HEX files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Hexadecimal Source File
General Information
| Title | HEX File Extension |
| Extension | .hex |
| Full Form | Hexadecimal Source File |
| File Type | Machine Language File |
| Developer | N/A |
| MIME Type | text/plain |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store code |
| Additional Functions | Program microcontrollers |
| Features | Human-readable, Serialized data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Machine-specific |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with care |
Use Cases
| Firmware Programming | Yes |
| EEPROM Writing | Yes |
| Memory Dumping | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code injection |
| Best Practices | Checksum verification, Secure flashing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .bin, .elf, .eep |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microchip MPLAB X IDE |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
 Intel HEXlified |
Free | Web-based |
 HxD Hex Editor |
Free | Windows |
Type 2: BinHex Encoded File
A HEX file is typically used by programmable devices and contains settings, configuration information, or data in hexadecimal format. HEX files may be stored in binary or text formats. They are suppor...
General Information
| Title | HEX File Extension |
| Extension | .hex |
| Full Form | BinHex Encoded File |
| File Type | Encoded File |
| Developer | Unknown |
| MIME Type | application/mac-binhex40 |
File Function
| Primary Function | Encode files |
| Additional Functions | Compress, Archive |
| Features | 7-bit text encoding, Deprecated |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Text readable |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| File Transfer | Old Mac systems |
| Email Attachment | Obsolete |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Update, Convert |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .hqx, .bin, .sit |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| StuffIt Expander |
Free | Mac, Windows |
| The Unarchiver |
Free | Mac |
| Mac OS |
Built-in | Classic Mac OS |