hexer
hexer: A focused, free hex editor for Linux users comfortable with vi-like commands. Ranked #22 of 32 in Hex Editors by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux terminal users who prefer vi-like controls.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux terminal users who prefer vi-like controls
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Multi-buffer editing with binary regex search
- Vi/ex-like commands, macros, and key-sequence mapping
- Free, open-source editing with undo and calculator support
Where it doesn't
- Linux is the listed platform
- Installation uses make rather than a graphical installer
- No disk editing, plugins, templates, or comparison features
Our verdict on hexer
hexer is a command-line editor for binary files, designed for Linux and other POSIX-compatible environments. It displays buffers as hexadecimal dumps and uses a Vi/ex-like command interface for navigation, searching, editing, and writing binary data. Its audience is terminal-oriented users who already prefer vi-style controls and need a focused tool for working with binary content rather than a broad graphical hex-editing suite.
Its editing model is the main strength. hexer supports multiple buffers, binary regular-expression search, and multi-level undo and redo. Core operations include inserting, replacing, deleting, copying, and pasting binary data. Startup command files, command-line commands, macros, and key-sequence mapping add scripting and repeatability for command-driven workflows. A built-in calculator extends the tool beyond basic hexadecimal display and direct byte editing.
hexer is free and open source, distributed under a BSD license. Installation uses make, which fits users comfortable with terminal-based software and source-oriented setup. The focused scope also defines its limits: disk editing is not supported, and the listed positioning does not include comparison, templates, or plugins. Choose hexer for Linux terminal work where Vi-like control, multi-buffer editing, and command automation matter. Users seeking disk-level editing, extensibility through plugins, or comparison-oriented workflows should choose a different hex editor.
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hexer pricing
hexer fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | linux |
| Binary comparison | Not verified |
| Binary templates | Not verified |
| Scripting support | Yes |
| Plugin support | Not verified |
| Disk editing | No |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | hexer.readthedocs.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to hexer
- ImHexImHex packs advanced binary analysis, editing, and inspection into a free cross-platform desktop tool.9.4
- 010 EditorA deep cross-platform editor for structured binary work, debugging, and disk analysis.9.2
- Hex Editor NeoA broad free Windows toolkit for binary editing, analysis, comparison, and recovery work.8.9
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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