HEdit review
A focused open-source hex editor for terminal workflows and customizable scripting.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
HEdit is an open-source hex editor for inspecting and editing binary files from a command-line environment. Its VIM-inspired interaction model makes it a natural fit for terminal users who want keyboard-oriented navigation and editing, while JavaScript scripting through V8 adds a way to customize workflows. The project is developed by Marco Cameriero and focuses on a narrow use case: hex editing in a terminal rather than a broad binary-file toolkit.
Its standout capability is the combination of hex editing and scripting. JavaScript integration through V8 enables scripts, and syntax highlighting is available when that integration is enabled. This gives technically inclined users more control than a purely fixed interaction model, particularly when repeatable or personalized operations matter. The VIM-like design also keeps the workflow centered on terminal interaction, which suits users who prefer command-line tools and keyboard-driven editing.
The main trade-off is the setup model. HEdit is built from source with CMake and depends on libtickit, with V8 available as an optional dependency for JavaScript integration. That approach suits users comfortable compiling software and managing dependencies, but it adds work before the editor can be used. HEdit is a good choice for terminal users who value scripting and a VIM-inspired workflow; users seeking a graphical editor or a broader, ready-to-run feature set should choose an alternative.
HEdit pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Terminal-based hex editing with a VIM-inspired interaction model
- JavaScript scripting through V8 supports customizable workflows
- Syntax highlighting is available when JavaScript integration is enabled
- Where it doesn't
- Requires CMake-based source compilation
- V8 is needed for JavaScript integration and related features
- Terminal-focused interaction may not suit GUI-first workflows
HEdit fact sheet, pricing and score →
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