Unlike some editors that use plugins for UI themes or macros, HxD uses a dedicated plugin framework to extend how the editor interprets and displays raw binary data. These plugins allow the (the panel that shows values like integers, floats, or dates) to support custom data types.
The plugin interface provides functions like hxdread , hxdwrite , and hxdseek to allow plugins to interact directly with the file buffer. Comparison: Plugins vs. Built-in Features hxd plugins
If you are looking to develop or use HxD plugins, the framework focuses on several core technical guidelines: Unlike some editors that use plugins for UI
Each plugin manages its own internal memory, reducing the risk of crashes in the main HxD application. Comparison: Plugins vs
HxD includes native tools for checksum/hash generation and graphical statistics.
Because HxD runs on x86-32 and x86-64, plugins are typically compiled as DLLs . The editor handles memory management for these components, ensuring that strings or byte arrays returned by a plugin are copied safely. Key Features for Developers