HEX-ED is a free portable hex editor similar to HxD, designed to be small, fast, and efficient. It allows you to view and edit files at the hexadecimal level, making it useful for low level data inspection, binary editing, and program modification.
The tool was originally created by its author to modify assembler programs. HEX-ED began decades ago as a BASIC program compiled with BASCOM under CP/M. It was later rewritten and compiled in Visual C for Windows, first as a 16 bit application and eventually as a 32 bit version.
HEX-ED Portable Hex Editor

What HEX-ED Can Be Used For
- View and edit binary files in hexadecimal format
- Modify executable files and low level data structures
- Inspect raw disk or file contents
- Analyze file headers and embedded data
- Perform lightweight hex editing without installation
Because it is portable, HEX-ED can be stored on a USB flash drive and launched without a traditional installation. This makes it convenient for technicians and advanced users who need a simple hex editor on multiple systems.
HEX-ED Specifications | Official Site | Download
- Author's Website: Archived Project Page
It appears that this software may be abandoned. An archived link is provided for reference. - License: Freeware
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows
- Downloading: You can get this free portable hexadecimal editing software here:
Download HEX-ED (ZIP)
If you need a compact and straightforward portable hex editor for quick binary editing tasks, HEX-ED remains a lightweight option worth keeping in your toolkit.