Notepad++ Alternatives for Mac

Notepad++ is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac alternative is Sublime Text. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Visual Studio Code or Vim. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Notepad++ and loads of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Notepad++ are Geany, gedit, Kate and VSCodium.

Notepad++ 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 Notepad++.

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Notepad++

4739

Free • Open Source
Text Editor

Windows
PortableApps.com

Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages.

Learn more about Notepad++

Sublime Text
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
189 alternatives to Sublime Text
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.
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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. Dark ModeSublime Text supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Distraction-freeSublime Text has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
6. PortableSublime Text can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
7. AutocompletionSublime Text can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
Customizable
Package Control
Multiple Cursors
Clean design
Text editing
Font Ligature Support
Simple text editor
Code review
High-dpi support
Git integration
Sublime Text vs Notepad++ opinions
Almost everyone thinks Sublime Text is a great alternative to Notepad++.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Akoot
Better looking UI and it's available across all platforms. Also, Package Control is amazing
Top positive comment•
12

Guest
It's fast and has powerful editor features. Usability and UX of Sublime Text are just outstanding.
Top positive comment•
7

NuncioBitis
Sublime Text is too slow, big, and heavy, and a memory hog.
Top negative comment•
-1

Hexaae
Crazy pricing. June 2022: 99$/3yrs
Positive comment•
0

smsppakistan
I haven't used Sublime Text but I've use Notepad++ and found it to be really useful! Will definitely try Sublime Text now that I know it is an alternative.
Positive comment•
0

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5 of 19 comments
Visual Studio Code
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Chrome OS
184 alternatives to Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a free and extensible code editor for building web, desktop, and mobile applications, using any programming language and framework.
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Visual Studio Code Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVisual Studio Code can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. AutocompletionVisual Studio Code can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
3. Syntax HighlightingVisual Studio Code supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
4. Git SupportVisual Studio Code supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
5. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Visual Studio Code.
6. Dark ModeVisual Studio Code supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Support for MarkDownVisual Studio Code supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
9. WYSIWYG HTML EditorVisual Studio Code allows you to make and preview changes to an application or website in real time, without needing to know code.
Customizable
Built-in terminal emulation
Code Completion
Multiple languages
GitHub integration
Supports Python
C++
Source code debugging
Graphical User Interface
Multiple Cursors
Visual Studio Code vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think Visual Studio Code is a great alternative to Notepad++.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
swood544
Very nice and fresh software for source code editing with a lot of features
Top positive comment•
16

avitalbennatan
Incredibly performant and versatile editor. With the feeling of an editor and the power of an IDE
Top positive comment•
7

Guest
Yet another simple tool reimplemented in the extremely bloated Electron framework. No thanks.
Top negative comment•
39

aaronfranke
Visual Studio Code can do everything Notepad++ does but better. It has more features, is very extensible and customizable, has a great dark default theme, is cross-platform, and is fairly lightweight.
Positive comment•
0

RedTrillix
Its quite a big application, and if you wanna just edit a config file or text document, you dont want a big, slower application running.

Its a good coding app for projects and stuff, but not if you want to make a simple edit.
Negative comment•
4

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5 of 18 comments
Vim
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Haiku
AmigaOS
OpenSolaris
MorphOS
193 alternatives to Vim
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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
Code Syntax Highlighting
Configurable
Modal editor
Terminal-based
Built-in terminal emulation
Visual Mode
Vim vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think Vim is a great alternative to Notepad++.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
marcinkowalski
Serves same purpose, similar features, different approach, multiplatform, ubiquitous.
Top positive comment•
6

Guest
Fastest in use. You can improve your productivity and performance when writing.
Top positive comment•
1

Guest
Vim is a console app and require to know its commands to use it, while Notepad++ is UI driven, anyone can use it.
Top negative comment•
27

Xandros
Notepad++ is a gui application, while vim is strictly for terminals.
Negative comment•
0

RemovedUser
Although it runs as a GUI, you still need to know the vi commands. Unless you don't mind using the menu bar to do everything.
Negative comment•
-1

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5 of 9 comments
Geany
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
135 alternatives to Geany
Geany is a small and lightweight Integrated Development Environment. It was developed to provide a small and fast IDE, which has only a few dependencies from other packages. Another goal was to be as independent as possible from a special Desktop Environment like KDE or GNOME -...
Suggest and vote on features
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. Ad-freeGeany doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Distraction-freeGeany has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
6. Spell CheckingGeany can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
7. PortableGeany can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Multiplatform
Minimalistic
Code navigation
Shell integration
Automatic Indentation
Debian package compatible
Shortcut keys
Support for Large File
Built-in terminal emulation
Customizable
Geany vs Notepad++ opinions
Almost everyone thinks Geany is a great alternative to Notepad++.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Resdek
Free, lightweight, multi platform, open source, customizable. What more do you want?
Top positive comment•
11

jovin
Simple, lightweight. But there're syntax highlighting and code completion.
Top positive comment•
10

logixoul
Breaks some of my basic workflows. E.g. can't drop files onto the Geany window (to open them), can't use F3 for "find next"... OTOH the UI is nice and sleek.
Top negative comment•
0

