> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-9.5/core/user-interface/concepts/helper-tools.md).

# Helper Tools

Helper tools, also known as utilities, are small programs designed to enhance your IDA functionality. Most of these utilities are shipped alongside IDA and included with the IDA installation.

## Built-in tools

These utilities handle specialized tasks, such as generating signature files or type libraries. Most of them live in the `tools` folder inside the main IDA installation directory; idapyswitch lives directly in the main installation directory itself.

Some examples:

* **Flair**: allows you to add your own compiler libraries to the FLIRT engine
* **idsutils**: helps create/maintain IDS files from DLLs
* **loadint**: creates your own disassembler comment databases
* [**TILIB**](/ida-9.5/core/types/how-tos/creating-type-libraries/tilib.md): creates type libraries (til files) for IDA
* [**git-ida**](/ida-9.5/add-ons/teams/how-tos/git_ida_cli.md): lets Git store, transfer, and reconstruct packed IDA databases efficiently, for use with the Teams add-on
* [**idapyswitch**](/ida-9.5/getting-started/idapython-environment.md#idapyswitch): selects which Python shared library IDA loads at startup

## Additional tools in the Download Center

The **IDA PIN tool** is available for download in the [My Hex-Rays Portal](https://my.hex-rays.com/dashboard/download-center).

Additionally, the Download Center provides utilities for older IDA versions (prior to 9.1).

## How to use these tools?

For detailed usage instructions and tips, including on tools not listed above, refer to the README file located in each tool's folder, where available.


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