Windows hexdump in PowerShell Format-Hex equivalent in Linux
Displays binary files as hexadecimal bytes.
hexdump in PowerShell Format-Hex
xxd file
xxd file
xxd file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "hexdump in PowerShell Format-Hex" is used to hex dump a file. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "xxd file". Displays binary files as hexadecimal bytes. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → Binary/Text.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows hexdump in PowerShell Format-Hex maps to xxd file for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Hex dump a file
Displays binary files as hexadecimal bytes.
xxd file
Hex dump a file
xxd --help
Show command help when supported
man xxd
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
xxd file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: hexdump in PowerShell Format-Hex
xxd fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
xxd file | Hex dump a file |
xxd --help | Show command help when supported |
man xxd | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "xxd file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | xxd file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | xxd file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | xxd file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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