How to use the hex viewer for files
- Choose a file or drop it on the box. It is read in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
- Read the hex dump: the offset on the left, 16 bytes in hexadecimal in the middle and the matching characters on the right.
- Use First, Previous, Next and Last to move through the file 4,096 bytes at a time, or Go to offset.
- Use Find to search for text or hex bytes such as 50 4B 03 04 and jump to the match.
Reading a hex dump
A hex dump shows a file as the raw bytes it holds. Each byte is written as two hexadecimal digits from 00 to FF. The first column is the offset, which is the position of the first byte in that row, also in hexadecimal. The last column shows each byte as a character when it is a printable ASCII character, and as a dot otherwise.
Many file types start with a signature. A ZIP file starts with 50 4B, the letters PK. A PDF starts with 25 50 44 46, which spells %PDF. A PNG starts with 89 50 4E 47. Looking at the first bytes is a quick way to check what a file really is.
How much is shown
The viewer shows 4,096 bytes at a time, which is 256 rows of 16, and you page through the file. Only the part you are looking at is read into memory, so large files are fine. Searching reads the file in 4 MB chunks and works on files up to 200 MB.
Nothing in the file is run, opened or interpreted. The bytes are turned into text with plain character codes and shown as text on the page, so even a file that contains code is only displayed. Offsets can be typed in hexadecimal or decimal. For converting numbers, see the number base converter, and for the character codes see the ASCII table. The hash generator fingerprints a text, and the Base64 encoder handles encoded text.
Privacy
The file stays on your device. It is read with your browser's own file access and is not uploaded to any server.
Assumptions and limits
- The viewer shows 4,096 bytes at a time.
- Bytes 32 to 126 show as ASCII characters. All other bytes show as a dot.
- Search works on files up to 200 MB, in 4 MB steps.
- Nothing in the file is executed or opened.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hex viewer used for?
It shows the exact bytes of a file. People use it to check file signatures, find text inside binary files and inspect data that an editor cannot show.
Is my file uploaded?
No. It is read in your browser and stays on your device.
Can opening a file here run it?
No. The viewer only reads bytes and displays them as text. It never runs or opens the contents.
How do I jump to a position?
Type an offset in hexadecimal, or choose decimal, and press Go. The view moves to the row that holds that byte.
Why is only part of the file shown?
To keep the page fast, 4,096 bytes are shown at a time. Use Next and Previous to move, or search.