Convert BIN to ISO on Linux (bchunk, ccd2iso & Command-Line Guide)

Linux provides powerful command-line utilities for converting BIN & CUE files into ISO format on any distribution.

Why Convert BIN to ISO on Linux?

BIN and CUE files appear frequently in archived disc images, retro games and extracted media. Linux supports ISO extremely well — but cannot mount BIN images directly without additional tools.

• ISO mounts natively on nearly all Linux distributions.
• Most emulators (PCSX, DuckStation, etc.) prefer ISO.
• ISO is a single, clean file instead of multiple components.
• Easier to use with mount, fuseiso, or virtual drives.

Install BIN → ISO Tools on Linux

Depending on the distribution, install tools like bchunk, ccd2iso, and cdrdao.

Ubuntu / Debian:

sudo apt install bchunk ccd2iso cdrdao

Fedora:

sudo dnf install bchunk ccd2iso cdrdao

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S bchunk ccd2iso cdrdao

Once installed, you can convert almost any BIN/CUE disc image directly from the Terminal.

Method 1 – Convert BIN & CUE to ISO Using bchunk

bchunk is the go-to Linux tool for converting paired BIN/CUE files into ISO format. It works for most data discs and is extremely simple to use.

Convert BIN & CUE to ISO:

bchunk input.bin input.cue output.iso

The resulting ISO will appear in the same directory unless you specify a different path. This is the fastest method for standard BIN & CUE conversions.

Method 2 – Convert Using ccd2iso

ccd2iso is often used for CloneCD images, but it can also convert certain BIN structures into ISO. It's a helpful fallback option when bchunk struggles with unusual layouts.

ccd2iso input.bin output.iso

This method is useful for images without a valid CUE file.

Method 3 – Convert Using cdrdao (for multi-track discs)

Some disc images contain multiple audio and data tracks. In these cases, cdrdao handles the conversion more accurately than bchunk.

Rebuild ISO with cdrdao:

cdrdao read-cd --device IO --cuefile output.cue output.iso

This method is recommended for complex archival discs, multi-track audio discs, and certain PS1 backups.

Method 4 – Convert Using AcetoneISO (GUI Tool)

If you prefer a graphical utility, AcetoneISO provides a user-friendly interface for BIN → ISO conversion. It is available on several Linux distributions and can also mount ISO images.

In AcetoneISO:

• Open the application
• Select Convert BIN to ISO
• Choose your BIN file (AcetoneISO will detect the CUE)
• Click Convert

Great for users who prefer GUI tools over Terminal commands.

How to Mount ISO on Linux

Linux can mount ISO images directly using the Terminal:

sudo mount -o loop file.iso /mnt

To unmount:

sudo umount /mnt

For desktop environments, double-clicking the ISO often mounts it automatically using the native file manager.

Troubleshooting BIN → ISO Issues on Linux

1. “bchunk: invalid CUE file”

• The CUE file may reference the wrong BIN filename.
• Edit the first line of the CUE manually:

FILE "correct-name.bin" BINARY

2. Conversion works but ISO is too small

• The BIN file may be corrupted.
• The CUE may have missing track entries.
• Try cdrdao or AcetoneISO instead.

3. Multi-track discs don't convert correctly

bchunk struggles with some audio/data hybrids — use cdrdao instead.

4. ISO does not mount

• Verify file size
• Try mounting with fuseiso if loop mount fails
• Reconvert using a different tool

FAQ