ImHex Project Description

What is the project about?

ImHex is a feature-rich hex editor designed for reverse engineers, programmers, and anyone who works with binary data. It's built with a focus on usability, even during late-night work sessions.

What problem does it solve?

ImHex provides a powerful and user-friendly way to inspect, analyze, modify, and understand binary files. It goes beyond basic hex editing by offering advanced features like a custom pattern language for data interpretation, data processing, and visualization tools. It simplifies tasks that are often tedious or complex with traditional hex editors. It also helps with eye strain.

What are the features of the project?

Hex View: Byte patching, patch management, undo/redo, various "copy as" options, string/hex search, goto, highlighting, data type display, custom encodings, paged view.
Pattern Language: Custom C++-like language for parsing and highlighting file content, supporting various data structures and visualizations (images, audio, 3D models, etc.).
Theming: Dark mode (default) and light mode, customizable UI colors and styles.
Data Import/Export: Base64, IPS/IPS32 patches, Markdown reports.
Data Inspector: Interprets data as various types, endianness support, allows modification.
Data Pre-processor: Node-based system to modify, decrypt, and decode data before display.
Data Sources: Loads data from local files, raw disks, GDB server, Intel Hex/Motorola SREC, process memory.
Data Searching: String extraction, sequence search, regex search, binary pattern search, numeric value search.
Data Hashing: Wide range of hashing algorithms (CRC, MD5, SHA, etc.).
Diffing: Compares data from different sources, highlights differences.
Integrated Disassembler: Supports multiple architectures via Capstone.
Bookmarks: Custom names, colors, highlighting, jump to, comments.
Data Analyzer: File magic detection, byte distribution, entropy analysis, encrypted/compressed file detection.
YARA Rule Support: Scan files for vulnerabilities.
Tools: Demanglers, ASCII table, regex replacer, calculator, color picker, base converter, file utilities, etc.
Content Updater: Downloads pattern files, libraries, magic files, etc., from within ImHex.
Modern Interface: Workspaces, custom layouts, detachable windows.
Beginner-Friendly: Simplified mode, documentation, examples, achievements, tutorials.
Plugin Support

What are the technologies used in the project?

C++23: Primary programming language.
Dear ImGui: Immediate Mode GUI library.
ImPlot, ImNodes, ImGuiColorTextEdit: ImGui extensions.
JSON: For configuration files.
libfmt: Formatting library.
nativefiledialog-extended: Cross-platform file dialogs.
xdgpp: XDG folder handling on Linux.
Capstone: Disassembly engine.
microtar: For extracting downloaded assets.
Yara: Pattern matching library.
edlib: Sequence searching.
HashLibPlus: Hashing algorithms.
miniaudio: Audio playback.
OpenGL 3.0+ (or software rendering): For graphics.
Pattern Language: Custom language for data parsing.

What are the benefits of the project?

Powerful and Versatile: Handles a wide range of binary analysis tasks.
User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use, even for beginners.
Customizable: Theming, pattern language, and plugin support.
Extensible: Plugin API allows for adding new features.
Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Open Source: GPLv2 license (with some LGPLv2.1 parts).
Actively Developed: Regular updates and improvements.

What are the use cases of the project?

Reverse Engineering: Analyzing and understanding compiled software.
Game Modding: Modifying game files.
File Format Analysis: Understanding and documenting file structures.
Data Recovery: Inspecting and potentially recovering data from damaged storage.
Malware Analysis: Examining malicious code.
Embedded Systems Development: Working with firmware and hardware.
Security Research: Identifying vulnerabilities.
General Binary Data Manipulation: Any task involving editing or analyzing binary files.