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KWrite
KWrite · Prinzenstraße 85 F, 10969 Berlin, Germany · founded 1996
What it is
KWrite is a free text editor from KDE, built on Kate’s editor component. It provides syntax highlighting based on file type, word completion, automatic indentation, plugin support, and a Vi input mode. Editing includes multi-cursor and column modes, and the editor supports extensions. KWrite runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS under the LGPL-2.1+ license. Linux users can install it through Discover or another AppStream store, a distribution package manager, or Flathub. Nightly installers are available as a Linux AppImage, Windows builds, and macOS ARM and Intel builds. These nightly versions come from the latest development branch and are intended for testing. KDE links to a handbook, forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat, along with bug-reporting and source-code pages. KDE’s policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices unless the user explicitly acts, though third-party distributors may modify the software.
For and against
For
- Free plan costs nothing
- Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Offers syntax highlighting and word completion
- Includes multi-cursor and column editing
- Provides plugins, extensions, and Vi input mode
Against
- Nightly installers are intended for testing
- Third-party distributors may alter privacy behavior
- The listed release is dated 2026-10-08
The verdict
KWrite is a free, cross-platform editor with syntax assistance and several code-editing modes. KDE provides documentation and support links, while nightly builds and distributor changes call for attention when choosing an installation.
Who it suits
KWrite suits people seeking a free editor for Linux, Windows, or macOS with programming-oriented editing features. It also fits users who want plugins, Vi input, or multi-cursor editing.
Plans and prices
Free
Syntax highlighting · word completion · auto-indentation · plugin support
Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesapps.kde.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Development
- The KWrite page provides links to report bugs and browse the source code.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- Listed features include word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and Vi input mode.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesapps.kde.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Help and support
- KWrite links to its handbook, a forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The page lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Linux installation
- The site points Linux users to Discover or other AppStream stores, their distribution’s package manager, and Flathub.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- KDE e.V. is a registered nonprofit in Germany representing the KDE Community in legal and financial matters.ev.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yesapps.kde.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Other platforms
- The KWrite page lists Windows and macOS as other platforms, and nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS ARM and Intel builds.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- KDE’s software privacy policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices except after an explicit user action.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy caveat
- KDE says third-party distributors may modify its software in ways that no longer follow its software privacy policy.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- KWrite is a text editor by KDE based on Kate’s editor component.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Release
- The latest release listed on the page is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOSapps.kde.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Syntax highlighting
- KWrite supports syntax highlighting according to file type.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Testing builds
- KWrite nightly installers are described as intended for testing and generated from the latest development branch.apps.kde.org · read 9 Oct 2026
