One of the best third-party text editors has come to macOS at last. Notepad++ is now available as a free Mac app, 23 years after its first Windows release.
The interface is virtually the same, including support for macros, plugins, syntax highlighting, and simple-yet-practical features like split view editing and tabs. However, it now uses macOS interface elements and runs natively on both Apple Silicon- and Intel-based Macs. You previously needed to use compatibility tools like CrossOver, Porting Kit, and Wine.
6 Notepad++ features you should be using
Notepad++ is a lot more useful than it seems at first glance, as long as you’re using the right features.
Notepad++ for Mac remains an open-source project released under a GNU license, with no ads or data collection. However, it’s an independent community port managed by developer Andrey Letov rather than an official release from original developer Don Ho. Feature additions and bug fixes won’t necessarily come in lockstep with the Windows version.
You might need to be patient if you’re coming from Windows, as plugins have to be converted to Mac-friendly versions. A plugins page lists compatibility. Letov and team are touting “daily” releases, but you’ll want to check that the exact add-on you need is available. ComparePlus is available for side-by-side file comparisons, for example, but Compare isn’t as of this writing.
Why is Notepad++ for Mac such a big deal?
It’s the go-to alternative to Notepad, and now TextEdit
Notepad++ was created in 2003 to expand on the feature set of Windows’ built-in Notepad app while staying true to the core mission of a text editor: a quick, focused tool for writing and editing. Microsoft Notepad has bloated over the years with questionable additions like Copilot AI, and few ways to customize the functionality. If you think Windows’ default editor is too limited or overburdened, you’re stuck.
The release of Notepad++ for Mac brings that experience to a new audience that might have a similar need. MacOS’ included editor, TextEdit, is fast and clean but has few features. There are strong alternatives, but they tend to have catches. Bare Bones Software’s BBEdit has been a favorite but requires a subscription to unlock all the features, such as HTML tools and code completion. Sublime Text is mainly built for programmers, and you’ll need to pay $99 every three years to avoid constant license sales pitches.
This launch also helps if you’re switching to a Mac and want familiar third-party software. If you’ve used Notepad++ on Windows for years, you won’t have to give it up or find a rough equivalent unless a must-have plugin simply isn’t available.
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