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Notepad++
Notepad++ · founded 2003
What it is
Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement for programming and natural-language text on Windows. It supports Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11, and includes multi-cursor editing, column editing, macro recording, and handling for large files. Plugin support extends its capabilities, while the built-in Plugins Admin can list, install, update, deactivate, and remove plugins. The project is governed by the GPL license and says there are no plans to port the editor to other operating systems. Its FAQ suggests Windows API emulators such as Wine on Linux or similar solutions on macOS, with a warning that performance or functionality may be affected. Plugins Admin can flag plugins that are no longer compatible, and compatible releases may be missing from its list until added. Installing plugins may require elevated Windows permissions if the user cannot write to the application or Plugins directory. The project welcomes contributions and links to rules for prospective contributors.
For and against
For
- Free under the GPL license.
- Supports Windows 8.1, 10, and 11.
- Includes multi-cursor, column, and macro editing.
- Plugins Admin manages plugin installation and updates.
- Handles large files.
Against
- Made for Windows; no port plans for other systems.
- Emulators on Linux or macOS may affect functionality.
- Plugin installation may need elevated Windows permissions.
- Some compatible plugins may not appear in its list.
The verdict
Notepad++ offers a free Windows-focused editor with several editing tools and a built-in plugin manager. Users on other operating systems should account for the stated emulator caveat.
Who it suits
Notepad++ suits Windows users working with programming or natural-language text who want a free editor with plugin support. It may also suit contributors interested in working on the project.
Plans and prices
Notepad++
Windows text and source code editor · supports several programming and natural languages
Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Contributions
- The project welcomes contributions and links to contribution rules for prospective contributors.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes Notepad++ as a source code editor and Notepad replacement for people working with programming and natural-language text on Windows.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Large-file handling
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- License
- The project says its use is governed by the GPL license.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Other operating systems
- The FAQ suggests using a Windows API emulator such as Wine on Linux or a similar solution on macOS, and cautions that performance or functionality may be affected.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Plugin compatibility
- The manual notes that Plugins Admin identifies plugins that are no longer compatible with Notepad++ and may not list compatible releases that have not yet been added to its Plugin List.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Plugin installation permissions
- Installing plugins may require elevated Windows permissions when the user cannot write to the Notepad++ program or Plugins directory.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Plugin management
- The built-in Plugins Admin lists available plugins and can install, update, deactivate, and remove them.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Primary platform
- Notepad++ is made for the Microsoft Windows family; the project says there are no plans to port it to other systems.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Release signing
- The repository says releases have been signed using GPG since version 7.6.5 and publishes the signer key fingerprint.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windowsgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- What it does
- Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several programming and natural languages.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The supported systems table lists Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 as supported; Windows 7 and Windows 8 can run the current version but are not listed as supported.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
