GNU nano Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to GNU nano for Linux if you are looking for a replacement. The best Linux alternative is Sublime Text. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try VSCodium or Vim. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to GNU nano and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to GNU nano are Geany, gedit, Neovim and Kate.

GNU nano alternatives are mainly Text Editors but may also be Code Editors or IDEs. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of GNU nano.

GNU nano

275

Free • Open Source
Text Editor

GNU nano is a small and friendly text editor. Besides basic text editing, nano offers many extra features like an...

More about GNU nano

GNU nano alternatives page was last updated

Sublime Text
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
188 Sublime Text alternatives
Sublime Text is a sophisticated text editor for code, html and prose - any kind of text file. You'll love the slick user interface and extraordinary features.
- - Sublime Text is the most popular Mac & Linux alternative to GNU nano.
- - Sublime Text is the most popular commercial alternative to GNU nano.
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Sublime Text Features
1. LightweightSublime Text consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSublime Text can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Syntax HighlightingSublime Text supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. No TrackingSublime Text will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Dark ModeSublime Text supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. AutocompletionSublime Text can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
7. Distraction-freeSublime Text has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
8. PortableSublime Text can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Package Control
Clean design
Multiple Cursors
Text editing
Font Ligature Support
Simple text editor
Tabbed interface
Code review
High-dpi support
Opinions about Sublime Text as a Alternative to GNU nano
Some users think Sublime Text is a great GNU nano alternative, some don't.
VSCodium
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Code Editor
Text Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
182 VSCodium alternatives
This repository contains a build file to generate FLOSS release binaries of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code - Open Source ("Code - OSS") project, the open source core of the proprietary Visual Studio Code.
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VSCodium Features
1. No TrackingVSCodium will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedVSCodium is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVSCodium can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Works OfflineVSCodium can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. AutocompletionVSCodium can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in VSCodium without registration.
7. Syntax HighlightingVSCodium supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
8. LightweightVSCodium consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of VSCodium.
Prevent telemetry
Customizable
Git integration
MIT License
Minimap
Dark Mode
Clean design
Support for MarkDown
Code navigation
Git Support
Vim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Haiku
AmigaOS
OpenSolaris
MorphOS
194 Vim alternatives
Vim ("Vi IMproved") is an advanced text editor that allows syntax highlighting, word completion and has a huge amount of contributed content. It also has a GUI version called GVim.
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Vim Features
1. LightweightVim consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Syntax HighlightingVim supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Command line interfaceVim either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
5. Works OfflineVim can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Support for MarkDownVim supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. Batch EditingVim allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
8. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Vim without registration.
9. PortableVim can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Keyboard focused
Customizable
Hackable
Well documented
Configurable
Modal editor
Terminal-based
Built-in terminal emulation
Visual Mode
Native application
Comments about Vim as a Alternative to GNU nano
Most users think Vim is a great GNU nano alternative.
Guest
Even better editing/navigating experience, good memory footprint and minimal startup time.
Positive comment •
1
Geany
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Flathub
Flatpak
Snapcraft
138 Geany alternatives
Geany is a powerful, stable and lightweight programmer's text editor that provides tons of useful features without bogging down your workflow. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS is translated into over 40 languages, and has built-in support for more than 50 programming...
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Geany Features
1. LightweightGeany consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Geany.
3. Syntax HighlightingGeany supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGeany can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Support for LaTeXGeany supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Ad-freeGeany doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Distraction-freeGeany has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
8. AutocompletionGeany can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
9. Code FormattingGeany supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
Multiplatform
Minimalistic
Code navigation
Automatic Indentation
Shell integration
Debian package compatible
Shortcut keys
Customizable
Support for Large File
Batch Editing
Opinions about Geany as a Alternative to GNU nano
Most users think Geany is a great GNU nano alternative.
gedit
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Chrome OS
BSD
GNOME
OpenSolaris
175 gedit alternatives
Official text editor of the GNOME desktop environment. Has syntax highlighting and is suitable for programming, with support for several languages. It is extensible with plugins.
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gedit Features
1. Lightweightgedit consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Syntax Highlightinggedit supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Extensible by Plugins/Extensionsgedit can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedgedit is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Works Offlinegedit can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Spell Checkinggedit can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
7. Ad-freegedit doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Autocompletiongedit can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
Customizable
Support for Unicode
Opinions about gedit as a Alternative to GNU nano
Most users think gedit is a great GNU nano alternative.
Neovim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
86 Neovim alternatives
Neovim is Vim out of the box.
- - Neovim is the most popular Android alternative to GNU nano.
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Neovim Features
1. LightweightNeovim consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsNeovim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Syntax HighlightingNeovim supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. AutocompletionNeovim can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
Configurable
Lua scripting
Asynchronous
Terminal-based
Sane defaults
Vim
Kate
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
KDE
131 Kate alternatives
The Kate project develops two main products: KatePart, the advanced editor component which is used in numerous KDE applications requiring a text editing component, and Kate, a MDI text editor application.
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Kate Features
1. Syntax HighlightingKate supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsKate can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Git SupportKate supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. LightweightKate consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. Support for MarkDownKate supports MarkDown for document formatting.
6. Code FormattingKate supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
Native application
Themes
Editable text color schemes
Built-in terminal emulation
Tabbed interface
Built-in themes
Support for regular expressions
GNU Emacs
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
F-Droid
Haiku
Homebrew
162 GNU Emacs alternatives
GNU Emacs is an extensible, customizable text editor—and more. At its core is an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, a dialect of the Lisp programming language with extensions to support text editing. The features of GNU Emacs include:
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GNU Emacs Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsGNU Emacs can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Syntax HighlightingGNU Emacs supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Git SupportGNU Emacs supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. Dark ModeGNU Emacs supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Support for LaTeXGNU Emacs supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. PortableGNU Emacs can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
7. Code FormattingGNU Emacs supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
8. Support for scriptingGNU Emacs supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
9. No TrackingGNU Emacs will not track you or use your personal data.
Extensibility
Customizable
Org-mode
Self-documenting
Multi OS
IDE All Languages
Code Completion
Terminal-based
Editable text color schemes
Package Control
Micro
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
FreeBSD
OpenBSD
30 Micro alternatives
Micro is a terminal-based text editor that aims to be easy to use and intuitive, while also taking advantage of the full capabilities of modern terminals.
Suggest and vote on features
Micro Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsMicro can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. LightweightMicro consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Syntax HighlightingMicro supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Works OfflineMicro can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Micro without registration.
6. Distraction-freeMicro has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
7. Command line interfaceMicro either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
8. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Micro.
Intuitive
Terminal-based
User friendly
Zero configuration
Plugin system
Lua scripting
Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
Multiple Cursors
Customizable
Color Palette
Comments about Micro as a Alternative to GNU nano
Almost everyone thinks Micro is a great GNU nano alternative.
surehand53
beginner friendly

