---
title: ".bin file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .bin file is a Binary File. Raw binary data — most often a disc image paired with a .cue, or device firmware. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/bin/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .bin files

**.bin file: Binary File**

Raw binary data — most often a disc image paired with a .cue, or device firmware.

## What opens a .bin file

- **Windows:** ImgBurn or Daemon Tools (disc images), 7-Zip, HxD (hex editor)
- **macOS:** The Unarchiver, Hex Fiend (hex editor), VLC (disc images)
- **Linux:** bchunk (disc images), file (to identify it), GHex (hex editor)

## What a .bin file is

Like .dat, .bin is a catch-all rather than a format. The two common cases are a disc image accompanied by a .cue sheet, which VLC, ImgBurn or an emulator will read, and firmware for a router, camera or microcontroller, which is only useful to that device's update process. Opening a .bin in a text editor shows gibberish; a hex editor at least reveals identifying strings near the start.

## Converting it

A .bin file is commonly converted to .iso or .img. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .bin
- **Full name:** Binary File
- **Category:** Data
- **Created by:** Various
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .bin file?

On Windows use ImgBurn or Daemon Tools (disc images); on macOS use The Unarchiver; on Linux use bchunk (disc images). Raw binary data — most often a disc image paired with a .cue, or device firmware.

### What is a .bin file?

Binary File. Like .dat, .bin is a catch-all rather than a format. The two common cases are a disc image accompanied by a .cue sheet, which VLC, ImgBurn or an emulator will read, and firmware for a router, camera or microcontroller, which is only useful to that device's update process.

### Can I convert a .bin file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .iso or .img, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.csv — Comma-Separated Values](https://atoneplace.net/file/csv/)
- [.json — JavaScript Object Notation](https://atoneplace.net/file/json/)
- [.xml — Extensible Markup Language](https://atoneplace.net/file/xml/)
- [.yaml — YAML Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/yaml/)
- [.log — Log File](https://atoneplace.net/file/log/)
- [.torrent — BitTorrent Metainfo File](https://atoneplace.net/file/torrent/)
- [.dat — Generic Data File](https://atoneplace.net/file/dat/)
- [.vcf — vCard Contact File](https://atoneplace.net/file/vcf/)
- [.sql — SQL Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sql/)
- [.ics — iCalendar Event](https://atoneplace.net/file/ics/)
- [.sqlite — SQLite Database](https://atoneplace.net/file/sqlite/)
- [.db — Generic Database File](https://atoneplace.net/file/db/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)