AntumDeluge
So far Geany is the best cross-platform alternative to Notepad++ I have tried. Its UI isn't hard to figure out & has a similar feel.
Positive comment•
0

projjal
It's lightweight, fast and more customizable than Notepad++, and have basic IDE-like features, which are useful for programmer-users.
Positive comment•
0

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5 of 12 comments
gedit
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Chrome OS
BSD
GNOME
OpenSolaris
170 alternatives to gedit
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. Ad-freegedit doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Autocompletiongedit can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
8. Spell Checkinggedit can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Customizable
Support for Unicode
gedit vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think gedit is a great alternative to Notepad++.
Guest
Gedit can't fold code, can't make ident lines, and the ident is strange!
Negative comment•
10

Guest
Some essential plugins missing especially around code formatting tools
Negative comment•
3

rmpbklyn
no sorting and don't reconize regular expression when 'replace' or search
Negative comment•
5
Kate
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
KDE
128 alternatives to Kate
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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
Kate vs Notepad++ opinions
Almost everyone thinks Kate is a great alternative to Notepad++.
ricjac
Great syntax highlighting, and good plugin support. Fast and easy to use.
Positive comment•
8

Guest
lightweight, code syntax highlighting, regex find and replace
Positive comment•
1

Ugotsta
Kate is also open-source like Notepad++ and likewise runs at the speed of a native app. Features align pretty nicely between the two, but Kate runs natively on all desktops, not just Windows. Same workflow on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Positive comment•
2
VSCodium
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Code Editor
IDE
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
Code - OSS (vscode)
178 alternatives to VSCodium
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. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in VSCodium without registration.
6. AutocompletionVSCodium can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
7. LightweightVSCodium consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of VSCodium.
9. Support for MarkDownVSCodium supports MarkDown for document formatting.
Prevent telemetry
Customizable
Git integration
Minimap
MIT License
Clean design
Syntax Highlighting
Dark Mode
C++
Support for Javascript
VSCodium vs Notepad++ opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
aaronfranke
VS Codium does everything Notepad++ can do but better. It has more features, is more extensible/customizable, is fairly lightweight, and is cross-platform.
Positive comment•
1

Guest
The power of Visual Studio without all the tracking of Microsoft in a simple and intuitive layout
Positive comment•
1
GNU Emacs
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Haiku
Homebrew
Android
F-Droid
159 alternatives to GNU Emacs
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:
Suggest and vote on features
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. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of GNU Emacs.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in GNU Emacs without registration.
5. No Coding RequiredGNU Emacs can be used without an coding or programming skills.
6. Dark ModeGNU Emacs supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Privacy focusedGNU Emacs is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
8. LightweightGNU Emacs consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Support for scriptingGNU Emacs supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
Extensibility
Customizable
Org-mode
Self-documenting
Editable text color schemes
Multi OS
IDE All Languages
Code Completion
Terminal-based
No Tracking
GNU Emacs vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think GNU Emacs is a great alternative to Notepad++.
Guest
Emacs is a security hazard and its usage implies a certain political opinion.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Emacs is the be-all-end-all text editor. It takes a while to learn, but its code and text editing commands are extremely powerful. There's also a package manager for things like auto completion, automatic running, and more language support.
Positive comment•
3

Guest
I don't want a fake psychologist nor to play tetris, I really just want a powerful IDE.
Negative comment•
1
Neovim
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Code Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
83 alternatives to Neovim
Neovim is Vim out of the box.
Suggest and vote on features
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.
Configurable
Terminal-based
Asynchronous
Lua scripting
Sane defaults
Vim
Neovim vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think Neovim is a great alternative to Notepad++.
GNU nano
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Haiku
132 alternatives to GNU nano
GNU nano is a small and friendly text editor. Besides basic text editing, nano offers many extra features like an interactive search and replace, go to line and column number, auto-indentation, feature toggles, internationalization support, and filename tab completion.
Suggest and vote on features
GNU nano Features
1. Command line interfaceGNU nano either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Terminal-based
Search and Replace
Automatic Indentation
GNU nano vs Notepad++ opinions
Most users think GNU nano is a great alternative to Notepad++.
johnhk
It one of the better TerminalBased (CLI) editors. I from a WindowsOS enviroment, so I differentiate between CLI and GUI editors. But as a cli-text-editor its very windows-user-friendly.
Positive comment•
0