Memory Highlight

Memory Highlight is a Visual Studio extension for C++ debugging that provides a Memory-like window with linked hex and ASCII highlighting.

What it does

• Opens four independent Memory Highlight 1..4 tool windows.
• Shows process memory as a hex byte grid with an ASCII/ANSI pane.
• Highlights the matching ASCII character when you hover or select a hex byte.
• Highlights the matching hex byte when you hover or select an ASCII character.
• Supports range selection on both sides.
• Highlights changed bytes after refresh.
• Keeps address expression history per window.

How to open it

After installation, restart Visual Studio if requested, then open:

Tools > Memory Highlight > Memory Highlight 1

Additional windows are available from the same menu:

Tools > Memory Highlight > Memory Highlight 2
Tools > Memory Highlight > Memory Highlight 3
Tools > Memory Highlight > Memory Highlight 4

How to use it

1. Start debugging a native C++ program.
2. Break or pause execution.
3. Open a Memory Highlight window.
4. Enter an address or C++ expression in the Address box, such as &buffer[0], &text[0] + 5, or 0x00000123456789AB.
5. Press Enter, or choose a previous expression from the address history.

The refresh button next to the address box reevaluates the expression automatically after debugger steps. Memory cannot be refreshed while the debuggee is running.

Notes

Memory Highlight was implemented for native C++ debugging. Other languages have not been tested.

The extension does not collect telemetry and does not make external network calls.

The project is MIT licensed. Support and ongoing maintenance are not promised.