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MDF BIN
File conversion

Convert MDF to BIN

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jun 29, 2026
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Is it possible to convert MDF to BIN?
Yes - MDF converts to BIN.

Keep the companion .mds file in the same folder as the .mdf - without it, most converters cannot determine the disc's track layout. In UltraISO, open the .mdf and use Tools > Convert to output Standard BIN; IsoBuster can extract the image as raw sectors. Converting to ISO is usually the better choice for data-only discs since ISO mounts natively in Windows 10/11.

7 programs
Also to BIN: B64 · XDELTA · HEX

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Sep 2026

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Why convert MDF to BIN?

BIN/CUE is more widely supported than MDF/MDS across emulators, older burning tools, and virtual drive utilities that lack MDF support. BIN/CUE also preserves raw 2352-byte sectors and multi-track disc structures - including mixed data+audio discs common with PlayStation 1 and Sega Saturn games - which ISO cannot represent.

How to convert MDF to BIN

UltraIso APP

Open the .mdf via File > Open, then go to Tools > Convert, choose Standard BIN (BIN/CUE) as the output format, and click Convert.

ISOBuster FREE

Open the .mdf in IsoBuster, right-click the top-level disc icon, and choose Extract > Raw (2352 bytes/block) to produce the .bin file.

MagicISO APP

Open the .mdf in MagicISO and use File > Save As to output it as a BIN/CUE image.

AnyToISO APP

Open the .mdf in AnyToISO and convert it to the target disc image format.

Programs that convert MDF

Blindwrite
ISOBuster
MagicISO
UltraIso
AnyToISO
gBurner
AnyToISO for Mac

About these formats

.MDF Media Descriptor File (Alcohol 120% / DAEMON Tools disc image)

An MDF file (Media Descriptor File) is a raw disc image created by Alcohol 120% or DAEMON Tools, storing a bit-for-bit copy of a CD or DVD. Always paired with a companion .mds file, it…

Open .MDF 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 companion .mds file is required - it holds the track layout and session headers; without it, converters cannot determine where disc tracks start and end.
  • BIN/CUE preserves raw 2352-byte sectors and supports multi-track discs, making it the correct format for game images with audio tracks that ISO cannot represent.
  • IsoBuster's free tier allows browsing and file extraction; the full raw-image export may require a registered license for some image types.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the `.mds` file to convert `.mdf` to `.bin`?
Yes - the .mds holds the track layout; without it most converters cannot read the disc structure correctly and a clean conversion is not guaranteed.
Is BIN/CUE or ISO a better target format?
ISO is simpler and mounts natively in Windows 10/11, making it the better choice for data-only discs; BIN/CUE is better for multi-track or mixed audio/data disc images.
What is the difference between `.mdf` and `.bin`?
Both store raw disc sector data, but .mdf uses the Alcohol 120% / DAEMON Tools format paired with an .mds layout file, while .bin is described by a separate .cue text sheet.
Can I use the BIN file in an emulator?
Yes - most emulators accept BIN/CUE pairs; load the .cue file (not the .bin) in the emulator and ensure both files are in the same folder.