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SPECIFICTION
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KWrite

apps.kde.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.4 #20 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

KWrite is a free text editor from KDE, built on Kate’s editor component. It runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS. The editor highlights syntax according to file type and includes word completion, automatic indentation, plugin support, and Vi input mode. Multi-cursor editing, column editing, and extension support are listed. Linux users can install it through Discover or another AppStream store, a distribution package manager, or Flathub. Nightly installers include a Linux AppImage and Windows and macOS builds for ARM and Intel. The project lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license. The latest listed release is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08. Nightly builds come from the latest development branch and are intended for testing. KDE provides a handbook, forum, and #kate channel on Libera.Chat, plus bug-reporting and source links. Its privacy policy generally limits transfers from end-user devices to explicit user actions, though distributors may modify the software.

Spec sheet

Product
KWrite is a text editor by KDE based on Kate’s editor component.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Privacy
KDE’s software privacy policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices except after an explicit user action.Read 9 Oct 2026 · kde.org
License
The page lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Founded
1996Read 28 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Maker
KDE e.V. is a registered nonprofit in Germany representing the KDE Community in legal and financial matters.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ev.kde.org
Column editing
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Development
The KWrite page provides links to report bugs and browse the source code.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Editing features
Listed features include word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and Vi input mode.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Extension support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Help and support
KWrite links to its handbook, a forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Linux installation
The site points Linux users to Discover or other AppStream stores, their distribution’s package manager, and Flathub.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Multi-cursor editing
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Other platforms
The KWrite page lists Windows and macOS as other platforms, and nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS ARM and Intel builds.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Privacy caveat
KDE says third-party distributors may modify its software in ways that no longer follow its software privacy policy.Read 9 Oct 2026 · kde.org
Release
The latest release listed on the page is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Supported platforms
Linux,Windows,macOSRead 22 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Syntax highlighting
KWrite supports syntax highlighting according to file type.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Testing builds
KWrite nightly installers are described as intended for testing and generated from the latest development branch.Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Plans and prices

Free Free Syntax highlighting · word completion · auto-indentation · plugin support · Vi input mode Read 9 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Every KWrite plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan costs nothing
  • Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
  • Syntax highlighting follows file type
  • Supports multi-cursor and column editing
  • Includes plugins, extensions, and Vi input

Limits

  • Nightly builds are intended for testing
  • Third-party distributors may alter privacy behavior
  • Free trial is not offered

Who it suits

KWrite suits people seeking a free editor for Linux, Windows, or macOS, including users who want syntax highlighting, multi-cursor or column editing, and Vi input mode.

Verdict

KWrite provides a broad set of editing features across three desktop platforms at no listed cost. Its nightly builds and distributor privacy caveat are relevant when choosing installation sources.

Where Specifiction places it

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Zed From $10/mo · Free plan 9.1 Visit