An Introduction to the .bin File Extension
There are various file types that are recorded to use the .bin file extension. Listed below is some detailed information on these file types.
File Type #1 – Generic Binary Files
Generic Binary Files (have file extension .bin) are data files that store data in binary formats. A generic .bin file can be associated with various programs and unless required information is present in the ASCII portion, it is almost impossible to tell which program a .bin file is associated with.
You can open a .bin file on both Windows and Mac computers with the program that created the .bin file.
File Type #2 – Macbinary Encoded File
These are compressed files and are used for transferring Macintosh files over the Internet. It is worthwhile to note that multiple MacBinary formats exist. These are – MacBinary, MacBinary II, and MacBinary III.
How to open .bin files
If you use Windows, you can open a .bin file using the following program:
- StuffIt Deluxe 2010
If you use a Mac operating system, you can open a .bin file using the following program:
- StuffIt Deluxe 2010
File Type #3 – Sega Genesis Game ROM
Files with the .bin extension are used for storing data from a Sega Genesis cartridge in a single data file.
How to open .bin files
If you use Windows, you may use any of the following programs to open a .bin file:
- Ages
- Xega
- Gens
- Gens Plus!
- retroDrive
- Kega Fusion
- Haze MD
If you use a Mac operating system, you may use any of the following programs to open a .bin file:
- Dgen
- Generator
- Genesis Plus
File Type #4 – CDRWin CD Image
The .bin file extension is known to be associated with CD/DVD backup image files that are similar to standard .iso files.
How to open .bin files
If you use Windows, you may use the following programs to open a .bin file:
- IsoBuster
- Daemon Tools
- Golden Hawk Technology? CDRWin
- Roxio Creator 2010
- EZB Systems UltralSO
If you use a Mac operating system, you may use the following programs to open a .bin file:
- NTIDragonBurn
- Roxio Toast 10 Titanium
File Type #5 – Nintendo DS Binary File
These .bin files contain executable data and are used by Nintendo DS games.
How to open .bin files
If you use Windows, you may open .bin files using the following programs:
- DeSmuME
- No$gba Emulator
- DSOrganize
- ENSATA DS Emulator
Other file types using the .bin file extension:
In addition to the above five file types, the following file types also use the .bin file extension:
- Unix Executable file
- Binary Video file
- Micrografx Designer 7 project image
- AVG update file
- MTK Chipset GPS tracklog
- TenCORE plug-in
- Perception scanner file
- Thomson Speedtouch series WLAN router firmware
- Apple Safari theme resource file
- ICQ 6 file
- Nokia proprietary ringtone format
In case you are unable to open a .bin file using any of the programs installed on your computer, you may use the FileCure to open, edit, and save .bin files.