Contains settings, configuration information, or other data saved in a hexadecimal format; may be stored in either a binary or text format.

Important: Binary hex files can only be opened with hex-editing programs. Text-based hex files can be opened and edited with a text editor.

File encoded with an early version of BinHex (binary-to-hexadecimal) encoding software; used for converting files to a text format that could be sent via e-mail without being corrupted; typically takes up more space than the original file.

The BinHex program is only available for the Mac. Newer versions of the program save BinHex files with a .HQX extension rather than ".hex."