Image
What is a .bin file?
A .bin file holds raw binary data. It's usually one of three things: a disc image, firmware for a device, or part of a game/app package. It isn't meant to be read by a person.
This extension has been used by more than one format
7 different formats have claimed .bin over the years, so two files with the same extension aren't necessarily the same kind of thing.
How to open a .bin file
- WindowsDaemon Tools or WinCDEmu, if it's a disc image
- WindowsThe device's own firmware updater
- WindowsHxD hex editor, to inspect it
- MacDisk Utility for disc images
- MacHex Fiend to inspect
- Linux`file`, then mount with `mount -o loop` for disc images
How to convert a .bin file
- Disc image .bin files (usually paired with a .cue) can be converted to .iso with AnyBurn or bchunk.
- Firmware .bin files should never be converted — flash them with the manufacturer's tool.
The technical record
For archivists, developers and the merely curious: these are the PRONOM registry entries for .bin.
| Format name | Version | MIME type | PUID |
|---|---|---|---|
| CloudCompare Entity File | — | — | fmt/1885 |
| MacBinary | III | — | fmt/1763 |
| Binary File | — | — | fmt/208 |
| ISO 9660 Disk Image File | — | — | fmt/468 |
| MacBinary | II | — | fmt/1762 |
| Apple Partition Map Disk Image | — | — | fmt/1740 |
| Draco | 2 | — | fmt/2069 |