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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

CFF Explorer is a freeware program built to analyze and edit Portable Executable (PE) files in detail. It is widely used by developers, reverse engineers, and security researchers to study and modify file structures. With its intuitive interface and built-in tools, it simplifies understanding low-level file information.

CFF Explorer also provides advanced features such as dependency analysis and resource editing, which make it useful for working with complex executable files. While offering powerful utilities, the program remains accessible to those with intermediate knowledge. Whether for debugging, research, or development, it delivers reliable performance for PE file analysis.

Comprehensive features with lasting value

One of the main strengths of CFF Explorer is its complete PE editor, which provides detailed information about headers, sections, and imports. Users can view and modify resources, hex data, and file structures, while the dependency walker helps identify compatibility issues or missing libraries. Although very powerful, the program’s outdated interface design feels clunky compared to modern tools. Still, it remains highly valuable for reverse engineering and troubleshooting software problems.

The program also includes a powerful hex editor, resource editor, and scripting support through its extension framework, enabling advanced users to perform customizations and automate tasks. Unlike similar tools, it provides an integrated environment instead of relying on separate utilities. However, it requires technical knowledge to use fully and suffers from limited documentation, making it harder for newcomers. Despite these drawbacks, its design still prioritizes usability while addressing complex technical requirements.

As for alternatives, users may consider tools such as PE Explorer, Resource Hacker, or IDA Free for related tasks. Each offers its own advantages, with PE Explorer focusing on detailed file inspection, Resource Hacker on resource editing, and IDA Free on disassembly and debugging. However, this program strikes a balance by combining multiple utilities in one package, making it versatile for different user needs.

  • Pros

    • Comprehensive PE file editor
    • Includes resource and hex editors
    • Dependency analysis features
  • Cons

    • Outdated interface design
    • Requires technical knowledge to use fully
    • Limited documentation available

Bottom Line

A reliable tool for professionals

CFF Explorer remains a dependable choice for those needing a comprehensive PE file editor and analyzer. Its balance of usability and advanced tools makes it suitable for developers, reverse engineers, and researchers alike. While it may require some technical background to use effectively, its combination of features and integration provides significant value. For those working with Windows executables, it remains a solid tool in the toolkit.

What’s new in version 7

  • Bug fixes


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
7
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 10
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows NT
Additional Requirements
Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
229,391
Downloads Last Week
65

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Last Updated


User Reviews

4.4/5

5 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Enhance PE32/64 with fields description, utilities, a hex editor, and support .NET structures.
CFF Explorer contains enhanced PE32/64 with fields description, utilities, a hex editor, and support NET structures.

A freeware suite of tools including a PE editor called CFF Explorer and a process viewer. The PE editor has full support for PE32/64. Special fields description and modification (.NET supported), utilities, rebuilder, hex editor, import adder, signature scanner, signature manager, extension support, scripting, disassembler, dependency walker etc. First PE editor with support for .NET internal structures. Resource Editor (Windows Vista icons supported) capable of handling .NET manifest resources.

Version 7 features: Scripting language, Disassembler, Dependency Walker, Name Unmangler, Debug Directory.


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