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BBEdit
BBEdit · North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA · founded 1993
What it is
BBEdit is a professional HTML and text editor for macOS, aimed at writers, web authors, and software developers. Its editing tools include grep pattern matching, multi-file search and replace, syntax coloring, function navigation, code folding, and text completion. For web authoring, it offers HTML markup tools, standards-based syntax checking, and live previews of HTML and Markdown documents. Licensed features include Git and Subversion support, and the editor also works with AppleScript, macOS Unix scripting, Automator, Xcode as an external editor, and the Language Server Protocol. It can open and save text files on FTP and SFTP servers. BBEdit 16 requires macOS 14.0 or later and supports Intel and Apple silicon Macs. Free Mode remains available after the 30-day evaluation period, while some advanced features require a license. The BBEdit 16 Individual plan is listed at $59.99, paid once.
For and against
For
- Searches and replaces across multiple files
- Includes HTML markup and syntax-checking tools
- Supports Git and Subversion with a license
- Opens and saves files on FTP and SFTP
Against
- macOS only; no Windows or Linux versions
- BBEdit 16 requires macOS 14.0 or later
- Some advanced features require a paid license
The verdict
BBEdit combines text editing, web authoring, and development tools in a macOS application. Free Mode continues after the evaluation period, but some advanced features are licensed.
Who it suits
BBEdit suits writers, web authors, and developers working on macOS who need text and HTML editing tools. Its scripting, version-control, and remote-file capabilities may also fit more involved workflows.
Plans and prices
Free Mode
Permanent core editing features after the evaluation period · No nag screens or unsolicited interruptions
Read 22 Sep 2026 · faq.barebones.com
BBEdit license
Full feature set · Perpetual license for the purchased version
Read 22 Sep 2026 · barebones.com
Mac App Store subscription
Full advanced feature set · Annual subscription
Read 22 Sep 2026 · faq.barebones.com
BBEdit Free Mode
Some advanced features require a paid license
Read 4 Oct 2026 · barebones.com
BBEdit 16 Individual
Individual license · macOS only
Read 4 Oct 2026 · barebones.com
On the record
- AI worksheets
- The comparison chart says licensed users can create in-app worksheets to converse with ChatGPT, Claude, and Ollama.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Column editing
- Yesbarebones.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Company
- Bare Bones Software, Inc. is a privately held corporation based in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesbarebones.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Large-file handling
- Yesbarebones.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Notable limits
- Bare Bones says its software products are available only for macOS and that there are no Windows or Linux versions.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- BBEdit 16 requires macOS 14.0 or later and is a universal app for Intel and Apple silicon Macs.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Bare Bones says BBEdit worksheet queries and responses go directly to the ChatGPT API over HTTPS and are not received or retained by Bare Bones.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- BBEdit is a professional HTML and text editor for macOS aimed at writers, web authors, and software developers.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Remote files
- BBEdit can open and save text files on FTP and SFTP servers and supports third-party file-transfer clients through “Edit in BBEdit” commands.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Technical support is available by email or contact form; the company says it does not offer telephone or on-site support.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOSbarebones.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Text and code tools
- Features include grep pattern matching, multi-file search and replace, syntax coloring, function navigation, code folding, and text completion.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Version control
- The licensed feature set includes integrated support for Git and Subversion.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Web authoring
- BBEdit provides HTML markup tools, standards-based syntax checking, and live previews of HTML and Markdown documents.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Workflow integrations
- BBEdit supports AppleScript, macOS Unix scripting, Automator workflows, Xcode as an external editor, and the Language Server Protocol.barebones.com · read 4 Oct 2026
