Hex Fiend

Free#11 of 32 in Hex Editors

An open-source hex editor for macOS.

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At a glance

Editor score
Not yet scored
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Mac users editing very large binary files
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
None
Binary comparison
Yes
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Handles very large files without loading them entirely into memory
- Compares binary files and highlights insertions or deletions
- Adds templates, command-line tooling, and framework embedding
Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS
- Its broad feature set may exceed simple editing needs
- No commercial pricing tiers or paid support plan

Our verdict on Hex Fiend

Hex Fiend is an open-source desktop hex editor for macOS, aimed at developers, engineers, and technical users who need to inspect or modify binary data. It supports inserting, deleting, rearranging, searching, copying, and pasting binary content, while bookmarks and navigation tools help with larger files. Its ability to handle very large files without loading them entirely into memory makes it particularly suited to Mac users working with sizable binary assets.

The editor covers more than direct byte manipulation. Binary comparison shows insertions and deletions between files, while the data inspector displays integer and floating-point values with endian options. Binary templates help interpret file structures, giving users a way to work with structured formats rather than viewing only raw hexadecimal and text. Smart saving, bookmarks, and navigation add practical support for recurring inspection and editing tasks. Users who need a focused binary editor with comparison and structure-aware inspection should find this feature range relevant.

Hex Fiend also extends beyond its desktop interface. The hexf command-line tool supports command-line workflows, and HexFiend.framework allows developers to embed binary-data viewing and editing in other Mac applications. The project is distributed as free, open-source software under a BSD-style license, with no commercial plan structure. That makes it a strong fit for Mac users who value source availability and technical depth without a subscription. Users who need Windows or Linux support, or who prefer a commercial product with paid support tiers, should choose another editor.

Hex Fiend pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on hexfiend.com

Hex Fiend fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	None
Supported platforms	macos
Binary comparison	Yes
Binary templates	Yes
Scripting support	Yes
Plugin support	Not verified
Disk editing	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	macOS
Support	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	hexfiend.com
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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