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Mousepad
What it is
Mousepad is a free Linux application for quickly editing text files, rather than working as a full development environment. It supports column editing and extensions, with settings such as word wrap and automatic indentation available through its preferences and Document menu. Users can also access settings with Dconf Editor, gsettings or dconf. Printing preferences are kept separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc.
After first use, Mousepad creates a configurable keybindings file. Version 0.5.9 added a shortcuts editor that requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later, and introduced a CSS style class named “mousepad” for theming. Required dependencies include GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later; gspell and libxfce4ui are optional components. The documentation lists version 0.7.0, released on 2026-03-02, and links to its source archive and bug-reporting information. It is intended for people who want a focused editor for text files.
For and against
For
- Free Linux text editor for quick file edits.
- Supports column editing and extensions.
- Preferences include word wrap and automatic indentation.
- Settings can be accessed through Dconf Editor, gsettings or dconf.
- Version 0.5.9 introduced a shortcuts editor and theming class.
Against
- Linux is the only listed platform.
- The shortcuts editor requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later.
- Required dependencies include GTK and GtkSourceView.
The verdict
Mousepad is a focused choice for Linux users seeking straightforward text editing with configurable settings. Its dependency requirements and Linux-only support are worth checking before choosing it.
Who it suits
Mousepad suits Linux users who want to edit text files quickly without a development environment or extensive plugin collection. Its configurable editing settings may also suit users who want control over indentation, wrapping and keybindings.
Plans and prices
Mousepad
No price stated · simple text editor
Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesdocs.xfce.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- Mousepad settings can also be accessed with Dconf Editor, gsettings, or dconf.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- Required packages include GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Download
- The documentation links to the current release source archive and says older component versions are also available there.archive.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Editing settings
- The preferences dialog and Document menu include settings such as word wrap and automatic indentation.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesdocs.xfce.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes Mousepad as an editor for people who want to edit text files quickly, rather than use a development environment or extensive plugin collection.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Keybindings
- Mousepad generates a configurable keybindings file after first use; version 0.5.9 introduced a shortcuts editor that requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The page lists Mousepad 0.7.0, released on 2026-03-02.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Xfce describes itself as a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems, with separately packaged components.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Optional components
- Optional packages include gspell 1.6.0 or later and libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Printing
- Printing settings are stored separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Mousepad is a simple, fast editor for quickly editing text files, rather than a development environment.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The opened Mousepad documentation page does not state security or compliance claims.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project page links to instructions for reporting bugs and viewing currently open bugs.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linuxdocs.xfce.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Theming
- Since version 0.5.9, Mousepad provides a CSS style class named “mousepad” for theming.docs.xfce.org · read 8 Oct 2026
