HxD Hex Editor Editor's Review

Edit binary files and raw disk sectors with this must have Windows Utility.

Every now and again, I bump into the need to edit a compiled file.  This is often some kind of executable or other resource file that I don't have the source or an appropriate compiler for. Finding an appropriate editor that's easy to use and reasonably priced isn't as easy as you might think.  That's why I like HXD Hex Editor. It’s a binary editing tool for Windows.

HXD is a fast hex editor that handles binary files of any size.  Additionally, the application also allows you to perform raw disk editing as well as modifying the contents of your computer's RAM.   It's easy to use interface features search and replace, exporting, checksums/digests, and insertion of byte patterns.  It also offers a file shredder, concatenation or splitting of files, statistics and more.

Editing a binary file with HXD Hex Editor works like in any text editor.  Its functions are streamlined to hide differences that are purely technical.  Drives and memory are presented as a file and are shown as a whole, unlike other editors which may limit data on the screen to a sector/region-limited view that cuts off data which potentially belongs together. Drives and memory can be edited the same way as a file, and includes support for undo. Memory-sections that define a foldable region and inaccessible sections are hidden by default.

Pro’s: Easy to use. Similar to a regular text editor

Con’s: Limited use. Most people don't and won't have a need to edit a compiled file.

Conclusion: HXD Hex Editor is good at what it does. The application is easy to use; and is also available in both a portable and installable edition.  You can take the app with you on a thumb drive, for example, and use it on the go.  Most people, however, won't have a need to edit or hack a binary, compiled file.  Consumers just won't have a need for that unless they are completing a specific task.  As such, this is likely a really nice tool for the technically savvy and the development or hacker sects.