Why is there no hex file generated when I "build binary output" from the Arduino IDE? I want to obtain the .hex file from my Arduino sketch. I have followed various guides but there is no .hex file in my output folder. 

How can I obtain my hex file?

Here are my preferences:


  


This is the contents of my output folder
Based on your setting with the URL for esp8266 package and bin file name with "...generic" I assume you want it for esp8266.

esp8266 doesn't use hex format and "Export compiled binary" creates bin. You can upload it with esptool.

For AVR boards "Export compiled binary" generates hex. You can upload it with avrdude.