ResourceHacker 5.2.8

ResourceHacker 5.2.8

Angus Johnson – Shareware – Windows

Customize and modify software resources with ResourceHacker!

David Fischer

ResourceHacker is a powerful tool that allows users to manipulate resources like icons, dialogs, images, and more within software applications.
2025 Editor's Rating

Comprehensive Resource Management with ResourceHacker

ResourceHacker by Angus Johnson is a versatile and powerful utility designed for viewing, editing, extracting, and customizing Windows executable files and resource files. Its extensive feature set makes it an essential tool for developers, IT professionals, and power users aiming to enhance and personalize Windows applications.

Intuitive Interface and Resource Exploration

Featuring a user-friendly interface, ResourceHacker allows users to easily navigate through complex resource trees embedded within EXE, DLL, and other resource files. Users can decompile and browse resources seamlessly, making it simple to identify and extract specific assets such as icons, images, dialogs, menus, and string tables.

Advanced Resource Editing Capabilities

With its robust editing tools, ResourceHacker enables modifications of various resource elements without requiring access to source code. Users can change icons, update images, modify text strings, and customize dialog boxes or menu layouts. This flexibility empowers users to personalize applications or improve their visual aesthetics effortlessly.

Customization and Theming

The software simplifies the process of customizing application themes and interface elements. Users can import external graphics, update icons, or adjust UI components to match preferred styles. This feature is particularly useful for creating cohesive visual identities or updating outdated assets to give applications a modern look.

Localization and Internationalization Support

ResourceHacker significantly aids localization efforts by allowing translation of text strings and UI labels directly within resource files. Users can export strings for translation, then re-import localized content, streamlining the process of adapting applications for different languages and regions.

Scripting and Automation Features

The application offers command-line support and scripting capabilities that facilitate batch processing of multiple files. Automation features enable users to script repetitive modification tasks, significantly increasing productivity when managing large-scale resource updates or standardizing customizations across numerous applications.

Versatile Platform for Developers and Power Users

Whether for personalizing software interfaces or preparing software for international markets, ResourceHacker provides a comprehensive platform for resource manipulation. Its combination of visual editing tools, scripting support, and resource extraction functionalities makes it an indispensable asset for efficient Windows application customization.

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 314 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

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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