# Hex Fiend

> open source hex editor for macOS

**Wikidata**: [Q133423159](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133423159)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hex-fiend

## Summary
Hex Fiend is an open-source hex editor designed specifically for macOS, allowing users to inspect and edit binary data. It is written in Objective-C and licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, emphasizing free use and redistribution. The tool caters to developers and power users needing low-level file manipulation.

## Key Facts
- **License**: 2-clause BSD License (verified via GitHub repository).  
- **Programming Language**: Built with Objective-C.  
- **Operating System**: Exclusive to macOS.  
- **Creator**: Developed by Peter Ammon.  
- **Latest Stable Version**: 2.12.0 (released December 27, 2019).  
- **Initial Release**: Version 2.3.0 (July 31, 2014).  
- **Website**: https://hexfiend.com/ (English).  
- **Source Code Repository**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend).  

## FAQs
### Q: Is Hex Fiend free to use?  
A: Yes, Hex Fiend is open-source software licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, allowing free use and redistribution.  

### Q: What operating systems does Hex Fiend support?  
A: Hex Fiend is designed exclusively for macOS, with no official support for Windows or Linux.  

### Q: How do I download Hex Fiend?  
A: The latest version can be downloaded from the official website (https://hexfiend.com/) or its GitHub repository (https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend).  

## Why It Matters  
Hex Fiend is significant as a specialized tool for inspecting and editing binary files on macOS, a platform with fewer hex editor options compared to Windows or Linux. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community involvement, while regular updates (from 2014 to 2019) reflect active maintenance. It solves critical needs for developers, reverse engineers, and data analysts working with low-level file structures, offering a native, high-performance solution tailored to macOS environments.  

## Notable For  
- **Open-Source & Permissive Licensing**: Uses the 2-clause BSD License, encouraging reuse and integration into other projects.  
- **macOS Native Integration**: Built with Objective-C, ensuring seamless compatibility and performance on Apple systems.  
- **Active Development**: Received consistent updates between 2014 and 2019, addressing user needs and evolving macOS standards.  
- **Specialized Functionality**: Focuses on hex editing without unnecessary bloat, appealing to technical users requiring precision.  

## Body  
### Overview  
Hex Fiend is a desktop application for macOS that enables users to view and edit binary files at the byte level. As a hex editor, it displays data in hexadecimal and ASCII formats, critical for tasks like reverse engineering, data recovery, and low-level programming.  

### Development & Versions  
- **Initial Release**: Version 2.3.0 debuted on July 31, 2014.  
- **Update Cycle**: The tool saw frequent updates through 2019, with versions 2.4.0 (2016) to 2.12.0 (2019) adding features like improved performance and macOS compatibility adjustments.  
- **Programming Language**: Written in Objective-C, aligning with macOS development conventions.  

### Technical Details  
- **License**: The 2-clause BSD License permits free use, modification, and distribution, with minimal restrictions.  
- **Repository**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend), enabling community contributions and issue tracking.  

### Availability  
Hex Fiend remains accessible via its official website and GitHub releases, with documentation supporting technical users. Its longevity and open-source model ensure continued relevance for macOS users requiring hex editing capabilities.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/blob/master/License.txt)
2. [Release 2.3.0. 2014](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.3.0)
3. [Release 2.4.0. 2016](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.4.0)
4. [Release 2.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.5.0)
5. [Release 2.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.6.0)
6. [Release 2.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.7.0)
7. [Release 2.8.0. 2017](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.8.0)
8. [Release 2.9.0. 2018](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.9.0)
9. [Release 2.10.0. 2018](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.10.0)
10. [Release 2.11.0. 2019](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.11.0)
11. [Release 2.12.0. 2019](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.12.0)
12. [Release 2.13.0. 2020](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.13.0)
13. [Release 2.13.1. 2020](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.13.1)
14. [Release 2.14.0. 2020](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.14.0)
15. [Release 2.14.1. 2021](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.14.1)
16. [Release 2.15.0. 2022](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.15.0)
17. [Release 2.16.0. 2022](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.16.0)
18. [Release 2.17.0. 2023](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.17.0)
19. [Release 2.17.1. 2023](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.17.1)
20. [Release 2.18.0. 2024](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.18.0)
21. [Release 2.18.1. 2025](https://github.com/HexFiend/HexFiend/releases/tag/v2.18.1)