Which MIME types are related to file extension ".bin"?
The .bin file extension is associated with 5 MIME types:
application/octet-stream, application/macbinary, application/x-macbinary, application/x-cue, image/x-amos-picturepacker.
A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.
About .bin Files
BIN files are binary files that store data in a raw, non-text format.
They often use the MIME type application/octet-stream, which is a general identifier for binary data.
They may also follow the MacBinary format (application/macbinary and application/x-macbinary), which was used on older Mac systems to bundle data and resource forks.
When paired with a cue file, BIN files use the MIME type application/x-cue for disc images.
Some BIN files hold compressed images using the image/x-amos-picturepacker format for AMOS Picture Packer data.
- Generic Storage: Used for firmware, software data, and other non-specific binary records.
- MacBinary Applications: Maintains Mac-specific file structure, including resource forks.
- Disc Images: Works with cue sheets to accurately emulate optical discs.
- Image Compression: Supports legacy graphics formats using AMOS Picture Packer.
BIN files typically require specific software to open or convert them.
Disc image tools like Daemon Tools, PowerISO, or ImgBurn can work with BIN files paired with cue sheets.
Hex editors or dedicated converters might be needed for other binary data types.
Based on information from FilExt.com, the application of a BIN file depends on how it was created and what it is meant to store.
Relationship between file extension and MIME type
A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.
File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.
File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.
Associated MIME types
application/octet-stream, application/macbinary, application/x-macbinary, application/x-cue, image/x-amos-picturepacker
FAQ
What is a MIME type?
A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.
MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.
MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.
How do I find the MIME type for a file?
You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.
Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?
Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.