HQX File Extension
BinHex 4.0 Encoded Format
- File Type hqx
- Popularity
- Application MacDisk
- Category Compressed Files
- Format Text
What is a HQX file?
BinHex 4.0 Encoded Format, identified by the HQX extension, is a Compressed Files type and includes 820 files.
HQX files are compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS and Windows. There are 12 programs available to extract a HQX file, including popular tools like BinHex 4.0, MacDisk and MacImage.
File Signature
HEX code: 28 54 68 69 73 20 66 69 6C 65 20 6D 75 73 74 20 62. ASCII code: (This file must be converted with Binhex 4.0).
Programs that support HQX files
How to open a HQX file?
If you are having trouble opening a HQX file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
BinHex 4.0, MacDisk and MacImage are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with HQX files. If you wish to install the latest release of MacDisk, visit the official LSD portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.
Once MacDisk is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening HQX files.
Set MacDisk as the default HQX handler
Setting a default program by file type in Windows
- Right-click on your HQX file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
- In the pop-up window, find and select the MacDisk application from the available options;
- Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening HQX files.
Choose an app to open a file on Mac
- Right click or use Control + left click on the desired HQX file to launch the file options menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for MacDisk. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.
How to edit a HQX file?
Editing HQX files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit compressed files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated BinHex 4.0 Encoded Format programs.
List of Top HQX editors 2026
According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available HQX editors.
| HQX Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacDisk | LSD | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| MacImage | LSD | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| BinHex 4.0 | Yves Lempereur | Mac OS | 4.1 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
Convert to and from HQX
If a HQX file is cumbersome, converting it to formats such as ZIP, HFS or other supported types can make it easier to manage.
Converting a HQX file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.
Convert HQX to other file formats
Effective solutions for HQX file problems
If HQX files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.
What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt HQX file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged HQX file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged compressed files.
Are there any symptoms that my HQX file is damaged?
Corrupted HQX compressed files may show the following signs:
- Opening the file in MacDisk or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the HQX file;
- Editing the archive in MacDisk is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
What are the possible causes of MacDisk crashing?
The absence of software updates can cause MacDisk to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for LSD products.
Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.