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GNU nano
GNU nano · founded 1999
What it is
GNU nano is a free text editor designed as a small replacement for Pico, available on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It provides undo and redo, syntax coloring, interactive search and replace, auto-indentation, line numbers, word completion, file locking, backup files, and internationalization support. Search and replace accepts regular expressions, with case-sensitive and backward search options. Nano can edit files sequentially or open several files in separate buffers. Nanorc configuration controls choices such as syntax highlighting and line wrapping. Unicode text can be read, entered, and saved when the terminal encoding and locale use UTF-8. Restricted mode limits file access and disables shell commands, spell checking, suspending, and backup creation. The project offers source archives, Linux packages, and Windows executables, with signature files for source archives. Documentation includes a manual, FAQ, shortcut overview, PDF manual, and man pages. The project lists Chris Allegretta as original author and Benno Schulenberg as maintainer.
For and against
For
- Free on three desktop platforms
- Regular-expression search and replace
- Multiple buffers supported
- Nanorc customization available
- Restricted mode limits file access
Against
- Unicode requires UTF-8 locale and encoding
- Restricted mode disables several functions
- Terminal-based workflow may require configuration
The verdict
GNU nano offers a focused, free editor with familiar Pico compatibility and practical search, buffer, configuration, and safety controls. Its documentation and downloadable packages support use across Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Who it suits
It suits users wanting a free, terminal-based editor on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Pico users, developers, and administrators needing configurable text editing may value its compatibility and editing controls.
Plans and prices
GNU nano
Text editor; source code and Windows binaries available
Read 11 Oct 2026 · nano-editor.org
On the record
- Compatibility
- Nano aims to be reasonably compatible with Pico while providing additional functionality.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can configure nano through nanorc files and choose options such as syntax highlighting and line wrapping.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project provides an online manual, FAQ, shortcut overview, PDF manual, and man pages.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project offers compressed source archives and links to Linux distribution packages and Windows executables.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- It offers undo and redo, syntax coloring, interactive search and replace, auto-indentation, line numbers, word completion, file locking, backup files, and internationalization support.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesnano-editor.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ describes configuring nano as the editor for Pine, mutt, and Git commit messages.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yesnano-editor.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Multiple files
- Nano can edit several files in a row and can open files in separate buffers.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Project leadership
- Chris Allegretta is listed as the original author and Benno Schulenberg as the current maintainer.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GNU nano is a small, friendly text editor designed as a free replacement for Pico.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Restricted mode
- Restricted mode limits file access and disables actions including shell commands, spell checking, suspending, and making backup files.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- Search and replace support regular expressions, and searches can be case-sensitive or run backward.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Signatures
- The download page provides signature files for the source archives.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs usage questions to its help mailing list and bug reports to the Savannah bug tracker.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOSnano-editor.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Unicode
- Nano supports reading, entering, and saving Unicode text when the terminal encoding and locale use UTF-8.nano-editor.org · read 11 Oct 2026
