Hxd Plugins 2021 -
Since "HxD" is primarily known as a popular Freeware Hex Editor and Disk Editor by Maël Hörz, it does not have a traditional "plugin store" or official plugin API like software such as Notepad++ or Photoshop.
However, power users often refer to "plugins" in the context of Definitions Files (Structures), external tool integration, or checksum extensions.
Here is a complete guide post regarding the extensibility and "plugin-like" features of HxD.
2.2. The "Send To" Integration (Windows Explorer)
You can create a pseudo-plugin by adding HxD to the Windows Send To menu and combining it with batch processing. hxd plugins
Steps to create a batch plugin:
- Create a
.batfile calledapply_patch.bat. - The script calls HxD with command-line arguments (HxD supports
/sfor silent background operations? No – but it does support opening files via shell). - Use a dedicated patching tool (like
xdelta3orVBinDiff) as the backend.
Result: You right-click any binary, choose "Send To" > "Apply HxD Plugin Script," and your custom logic runs.
1. What Are HxD Plugins?
In the context of HxD, a plugin is a dynamic-link library (DLL) that implements a specific interface defined by HxD. Once placed in the correct directory, HxD loads the plugin at startup and integrates its features into the main menu (usually under Extras). Since "HxD" is primarily known as a popular
Plugins can:
- Perform operations on selected data (e.g., compute hashes, decode/encode)
- Analyze file structures (e.g., parse PE, ELF, or custom binary formats)
- Add new data viewers or inspectors
- Automate repetitive editing tasks
- Interface with external tools or libraries
HxD does not have a built-in scripting language; instead, it relies on compiled plugins for performance and deep integration.
5.2. Malware Analysis Integration
A C# plugin could integrate with YARA rules. Upon loading a binary, the plugin hashes the selection and checks it against a local YARA rule set, highlighting malicious byte sequences directly in the hex view using color-coded backgrounds. Create a
What Are HXD Plugins?
HXD plugins are DLL-based extensions that integrate directly into the HXD interface. They allow users to extend the editor's functionality beyond simple viewing and editing. Plugins can automate repetitive tasks, parse complex binary structures, apply custom analysis, or even interface with external tools—all from within HXD's familiar environment.
Unlike scripting engines in some modern editors (e.g., 010 Editor’s scripts), HXD plugins are written in compiled languages like C, C++, or Delphi, offering raw speed and deep system access. They are loaded at runtime via HXD's plugin manager and appear as new menu items or toolbar buttons.
1. External Tools Menu (The Closest Thing to a Plugin)
HXD allows you to launch external tools directly from the Tools menu. This is effectively a primitive "plugin runner."
- How it works: You configure HXD to launch a script (Python, PowerShell, or CMD) and pass the currently selected hex bytes or the temporary file path as an argument.
- Example Plugin Use Case: A Python script that takes highlighted hex data, converts it to ASCII, and scans for URLs.
- Limitation: The output opens in a separate terminal window, not inside HXD’s UI.