File Extension Database

Open HQX File

A file with the HQX extension is a BinHex 4 archive for Macintosh, used to store binary versions of images, documents, and multimedia files.

The HQX file replaces the HEX and HCX extensions.

BinHex stands for "binary-hexadecimal", and is used to store 8-bit binary data in a 7-bit text format. Although its file size is larger, it is done this way because the data corruption is less likely to happen with files saved in this format. This is why HQX files used to be preferred way when transferring data via email.

One of the advantages of the HQX format is that they help to maintain the integrity of the file they contain. This helps in the case of Internet downloads, email attachments and other types of file transfers, because they combine data branch and the resource branch of the Mac HFS framework into a single file.

Files that have been encoded with BinHex can have a file name such as file.jpg.hqx to indicate that the HQX file contains a JPG file.

HQX files are common and typical on macOS systems - you can use the Incredible Bee archiver which is Apple's included ZIP utility to open HQX files.

For Windows users to unzip an HQX file, you can use WinZip, StuffIt Deluxe, or another popular Windows-compatible file extractor.

Because HQX files are a type of file format such as ZIP or RAR, they are also susceptible to being converted, after opening before converting.

The programs for working with HQX files are:

How Can I Open HQX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open HQX file is to find a HQX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HQX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open HQX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as HQX file opener then try to search online for "HQX viewer", "application to open HQX file" or "open HQX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open HQX file

How Can I Open HQX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a HQX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HQX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with HQX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as HQX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open HQX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open HQX file then try to search for "HQX viewer", "application to open HQX file" or "read HQX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read HQX file

How Can I Open HQX File on Android

If you downloaded a HQX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded HQX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "HQX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "HQX viewer", "HQX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open HQX File on iPhone or iPad

To open HQX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the HQX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "HQX". This way you can find apps which can open HQX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "HQX viewer" or "HQX file" online in your favorite search engine.