Customize and modify software resources with ResourceHacker!
ResourceHacker is a powerful tool that allows users to manipulate resources like icons, dialogs, images, and more within software applications.
ResourceHacker by Angus Johnson is a powerful software tool that allows users to view, modify, edit, extract, and customize resources within Windows executable files and resource files. With its comprehensive set of features, user-friendly interface, and advanced resource editing capabilities, ResourceHacker provides users with a valuable solution for exploring and manipulating resources, such as icons, images, dialogs, menus, strings, and more in Windows applications.
One of the key features of ResourceHacker is its ability to decompile, browse, and extract resources embedded within Windows executable files (EXE), dynamic link libraries (DLL), and other resource files. Users can open target files in ResourceHacker's interface, explore the resource tree structure, extract specific resources for editing or reusing, or view detailed information about resource types used in applications.
The software offers resource editing tools that enable users to modify resource properties, change resource data, replace images or icons, edit strings or text elements, edit dialog boxes or menus, and customize various elements within Windows applications without needing access to the application source code. Users can alter designs visual elements assets text content within application resources to personalize applications or make visual improvements using editing functionalities provided by ResourceHacker.
ResourceHacker allows users to customize Windows application themes, icons graphics by importing external resources customizing UI elements and modifying design components according to user preferences. Users can enhance visual aesthetics consistency across applications update iconography assets standardize interface elements through customized theme creations or modifications using the software's graphical content editing features.
The software facilitates localization efforts by enabling users to translate text strings UI elements labels into different languages within Windows applications without changing the original source code. Users can export text resources for translation import translated text elements back into applications edit language-specific content localize user interfaces effectively streamline internationalization tasks using the language customization functionalities provided by ResourceHacker.
ResourceHacker provides users with access to scripting support command-line functionalities batch processing capabilities for automating resource editing tasks across multiple files or operations efficiently users can create scripts automate repetitive tasks process resource modifications scale customizations uniformly across application resources using ResourceHacker's automation tools increasing productivity effectiveness in managing multiple resource customization actions
In conclusion ResourceHacker by Angus Johnson offers users a versatile solution for viewing modifying extracting customizing resources within Windows executable files and resource files With its robust resource editing functionalities decompilation options design customization tools localization support automation features the software provides users with a comprehensive platform for customizing improving personalizing visual elements textual content user interface components within Windows applications effectively benefiting from a flexible user-friendly tool for application customization and resource tweaking
Overview
ResourceHacker is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Angus Johnson.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked ResourceHacker for updates 597 times during the last month.
The latest version of ResourceHacker is 5.2.8, released on 03/24/2025. It was initially added to our database on 10/30/2007.
ResourceHacker runs on the following operating systems: Windows.
ResourceHacker has not been rated by our users yet.
Pros
- Ability to view, modify, add, extract, and replace resources in Windows executables and resource files
- User-friendly interface making it easy to navigate and operate
- Supports a wide range of file formats including EXE, DLL, SCR, CPL, and more
- Ability to customize and tweak various aspects of software applications and system files
- No installation required, portable application that can run directly from a USB drive
Cons
- Not officially supported or updated regularly by the developer
- May not work effectively with newer versions of Windows or certain applications
- Lacks advanced features found in other resource editing tools
FAQ
What is ResourceHacker?
ResourceHacker is a free resource editor that allows users to view, modify, add, delete and extract resources in 32bit and 64bit Windows executables and resource files (*.res).
Who developed ResourceHacker?
ResourceHacker was developed by Angus Johnson.
What platforms is ResourceHacker available on?
ResourceHacker is available for Windows.
What are some common uses for ResourceHacker?
Common uses for ResourceHacker include modifying the appearance of Windows applications, extracting and modifying resources such as icons, cursors, bitmaps and AVI movies, changing the language of an application’s user interface and accessing text resources like error messages.
Is ResourceHacker free?
Yes, ResourceHacker is completely free to use.
Is ResourceHacker open source?
No, ResourceHacker is not open source, but the source code is available for purchase by interested parties.
Is ResourceHacker compatible with Windows Vista and later versions of Windows?
Yes, ResourceHacker is compatible with Windows Vista and later versions of Windows.
What file types can ResourceHacker modify?
ResourceHacker can modify Windows executable files (*.exe), dynamic-link library files (*.dll), control panel files (*.cpl) and screensaver files (*.scr).
Does ResourceHacker have any limitations?
Yes, ResourceHacker cannot modify resources that are part of the executable’s read-only data segment, and it may not be able to modify resources that are compressed or encrypted.
Is ResourceHacker malware?
No, ResourceHacker is not malware. However, like any powerful tool, it can be used maliciously by individuals with malicious intent.
David Fischer
I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
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