Vim
Development
A powerful, keyboard-driven text editor.
Open Source
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux
Notepad++
Fast text and code editor with syntax highlighting.
Open SourceWindows
Official source: notepad-plus-plus.orgLast verified: awaiting review · How we check softwareDeveloper: Don Ho
What is Notepad++?
Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and code editor for Windows. It opens quickly, handles large files well, and highlights the syntax of dozens of programming and markup languages.
It supports tabs, powerful search and replace (including regular expressions), macros and plugins, which makes it a popular replacement for Windows Notepad for developers and administrators.
Key features
- Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages
- Powerful find and replace
- Plugins
Who should use Notepad++?
- DeveloperA fast, lightweight editor for quick code and configuration edits.Build a setup for this
- Everyday useA far more capable replacement for Windows Notepad.Build a setup for this
- IT professionalOpens large logs and config files quickly, with powerful search and replace.Build a setup for this
Supported platforms
| Platform | How to get it |
|---|---|
| Windows |
Pricing & licence
Open Source Free and open source
Open source: the source code is public, so anyone can inspect it, and it's free to use.
Prices change, so check notepad-plus-plus.org for current pricing.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Opens instantly
- Very light
Cons
- Windows only
Installation
Windows
Windows · Winget
PS> winget install --id Notepad++.Notepad++ --exact --source wingetPackage names were checked against each official package registry, and commands install the same software as the official download. Only run commands you understand.
Alternatives to Notepad++
Visual Studio CodeLightweight, extensible code editor for almost any language.View Alternative
Related guides
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Neovim
Development
A modern, extensible fork of Vim.
Open Source
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux
Notepad++ FAQ
Is Notepad++ available for Mac?
No. Notepad++ is made for Windows only.
Can Notepad++ compare two files?
Yes, with the Compare plugin, which you can install from the Plugins Admin menu.
Is Notepad++ free?
Free and open source. It's also open source.
Which platforms does Notepad++ support?
Notepad++ is available for Windows. It isn't available for macOS, Linux, Android and iPhone & iPad.
Can I install Notepad++ with Winget?
Yes. Run "winget install --id Notepad++.Notepad++ --exact --source winget" in PowerShell or Windows Terminal. The package ID was checked against Microsoft's official Winget repository.
What are the alternatives to Notepad++?
Common alternatives include Visual Studio Code. See the full list of Notepad++ alternatives for how they differ.
Where can I download Notepad++ safely?
From the official website, notepad-plus-plus.org. Aptorise links only to official sources and never hosts installers.