Who is it for?
- Useful for people who want a lighter, stronger, free editor than Notepad on Windows.
- Useful for people who want to open and edit source code files in several programming languages quickly.
Notepad++ — Code Editors
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement for Windows; it is built on the Scintilla component and licensed under the GPL.
Why it fits
| Good to know | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Free output | Yes |
| No account needed | — |
| No watermark | — |
| Works offline | — |
| Batch processing | — |
| Content language | — |
— Unverified conditions. Official documentation reviewed. The app itself has not been hands-on tested. Matches only documented content-language support, not interface language.
Sources and review date2
Founder feedback and correction
Editorial selection guide
Last checked:
Getting started
- Download the current version from the official download page and install it on Windows.
- Open the file you want to edit; check that syntax highlighting for the file's language is selected.
- Review the dark theme and other settings; back up an important file before changing it.
Decision points
- The official site names only the Windows environment; if you want an editor for macOS or Linux, compare Visual Studio Code, Zed or Sublime Text.
- The official site presents Notepad++ as a source code editor; features such as integrated Git, a terminal or debugging were not verified in this entry, so compare a more complete editor if you need them.
Limits
- Windows only: the page says it runs in the Windows environment and does not list a macOS or Linux version.
- This entry reviews official pages; the application was not run. Download only from the official domain and compare the version number with the current version shown on the page.
Frequently asked questions
Does Notepad++ run on a Mac?
The official site names the Windows environment and shows no macOS or Linux version. That is why this entry describes only the Windows variant.
Is Notepad++ free?
The official home page describes it as a free source code editor and says it is offered under the GNU GPL 2.0 license. Terms can change, so check before you download.