BIN file extension

This is a file with information saved using a binary format. It is not similar to a text-based file that may be edited using any text editor. BIN files usually cannot be edited manually and can be generated by various applications. BIN files can be also used for firmware updates of for disk images.

This is a disk image file that was generated from an optical disk. It contains the binary information copied from a CD or DVD disk and may be mounted by the computer as the physical disk. This format is similar to the default ISO disk image format. BIN files are usually stored along with other metadata files (for example CUE files that describe the ordering of information in the binary image) which are used for describing the disk contents. You can change file's extension from ".bin" to ".iso" and open it using some programs that cannot open BIN files.

This file stores compressed data that is formatted as binary or MacBinary. It contains a finder header, data fork and resource fork. This file is used to keep the Macintosh Hierarchical File System (HFS) resource fork and data fork in one file. BIN files are usually used for transferring Macintosh files over the Internet. There are MacBinary, MacBinary II and MacBinary III formats. DMG files are now used instead of MacBinary files.

This is an executable file that is used to run different applications. It can store executable code and information needed to start an application. The file can be generated for Mac, Windows and Unix systems. For example, the "soffice.bin" file is the quick starter application for OpenOffice.org.

This file is an application or a compiled binary file which may be executed on a Unix platform (for example on Linux or FreeBSD operating systems). It can be executed using the command line function "[filename].bin".

Atari emulation programs (for example Stella and PCAEWin) Atari 2600 ROM file with an exact copy of the original game cartridge. It is used to play Atari video games on computers. These files are usually downloaded as ZIP files that can be extracted to BIN files.

Nintendo DS series portable gaming systems binary file with executable information for a Nintendo DS game. It may be used for patching or modifying emulated Nintendo games for DS emulation programs. NDS extension is usually used for these files.

PCSX and other PlayStation emulation programs BIOS file with an image of the Sony PlayStation BIOS that allows the emulator to replicate the game console's capabilities. This file enables games to be executed exactly as they are run on the console.

Sega Genesis video game ROM file with the information from a Sega Genesis cartridge saved in a single data file. It may be played on a PC with a Genesis emulation software. SMD extension is usually used for Sega Genesis game ROM files.

The "policy.bin" configuration file is used to make administrative updates to BlackBerry Desktop Software and the Blackberry Wireless Handheld. It is usually provided by IT system administrators to company computers and can be saved on the desktop or in other locations that were defined by the system administrator when providing configuration updates. IT Policy Manager (software that is provided with Blackberry Enterprise Server) is used for generating this file. Usually only company IT system administrators have rights to interact with this program for generating and providing the BIN files.

Various models of routers (for example, from D-Link, Linksys, Belkin, and others) firmware file with low-level system information which is used to operate the device. Firmware files are used to upgrade router software and are usually provided for download on the router product support web pages. These firmware updates are usually installed from the device's user interface (web-based application with all router options).

This file stores a video data as raw binary data saved from a DVD disk or other type of media. It can be stored along with a CUE metadata file which is used for describing what information is stored in the BIN file. BIN video files may be several gigabytes in size.