File Extension Database

Open BINARY File

Binary files are fundamental in the world of digital data. Unlike text files that are human-readable, binary files contain data in a format intended for a computer application to read and process, not for the typical end-user. There are numerous ways binary files are used, based on the file format.

Executable Binary Files

One of the most common uses of binary files is in the form of executable files, specifically in the format of .exe or .bin. They contain instructions in machine code that a computer's operating system can directly execute. These files can be opened using program executables like software programs, games or tools on your computer. For more information on this, the lifewire website offers a comprehensive article.

Image Binary Files

Apart from executable files, image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF are stored in binary format. These files can be opened using standard image viewing software like Windows Photo Viewer, Apple Preview, Adobe Photoshop, and GIMP. For further insights on binary image files, check out the File Recovery website's explanation.

Video and Audio Binary Files

Audio and video files such as .mp3, .flac, .mp4, and .mov also utilize binary data. These can be opened and played using multimedia software like VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, or iTunes. To understand how multimedia files use binary data, visit the Computer Hope's introduction to binary files.

Object Code Files

For developers, binary file formats also play a significant role in object code files, that take the form of .obj, .o, and .lib files. These files contain binary format instructions that are used during the linking process in the software development life cycle. For a deeper dig into object code files, TutorialsPoint provides a clear explanation.

BINARY File Important Information

In conclusion, binary files have a wide range of uses and formats- from running programs on your computer to displaying images and playing audio/video files. These binary files are critical to the digital world's functioning and facilitate seamless communication between software and hardware. Having the right knowledge about binary file extensions enables better data usage, ensuring the handling of these files isn't a herculean task.

How Can I Open BINARY File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BINARY file is to find a BINARY file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BINARY file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open BINARY file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as BINARY file opener then try to search online for "BINARY viewer", "application to open BINARY file" or "open BINARY file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BINARY file

How Can I Open BINARY File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BINARY file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BINARY file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with BINARY file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BINARY file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BINARY file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BINARY file then try to search for "BINARY viewer", "application to open BINARY file" or "read BINARY file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BINARY file

How Can I Open BINARY File on Android

If you downloaded a BINARY file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded BINARY file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "BINARY".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "BINARY viewer", "BINARY file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open BINARY File on iPhone or iPad

To open BINARY File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the BINARY file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "BINARY". This way you can find apps which can open BINARY files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "BINARY viewer" or "BINARY file" online in your favorite search engine.

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