uses very sane keymap defaults (Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c, Ctrl-v)

short cut cheat sheet

excellent help build in

very capable text editor
Positive comment •
2
Lite XL
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
43 Lite XL alternatives
Lite XL is a lightweight text editor written mostly in Lua — it aims to provide something practical, pretty, small and fast, implemented as simply as possible; easy to modify and extend, or to use without doing either.
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Lite XL Features
1. LightweightLite XL consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsLite XL can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Lite XL.
4. Syntax HighlightingLite XL supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
5. Dark ModeLite XL supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. PortableLite XL can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
7. Works OfflineLite XL can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
8. AutocompletionLite XL can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
9. Support for scriptingLite XL supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
Customizable
Multiple Cursors
Hackable
Community-based
Code Completion
Full-Text Search
Support for MarkDown
CudaText
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
181 CudaText alternatives
CudaText is a cross-platform text editor, written in Lazarus / Free Pascal.
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CudaText Features
1. LightweightCudaText consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsCudaText can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of CudaText.
4. AutocompletionCudaText can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
5. Ad-freeCudaText doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in CudaText without registration.
7. Syntax HighlightingCudaText supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Native application
Customizable
Minimap
Command palette
Bluefish Editor
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
208 Bluefish Editor alternatives
Bluefish is a powerful editor targeted towards programmers and webdesigners, with many options to write websites, scripts and programming code. Bluefish supports many programming and markup languages, and it focuses on editing dynamic and interactive websites.
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Bluefish Editor Features
Arduino
PHP IDE
Support for SFTP