Notepad++ is tool that can be used for editing both groups of files. It is mainly a text editor, but can have a plugin for hex-editing binary format. Also, Notepad++ has "language" files that allow custom highlighting to make files easier to read and edit.

Install Notepad++

• 1. Install Notepad++ from its web site.

Install the HEX-Editor plugin in Notepad++

• 1. Open Notepad++.

  2. Click on Plugins > Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager menu item.

  3. Click on Settings button at bottom-left corner of the Plugin Manager window.

  4. Checkmark the Show unstable plugins box. (Sometimes the HEX-Editor plugin lists as unstable, but I have never had any issues with it.)

  5. Click OK button.

  6. Checkmark the HEX-Editor plugin in the list on the Available tab.

  7. Click the Install button at near bottom-right.

  8. Click the Close button at bottom-right.

  9. You might need to re-open Notepad++ before using plugin.

Install the Valve Data Format Languages for Notepad++

• 1. Go to this web page: Notepad++ VDF languages

  2. Download and install the custom text highlighting languages as described there.