How to Use bin2c: Convert Binary Files to C Arrays Quickly

What bin2c does

bin2c converts a binary file (image, font, firmware blob, etc.) into a C source file containing a byte array and a length constant you can include in embedded or desktop C projects.

Typical output

A .c file defining:
- const unsigned char [] = {0x00, 0x01, …};
- const unsigned int len = ;

Common command-line usage

Assuming a simple bin2c that accepts input and output filenames:

Convert file.bin to file.c:
Code
bin2c file.bin file.c

Specify symbol name (if supported):
Code
bin2c -n my_data file.bin file.c

(If your bin2c variant differs, check its help: bin2c –help or bin2c -h.)

Integration tips

Include the generated header/source:

Either include the generated .c in your build and declare extern in a header, or

Generate a .h with extern const unsigned char my_data[]; and extern const unsigned int my_data_len; and include that.

Use const to place data in flash/RO memory on embedded targets.

Align arrays or use linker scripts if hardware requires specific placement.

Size & performance

Large binaries produce large object files; consider:

Compressing data (zlib/LZ4) and decompressing at runtime.

Storing in read-only filesystem or external flash instead of embedding.

Use uint8_t and sizet for portability:
Code
const uint8_t my_data[] = { … }; const size_t my_data_len = sizeof(mydata);

Build automation

Add a rule to your Makefile or CMake to regenerate sources when the binary changes.

Makefile example:
Code
%.c: %.bin bin2c \(< \)@

CMake: use add_custom_command to generate .c and add to sources.

Safety and portability

Watch symbol name collisions; choose unique names.

Ensure generated files use correct endianness expectations (bin2c preserves byte order).

Check compiler limits for very large static arrays.

Quick checklist

Run bin2c on the binary

Verify generated symbol names

Add generated .c/.h to build system

Use const and appropriate integer types

Consider compression for very large blobs

If you want, I can generate an example command and Makefile rule tailored to your bin2c implementation and target platform — tell me the tool flags or target (embedded Linux, bare-metal, etc.).

How to Use bin2c: Convert Binary Files to C Arrays Quickly