Hex Editors
Hex editors allow you to view and edit files at the binary level. They display data in hexadecimal format alongside ASCII representation, making it easy to modify files byte-by-byte.
Popular Hex Editors
- 010 Editor - Professional hex editor with template system for parsing file formats
- HxD - Fast, free hex editor for Windows
- Hex Workshop - Advanced hex editing suite with data inspector
- WinHex - Professional hex editor with disk editing capabilities
- ImHex - Modern hex editor with pattern matching and scripting
Common Uses
Hex editors are used for:
- Viewing file headers and structures
- Patching executables
- Analyzing file formats
- Recovering corrupted files
- Examining binary data
- Creating custom file formats
Features to Look For
When choosing a hex editor, consider:
- Large file support (files over 4GB)
- Search and replace functionality
- Data inspector for different data types
- Template system for structured data
- Undo/redo capabilities
- Disk editing (for advanced users)