Hex editor lets you view/edit the binary data of a file – which is in the form of “hexadecimal” values and hence the name “Hex” editor. Let’s be frank, not everyone needs it. Only a specific group of users who have to deal with the binary data use it.
Let me give you an example if you have no idea what it is. Suppose you have the configuration files of a game; you can open them using a hex editor and change certain values to have more ammo/score, and so on. To learn more about Hex editors, you should start with the Wikipedia page.
In case you already know what’s it used for – let us take a look at the best Hex editors available for Linux.
Note: The hex editors mentioned are in no particular order of ranking.
1. Bless Hex Editor
Key Features:
- Raw disk editing
- Multilevel undo/redo operations.
- Multiple tabs
- Conversion table
- Plugin support to extend the functionality
Bless is one of the most popular Hex editor available for Linux. You can find it listed in your AppCenter or Software Center. If that is not the case, you can check out their GitHub page for the build and the instructions associated.
sudo apt install blessIt can easily handle editing big files without slowing down – so it’s a fast hex editor.
2. GNOME Hex Editor
Key Features:
- View/Edit in either Hex/Ascii
- Edit large files
Yet another amazing Hex editor – specifically tailored for GNOME. Well, I personally use Elementary OS, so I find it listed in the App Center. You should find it in the Software Center as well. If not, refer to the GitHub page for the source. For Ubuntu-based distros, install it using the command below:
sudo apt install ghexYou can use this editor to view/edit in either hex or ASCII. The user interface is quite simple – as you can see in the image above.
3. Okteta
Key Features:
- Customizable data views
- Multiple tabs
- Character encodings: All 8-bit encodings as supplied by Qt, EBCDIC
- Decoding table listing common simple data types.
Okteta is a simple hex editor with not-so-fancy features. Although, it can handle most of the tasks. There’s a separate module of it that you can use to embed this in other programs to view/edit files.
Similar to all the above-mentioned editors, you can find this listed on your AppCenter and Software center as well. Install it on Ubuntu-based distros using the following command:
sudo apt install okteta4. wxHexEditor
Key Features:
- Easily handle big files
- Has x86 disassembly support
- Sector Indication on Disk devices
- Supports customizable hex panel formatting and colors.
This is something interesting. It is primarily a Hex editor, but you can also use it as a low-level disk editor. For example, if you have a problem with your HDD, you can use this editor to edit the sectors in raw hex and fix them.
You can find it listed on your App Center and Software Center. If not, Sourceforge is the way to go.
For Ubuntu-based distros, install it using the command below:
sudo apt install wxhexeditor5. Hexedit (Command Line)
Key Features:
- Works via terminal
- It’s fast and simple
If you want something to work in your terminal, you can install Hexedit. It’s my favorite Linux hex editor in the command line.
When you launch it, you will have to specify the file’s location, and it’ll open it for you.
To install it, just type in:
sudo apt install hexeditWrapping Up
Hex editors could come in handy to experiment and learn. If you are experienced, you should opt for the one with more features – with a GUI. Although, it all comes down to personal preferences.
There are other tools related to hex operations. Take xxd command for example, you can use it to convert hex to ASCII in the Linux command line.
What do you think about the usefulness of Hex editors? Which one do you use? Did we miss listing your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
