Examine32 is a fast and versatile text search utility. It can search both text and binary files using either ordinary text or GREP-like regular expressions, based on the standard UNIX search utility. The logical operators OR, AND, NOT and XOR can be used with a specified search proximity. Files within ZIP archives can also be searched for text.

File formats supported by Examine32, in addition to text files, are text files with Unix and MacIntosh line endings, Microsoft Word format, WordPerfect, HTML format (web pages) , Rich text format, PDF format (Acrobat files) and Write format.

Searches can be across multiple drives over networks or can be restricted to a single folder with the option to search subfolders. Windows Explorer's drag and drop facilities can also be used to select files which can be dropped onto the program's window. Files can be viewed with their associated application, the program's own fully configurable internal viewer which lets the user switch quickly between matches, or with an editor of the user's choosing. Search data can be saved to disk or can be sent to the user's printer.