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MDS CUE
File conversion

Convert MDS to CUE

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jun 17, 2026
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Is it possible to convert MDS to CUE?
Yes - MDS converts to CUE.

Converting MDS to CUE produces a BIN+CUE pair - the .cue is a plain-text track sheet and the .bin holds the raw sector data. Both source files (.mds and .mdf) must share the same base name and be in the same folder, as the .mds alone contains no disc content.

Also to CUE: CCD · CHD · CDA

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert MDS to CUE?

MDS/MDF is a proprietary two-file format tied to Alcohol 120%/DAEMON Tools and not universally supported. BIN+CUE is widely accepted by emulators, burners, and virtual-drive tools. .cue sheets also preserve multi-track and CD-audio layouts that an ISO would lose, making BIN/CUE the right target for audio CDs and mixed-mode discs.

How to convert MDS to CUE

IsoBuster FREE

Open the .mds via File > Open Image File, then go to File > Save as / Extract Image and choose the BIN/CUE output option. IsoBuster writes a .bin and a .cue with the same base name.

PowerISO APP

Open the .mds via File > Open, go to File > Convert, choose BIN/CUE as the output format, set the output path, and click OK.

About these formats

.MDS Media Descriptor Sidecar (Alcohol 120% / DAEMON Tools disc image)

An MDS file is the small descriptor half of an Alcohol 120% or DAEMON Tools disc image. It holds track layout and copy-protection data, while the actual disc content sits in a paired .mdf…

Open .MDS details →
.CUE Cue sheet (CUE index file)

A .cue file is a small plain-text index that describes how a separate, larger file is split into tracks. It contains no audio or disc data itself. Open it in foobar2000 or VLC to play a…

Open .CUE details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Both the .mds and .mdf must be present with matching base names - the .mdf holds all disc sector data and neither can be converted without the other.
  • Copy-protection data stored in the .mds (sub-channel data, protection flags) cannot be fully represented in a BIN/CUE pair; for protected originals the result may not behave identically.
  • If your goal is mounting the image on Windows 10/11, converting to ISO is a better target - Windows mounts it natively without extra software.

Frequently asked questions

Is the output just a .cue file?
No - the conversion always produces a BIN+CUE pair. The .cue is a plain-text index; the .bin holds all sector data and both are required.
Why choose BIN/CUE over ISO for this conversion?
BIN/CUE preserves multi-track layouts and CD-audio tracks that ISO cannot represent, making it the right choice for audio CDs and PlayStation 1 game discs.
Can I convert without the .mdf?
No - the .mdf holds all disc content. Without it, no conversion is possible and there is no way to recreate it from the .mds alone.