Build & Load: RP2350

Build and load programs on RP2350 without debugging

Overview

This document describes how to build, load, and run RTK-based programs for the RP2350 without debugging.

Without debugging, the native file format is UF2. ELF binaries without DWARF debug data are an option as well.
The RP2350 can be set up to use partition tables. Please refer to the corresponding data sheet.
Other guides:
- debugging: Build, Load & Debug: RP2350
- Secure/Non-secure without debugging: Build & Load: RP2350 (S/NS)
- Secure/Non-secure with debugging: Build, Load & Debug: RP2350 (S/NS)

Steps

1. Compile and Link the Program

Please refer to Compile and Link: RP2350.

Consult IMAGE_DEF as regards the inclusion of the mandatory IMAGE_DEF meta data block into the load file. Below, Path A and Path B are used to differentiate the to possible cases.

2. Make UF2 File

Path A: make-uf2 Embeds IMAGE_DEF

make-uf2 wraps the raw binary into UF2 blocks.

python -m make-uf2 rp2350 <program>.bin

As an aside, using make-elf you can also create a non-debug ELF file, for example to keep a build environment focused on one binary file type.

python -m make-elf --image-def <program>.bin

Path B: Module ImageDef Embeds IMAGE_DEF

Use the UF2 file as created by Astrobe.

To create a corresponding non-debug ELF file:

python -m make-elf <program>.bin

3. Load the Image

Without a Partition Table

3a. Put the RP2350 in BOOTSEL mode, which mounts the virtual volume RP2350

3b. To Load, use one of these options:

use Astrobe's Run => Upload menu command
copy in the Windows File Explorer or the macOS Finder by drag-and-drop to RP2350
copy from the command line using the OS file copy commands to RP2350
use picotool:

picotool load <program>.uf2 -v -x

picotool load <program>.elf -v -x

With a Partition Table

3a. Put the RP2350 in BOOTSEL mode, which mounts the virtual volume RP2350

3b. Load the UF2 file using picotool

picotool load -p <partition-no> <program>.uf2 -v -x

If the target partition is of type rp2350-arm-s, you can omit argument -p:

picotool load <program>.uf2 -v -x

With ELF files, argument -p must be used:

picotool load -p <partition-no> <program>.elf -v -x

Note: simply copying the UF2 file to volume RP2350 with a partition table does not appear to work, but this could be a defect that is rectified by the time you read this.

Last updated: 14 May 2026