Q22
catch22.net
What it is
Q22 is a free, open-source binary editor for Linux and Windows, and the successor to Catch22 HexEdit for Windows. It opens large binary files and supports cut, copy, paste, insertion, deletion, undo, and redo. Data can be viewed as hexadecimal, decimal, octal, binary, or text, with bytes grouped into 8-, 16-, 32-, or 64-bit values. Structure View expands headers, sections, imports, exports, and symbols in PE and ELF files, and accepts custom Strata .strata definitions. The disassembler handles x86 32-bit and 64-bit, ARM, ARM Thumb, and AArch64, while detecting PE and ELF entrypoints. Bookmarks and highlights retain positions for later use. Clipboard, import, and export formats include raw data, Base64, Intel HEX, Motorola S-records, HTML, C, C++, and assembler-style data. Panels provide file properties, checksums, and string extraction. Themes, palettes, preferences, docked panels, and platform-specific window chrome are configurable.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Q22 is a cross-platform binary file editor and the successor to Catch22 HexEdit for Windows.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Platforms
- The page lists Linux (Fedora currently) and Windows as supported platforms and says more are to come.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- License
- Q22 is licensed under GPL-3.0-or-later.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Maker
- The maker's About page identifies James Brown and says he lives in Hampshire, UK; it does not state a founding date.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Bookmarks
- Users can bookmark and highlight positions in the hex display, and bookmark state is saved for future use.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Customization
- Q22 offers light, dark and system themes, built-in and custom palettes, configurable preferences, a custom titlebar and docked panels.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Data views
- It displays data as hexadecimal, decimal, octal, binary or text, and groups bytes as 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit or 64-bit values.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Disassembly
- The disassembler supports x86 64-bit, x86 32-bit, ARM, ARM Thumb and AArch64, and detects PE and ELF entrypoints automatically.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Editing
- It can open and edit binary files, including large files, with cut, copy, paste, insert, delete, undo and redo.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Import and export
- Supported clipboard, import and export formats include hex, ASCII/text, raw data, Base64, UUEncode, Intel HEX, Motorola S-records, HTML, C++, C and assembler-style data.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Other tools
- The interface includes file properties, checksum calculation and string extraction panels.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Release
- The GitHub releases page lists q22 3.3.0, dated 2026-09-12.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Structure View
- Structure View supports PE and ELF files, can expand their headers, sections, imports, exports and symbols, and accepts custom .strata definitions in Strata.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
- Window integration
- Its platform-specific window chrome supports Windows, KDE/KWin and GNOME/Mutter.Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
Plans and prices
Q22 Free GPL-3.0-or-later · Linux (Fedora currently) · Windows Read 5 Oct 2026 · catch22.net
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Edits large binary files
- PE and ELF structure inspection
- Disassembly for x86, ARM, and AArch64
- Many import and export formats
- GPL-3.0-or-later open-source license
Limits
- Linux plan currently lists Fedora
- Windows and Linux are the stated platforms
- No macOS platform is listed
Who it suits
Q22 suits developers and analysts who need to inspect, edit, disassemble, or document binary files on Linux or Windows.
Verdict
Q22 combines low-level editing with structure inspection, disassembly, bookmarks, and broad data-format support. Its GPL license and zero price make it suitable when those capabilities match a Linux or Windows workflow.
Where Specifiction places it
- Hex Editors#23 of 327.3