Drive modes :: Thumbelina :: Desktop Tooling Docs

Pick a mode when formatting. You can reconfigure later (may require migrate or wipe).

Live ISOs

ESP (FAT32) + large exFAT. Copy .iso files into isos/ in Explorer. Best for rescue and toolkit sticks.

Installed OSes

ESP + small service exFAT (README, version, docs, tools) + Btrfs pool for thin subvolume installs. Windows does not browse the Btrfs pool; use the app to manage installs.

Both

ESP + sized exFAT (ISOs + service kit) + remaining Btrfs. Prefer two specialized sticks when the drive is small; use Both when you have enough capacity (often 128 GiB+).

Recommendation

Most people will keep live toolkits on one stick and installed systems on another. The app supports that explicitly instead of forcing a hybrid layout.