hexer review
A focused, free hex editor for Linux users comfortable with vi-like commands.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
hexer pros and cons
- 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
hexer fact sheet, pricing and score →
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