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Textadept
Textadept · founded 2007
What it is
Textadept is a free, open-source text editor for programmers, with both graphical and terminal interfaces. It supports more than 100 programming languages and includes multiple carets and selections, unlimited split views, configurable key bindings and nested snippets. Editing tools also include column editing, macro recording and large-file handling. Lua scripting can be used to customize and extend nearly every aspect of the editor. Users can invoke shell commands to run code, build projects and execute tests. Optional modules add language debuggers, file comparison, source formatting, an LSP client, scratch buffers and spell checking. The project states that Textadept does not connect to the internet. Pre-built binaries are self-contained and require no installation, and source code is available under the MIT License. Requirements vary by platform: pre-built binaries require Windows 10 or later, macOS 13 or later, or Linux with Qt 5 or GTK 3 for the GUI and ncurses for the terminal interface. Pre-built macOS binaries are for Apple Silicon only. The project provides a manual, Lua API documentation, issue tracker, discussions, wiki and FAQ.
For and against
For
- Supports more than 100 programming languages.
- Offers graphical and terminal interfaces.
- Lua can customize nearly every aspect.
- Pre-built binaries require no installation.
- Open-source under the MIT License.
Against
- Pre-built macOS binaries support Apple Silicon only.
- Linux binaries may not run correctly on every system.
- Pre-built binaries require Windows 10 or later or macOS 13 or later.
The verdict
Textadept combines a broad set of editing tools with Lua customization and optional programming modules. Check the platform requirements first, particularly the Apple Silicon restriction for pre-built macOS binaries.
Who it suits
Textadept suits programmers who want a scriptable editor with graphical or terminal access. It is also relevant to users seeking an open-source editor for Windows, macOS, Linux or BSD.
Plans and prices
Textadept
Open-source text editor · MIT License
Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesorbitalquark.github.io · read 24 Sep 2026
- Command line tools
- Users can invoke shell commands to run code, build projects, and execute tests.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Almost every aspect of the editor can be scripted, extended, and customized with Lua.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- Pre-built binaries are self-contained and require no installation; source code is also available.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- Features include multiple carets and selections, unlimited split views, configurable key bindings, and nested snippets.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesorbitalquark.github.io · read 24 Sep 2026
- Interfaces
- It provides graphical and terminal interfaces with sensible defaults.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Language support
- It supports over 100 programming languages.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Large-file handling
- Yesorbitalquark.github.io · read 24 Sep 2026
- License
- Textadept is an open-source project released under the MIT License.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Linux limitation
- The FAQ says a single binary cannot run correctly on all Linux systems and advises compiling Textadept manually when it fails to run.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- macOS limitation
- All pre-built macOS binaries are for Apple Silicon only.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yesorbitalquark.github.io · read 24 Sep 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yesorbitalquark.github.io · read 24 Sep 2026
- Network and privacy
- The project states that Textadept does not connect to the internet.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Optional modules
- Optional modules add language debuggers, file comparison, source code formatting, an LSP client, scratch buffers, and spell checking.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Textadept is a fast, minimalist, extensible cross-platform text editor for programmers.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Pre-built binaries require Windows 10 or later, macOS 13 or later, or Linux with Qt 5 or GTK 3 for the GUI and ncurses for the terminal version.orbitalquark.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
