Hex Encoder/Decoder

Hex Encoder/Decoder - Encode and Decode Hexadecimal Online

A powerful online Hexadecimal encoder and decoder tool. Convert text to hex or decode hex strings back to plain text. Supports multiple formats including plain hex, 0x prefix, and space-separated. Perfect for developers working with binary data, debugging, memory dumps, and color codes.

What is Hexadecimal encoding?

Hexadecimal (hex) is a base-16 number system that uses 16 symbols: 0-9 and A-F. Each hex digit represents 4 bits (half a byte). It's commonly used in programming to represent binary data in a more readable format.

Hex digits: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Common uses:
- Memory addresses and dumps
- Color codes (#FF5733)
- Binary data representation
- Low-level programming
- Network protocols
- File signatures and magic numbers

Example:
Text: "Hi" → Bytes: [72, 105] → Hex: "4869"
Each character becomes 2 hex digits (1 byte = 2 hex digits).

How do I encode text to Hex?

Encoding is simple:

1. Select 'Encode' mode
2. Enter your text
3. Choose format (plain, 0x prefix, or space-separated)
4. Choose case (uppercase or lowercase)
5. Click 'Encode'

Examples:
- Plain: "Hello" → "48656c6c6f"
- 0x Prefix: "Hello" → "0x48 0x65 0x6c 0x6c 0x6f"
- Space: "Hello" → "48 65 6c 6c 6f"
- Uppercase: "Hello" → "48656C6C6F"

Each character is converted to its byte value, then represented as 2 hex digits.

How do I decode Hex?

Decoding is automatic:

1. Select 'Decode' mode (default)
2. Paste your hex string
3. Click 'Decode'

The tool automatically handles:
- Plain hex: "48656c6c6f"
- With 0x: "0x48 0x65 0x6c"
- With spaces: "48 65 6c 6c 6f"
- Mixed case: "48656C6C6F"
- \x format: "\x48\x65\x6c"

All formats decode to: "Hello"

Where is Hexadecimal used?

Hexadecimal is used extensively in programming:

1. Web Development:
- Color codes: #FF5733, #00AA00
- Character encoding
- URL encoding: %20, %2F

2. Low-Level Programming:
- Memory addresses: 0x7FFF5FC00000
- Pointer values
- Register values
- Assembly language

3. Debugging:
- Memory dumps
- Binary file inspection
- Network packet analysis
- Error codes

4. File Formats:
- File signatures (magic numbers)
- Binary file headers
- Checksum values
- Hash outputs (MD5, SHA)

5. Security:
- Cryptographic keys
- Hash representations
- Encryption output

Why use hex:
✓ Compact: Half the size of binary
✓ Readable: More human-friendly than binary
✓ Byte-aligned: 2 hex digits = 1 byte
✓ Industry standard: Widely understood

What's the difference between hex formats?

Three common hex formats:

1. Plain Hex:
Format: 48656c6c6f
Use: Storage, databases, hash outputs
Pros: Compact, no extra characters

2. 0x Prefix:
Format: 0x48 0x65 0x6c 0x6c 0x6f
Use: Programming (C, JavaScript, Python)
Pros: Clear hex indication, readable
Example: int x = 0xFF;

3. Space Separated:
Format: 48 65 6c 6c 6f
Use: Memory dumps, documentation
Pros: Easy to read, byte boundaries clear

All formats represent the same data, just different presentation styles. Choose based on your use case.

Is my data safe?

Yes, completely safe:

✓ 100% client-side processing
✓ No data uploaded to servers
✓ No tracking or logging
✓ Works offline after page load
✓ Open source and verifiable

⚠️ Important: Hex encoding is NOT encryption!
- Anyone can decode hex
- Provides no security
- Don't encode sensitive data thinking it's protected
- Use proper encryption for security

Hex is just a different way to represent data, not a security measure.

Key Features

• Encode text to Hexadecimal instantly
• Decode hex strings to text
• Multiple format support: plain, 0x prefix, space-separated
• Uppercase and lowercase options
• Auto-detect and handle various hex formats on decode
• Real-time size statistics
• One-click mode swap
• Copy to clipboard
• Download results
• Upload files
• 100% client-side - your data stays private
• Works offline
• Mobile-friendly
• No registration required