diff --git a/mode/hex.py b/mode/hex.py
index 11d9c9c..cdc381c 100644
--- a/mode/hex.py
+++ b/mode/hex.py
@@ -311,7 +311,7 @@ class Hex(mode.Fundamental):
         self.add_bindings('hex-overwrite-char-tab', ('TAB',))
         self.add_bindings('hex-overwrite-char-newline', ('RETURN',))
 
-        self.symbolic_edit = False
+        self.symbolic_edit = True
 
     def get_address(self, y, x):
         return (y * 16) + x