# Inspecting and patching bytes - DE Decompiler

> Use the HEX Editor tab to inspect and edit the file bytes underlying the recovered code and form data.

Canonical HTML: <https://www.de-decompiler.com/help/patch_data.htm>

## Inspecting and patching bytes

Use the HEX Editor tab to inspect and edit the file bytes underlying the recovered code and form data.

![Binary inspection in the HEX Editor.](https://www.de-decompiler.com/image/help/hex_editor.png)
Binary inspection in the HEX Editor.

### Inspecting file data

Open **HEX Editor** alongside the code or form view. Navigate using a virtual address, including **Image Base**, or a file offset measured from the start of the file. Compare the displayed bytes with the corresponding native instructions or recovered form data.

### Editing bytes

The HEX Editor supports editing individual bytes and blocks of data within the file. Check whether the location is expressed as a virtual address or a file offset before making a change.

Work from a separate analysis copy. Reopen or reprocess affected code as needed after a change, especially when cached listings are enabled. Preserve both the original bytes and the change record when comparing behavior or documenting an investigation.