Files you download from the Internet are often compressed or zipped so that they take up less space and arrive much faster than files that haven't been compressed. You can easily identify compressed files by their extensions, such as .zip (a common standard used in OS X and Windows) and .sit. Before you can use these files, you must learn how to unzip files on mac computers for proper access – luckily the process isn't that complicated!
How to unzip files on mac computers
Although the link posted by the other responder shows.bin files to be a copy of RAW CD or DVD data in my experience most.bin files are some type of configuration file mainly used with internet routers and other pieces of PC/Networking equipment. Thus, MacBinary files took up less disk space than BinHex files, but older applications and servers were more likely to corrupt them. Files encoded with MacBinary, regardless of the version, usually have.bin appended to the ends of their filenames. BIN file is one of CD/DVD image formats. It is the copy of an entire CDs/DVDs disc and contains ALL the data stored on the original disc. If you have a KARAOKE BIN file on your PC and Mac and you need to convert and play it, in this article you will find the best solutions.
The bin/cue format is used by some non-Unix cd-writing software, but is not supported on most other cd-writing pro- grams. Image.bin is the raw cd image file. Image.cue is the track index file containing track types and offsets. Basename is used for the beginning part of the created track files.
Unzipping a file on a mac computer is user-friendly and intuitive. To unzip files on a mac, simply follow the steps below:
- Double click the zipped file.
- The file will automatically be decompressed by Archive Utility into the same folder the compressed file is in.
- Access the extracted files by clicking the appropriate icons.
Alternatively, if the method above does not work, you can right-click on the .zip package, and select Open With > Archive Utility (default).
Apple and third party software
Apple used to include a program called StuffIt Expander to decompress zipped files, but doesn't now that OS X lets you unzip files (but not .sit files). However, StuffIt from SmithMicro Software still comes in handy for opening other types of compressed files, notably the .sit or .sitx compressed types. Go to www.stuffit-expander.com or www.stuffit.com/mac/index.html to download a free version of the software or to splurge for the Deluxe version. In addition to compressing files, StuffIt Deluxe lets you encrypt and back up files.
Meanwhile, you can archive or create your own .zip files through OS X, which is useful if you're e-mailing a number of meaty files to a friend. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) files you want to compress inside Finder and choose Compress Filename. The newly compressed files carry the .zip extension. The archive is created in the same location as the original file and is named originalfilename.zip. You can also choose File→Compress. If you compress a lot of files at once, the archive takes the name Archive.zip.
By default, compressed files are opened with the Archive Utility. It appears in the Dock (in Leopard) while the files are being unsqueezed, unless you choose to open them with Stuffit Expander or some other program.
How to zip files on a mac
On the flip side, you can also archive or create your own .zip files through OS X, which is useful if you're e-mailing a number of meaty files to a client or friend. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to easily zip files on a mac:
- Right-click or Ctrl-click the multiple files you want to compress (whether on the desktop or inside the Finder).
- Select Compress Filename from the pop-up menu.
- The files are now compressed in a .zip extension and the archive is created in the same location as the original file name, except with the .zip appended to its name.
On some Apple computers, you can also compress a file by simply choosing File→Compress. If you compress a lot of files at once, the archive takes the name Archive.zip.
What is the bin folder?
Although it might sound like it, this is not the Trash. Bin is another hidden folder.
When operating systems, such as macOS — and Mac OS X before that — are constructed using a Linux system directory, certain files and folders are hidden on purpose. Almost every operating system will hide things that the majority of users don't need. It is the same as an architect and builder placing plumbing and wiring behind a wall: it looks better, and the last thing you want is to accidentally damage the operating system that keeps your house functioning smoothly.
It is enough for most people to know that the plumbing and wiring are working smoothly and that they can call a professional should something go wrong. With an Apple operating system, hidden folders and files are routes that power users take to tweak and modify a Mac, to improve how it performs, and solve any problems should anything go wrong.
Accessing the bin folder is another way to take a look at potentially make changes to license and configuration files. Now, if you ever want to make changes to hidden files and folders without digging around in system directories, there is an easier and quicker way. Download an app like CleanMyMac X to uncover space within hard drives. Using its Space Lens feature, This program can show you what is taking up space and help you delete anything you don't need.
However, if you are keen to look under the hood manually, here is how to access the bin folder.
Ways to access the bin folder?
Method 1: Find the bin folder through the Finder
- Open Finder
- Press Command+Shift+G to open the dialogue box
- Input the following search:
/usr/local/bin - Now you should have temporary access, so you should be able to drag it into the Finder favorites if you want to access it again.
Another way to find the bin folder is through Terminal.
Method 2: Finding the bin in Terminal
- Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
- Enter this command in Terminal:
chflags nohidden ~/usr/local/bin - Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
- Quit Terminal. The bin folder should be visible in the Finder.
- If you ever want to restore this to how it was before, enter the following command in Terminal:
chflags hidden ~/usr/local/bin - Click Return again, and it should be back to how it was.
Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using the Terminal. Remember, using Terminal can make significant changes to your macOS systems and files, so only make these sorts of changes if you're confident in the inputting instructions. This way, you should have temporary access to the bin folder to make any needed changes.
Unzip Bin Files On Mac
Pro Tip: If you find yourself running short of storage on your Mac, clear out your downloads folder. Everything you've ever downloaded that you've not moved somewhere else or copied is sitting in that folder. Going right back to when you got your Mac. Imagine how much room that is taking up! Especially when it contains zip folders, videos, images, and app downloads.
Open A .bin File Mac
Another way to access hidden directories
There are many apps that allow you to gain access to hidden files, folders, and directories. One such is Daisy Disk, another CleanMyMac X. I prefer CleanMyMac better because of nice visualizations. You can click the 'Space Lens' tool and see the entire folder tree of your Mac. This reveals many hidden folders and things you may have long forgotten.
I downloaded the free version of CleanMyMac X here.
After you get the app, you need to click the 'Space Lens' tab.
From there, click on bubbles to dive deeper into folders that are sorted by colors and categories. Best whatsapp client for mac. Best mouse for mac air. Quite exciting, really.
Macos Usr Bin
That's all you need to know about finding the Bin folder on Mac. Stay tuned for more Mac tips!
