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Micro

micro-editor.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit micro-editor.github.io
Spec score 8.5 #18 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

Micro is a free terminal-based text editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, intended for people who prefer terminal work or regularly edit files over SSH. It is distributed as a single static binary without dependencies. The editor provides syntax highlighting for over 130 languages and includes splits, tabs, a diff gutter, simple autocompletion, persistent undo, linting notifications, macros, soft wrapping, line numbers and Unicode support. It also offers multiple cursors, mouse selection and an interactive shell inside the editor. Options and keybindings can be changed with JSON, with further configuration through Lua. Its Lua plugin system includes a manager for installing, removing and updating plugins. Micro supports language servers and remote development, and themes can use 16, 256 or truecolor; seven colorschemes are included by default. On Linux desktops, external clipboard access requires xclip or xsel for X11, or wl-clipboard for Wayland. Vim emulation and Vi keybindings are not provided.

Spec sheet

What it does
Micro is a modern, intuitive terminal-based text editor.Read 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Intended users
Micro is intended for people who prefer working in a terminal or regularly edit files over SSH.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,LinuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
License
The Micro repository is MIT licensed.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Binary format
Micro is distributed as a single, batteries-included static binary with no dependencies.Read 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Bug Reporting
Bugs can be reported through the GitHub issue trackerRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Community Chat
Offers Gitter for informal discussionRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Configuration Format
Uses simple JSON configurationRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Customization
Users can configure options and rebind keys with JSON, and extend configuration with Lua.Read 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Default Colorschemes
Includes 7 default colorschemesRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Editor capabilities
Micro includes splits, tabs, a diff gutter, simple autocompletion, persistent undo, linting notifications, macros, soft wrapping, line numbers, and Unicode support.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Editor type
terminalRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Extension support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Installation
Distributed as a static binary with no dependenciesRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Keybindings
Keybindings can be rebound in bindings.jsonRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Language server support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Language Support
Supports over 75 languagesRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Linux clipboard requirement
On Linux desktop environments, external clipboard access requires xclip or xsel for X11, or wl-clipboard for Wayland.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Lua Configuration
Lua can configure the editor furtherRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Mouse Support
Supports click-drag selection and double- or triple-click selectionRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Multiple cursors
Micro supports multiple cursors.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Platform support
Micro is cross-platform and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Illumos, and other systems where Go and its terminal library run.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Plugin System
Provides a Lua plugin system with automatic plugin installationRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Plugins
Micro has a Lua plugin system and a built-in manager that installs, removes, and updates plugins.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Remote development
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Source Availability
The source code for the website is available on GitHubRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Support channels
Users can report issues and ask questions through GitHub, Gitter, Discord, or GitHub Discussions.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Syntax highlighting
Micro provides syntax highlighting for over 130 languages.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Terminal Emulator
Runs a real interactive shell inside the editorRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Terminal integration
Micro can run a real interactive shell inside the editor.Read 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Theme Color Support
Supports 16, 256, and truecolor themesRead 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Vim compatibility
Micro currently does not provide Vim emulation or Vi keybindings.Read 28 Sep 2026 · micro-editor.github.io
Windows limitation
Windows is supported, but Mingw and Cygwin are not officially supported.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Open-source Micro editor Free single static binary · no dependencies Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every Micro plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Single static binary has no dependencies
  • Syntax highlighting for over 130 languages
  • Lua plugin manager installs, removes and updates plugins
  • Includes multiple cursors and an interactive shell

Limits

  • No Vim emulation or Vi keybindings
  • Linux clipboard access requires an external utility

Who it suits

Micro suits people who want a terminal editor, including those who edit files over SSH. Its multiple cursors, Lua plugins and language-server support may appeal to users seeking configurable editor features.

Verdict

Micro offers a broad set of editing and configuration features in a free terminal editor. Note the lack of Vim or Vi keybindings and the extra clipboard requirement on Linux desktops.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to MicroAll alternatives →

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