Stefan Vogt, Qkumba, Michael Sternberg, as well as technical guidance from Brian Wiser and Fredrik Ramsberg, this project is now officially available for public use.
Technical Notes About InfocomGen
While most z3 and z5 files will compile and run without issue, the .NIB 2nd disk of two disk games requires the user to give the system permission to open the file on macOS 26 systems. This is done by opening the file, then closing, not moving it to Trash. Then go to “System Settings / Privacy & Security“. Scroll to the bottom of the window and click the “Open Anyway” option and enter your system password when prompted. This occurs due to the latest version of macOS not allowing things to open that are potentially harmful to the system. (These .NIB files are not harmful but the system still flags them).
Once that is done, you should be able to open your first disk, boot and when prompted, change disks putting the 2nd disk in Drive 1 and proceed normally.
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