Why convert IMG to BIN?
BIN/CUE is an older format still required by some CD emulators (Mednafen, DuckStation) and disc-burning tools that refuse .img files. The .cue sheet generated during conversion describes track layout, offsets, and types for mixed-mode discs, which the emulator or burner needs to interpret the raw track data in the .bin.
How to convert IMG to BIN
AnyBurn FREE
Click 'Convert image file', select the .img source, set the destination type to 'Standard BIN/CUE image (*.bin)', and click Convert Now; a matching .cue file is created automatically.
PowerISO APP
Go to Tools > Convert, select the .img as source, choose .bin/.cue as the output type, and click OK.
MagicISO APP
Open the .img in MagicISO and use File > Save As, selecting BIN/CUE as the output format.
Programs that convert IMG
About these formats
.IMG
Raw Disk/Disc Image
An IMG file is most often a raw, sector-by-sector copy of a CD/DVD, floppy, USB stick, or partition -- frequently identical to an ISO file. On Windows 8 and later, right-click and choose…
Open .IMG details →
.BIN
CD/DVD Disc Image (BIN/CUE)
A BIN file is most often a raw, sector-by-sector copy of a CD or DVD that ships with a matching .cue text file describing the tracks. Mount it with PowerISO or DAEMON Tools Lite (point them…
Open .BIN details →Quality & what to watch
- The conversion produces a two-file pair: a
.binholding raw track data and a.cuedescribing track numbers, types, and offsets - both files must stay in the same folder. - This conversion applies only to optical disc images (CD/DVD);
.imgfiles from floppies, USB sticks, or hard-drive partitions cannot be meaningfully converted to BIN/CUE. - If the goal is emulator compatibility, check first whether your emulator accepts
.iso- many modern emulators do, making BIN/CUE unnecessary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both the .bin and .cue files?
.cue tells emulators and burning tools where each track starts and what type it is; without it the .bin is often unreadable.Does the conversion work for mixed-mode CDs with audio and data tracks?
.cue file lists each track type (data/audio) and its offset, which is essential for mixed-mode discs.
