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SPECIFICTION
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Mousepad

docs.xfce.org

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 7.9 #45 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

Mousepad is a free Linux editor for quickly changing text files, rather than a development environment. It supports column editing, extensions, and content search. Editing options such as word wrap and automatic indentation are available in the preferences dialog and Document menu. Settings can also be accessed through Dconf Editor, gsettings, or dconf. Printing settings are kept separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc. After first use, Mousepad generates a configurable keybindings file. Version 0.5.9 added a shortcuts editor, which requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5, and a CSS style class named “mousepad” for theming. Required packages are GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later. Optional components include gspell 1.6.0 or later and libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later. The documentation lists version 0.7.0, released on 2026-03-02, and links to the current source archive and bug-reporting information.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Mousepad is a simple, fast editor for quickly editing text files, rather than a development environment.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Intended users
The project describes Mousepad as an editor for people who want to edit text files quickly, rather than use a development environment or extensive plugin collection.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Security
The opened Mousepad documentation page does not state security or compliance claims.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Support
The project page links to instructions for reporting bugs and viewing currently open bugs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Maker
Xfce describes itself as a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems, with separately packaged components.Read 8 Oct 2026 · xfce.org
Column editing
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Configuration
Mousepad settings can also be accessed with Dconf Editor, gsettings, or dconf.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Dependencies
Required packages include GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Download
The documentation links to the current release source archive and says older component versions are also available there.Read 8 Oct 2026 · archive.xfce.org
Editing settings
The preferences dialog and Document menu include settings such as word wrap and automatic indentation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Extension support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Keybindings
Mousepad generates a configurable keybindings file after first use; version 0.5.9 introduced a shortcuts editor that requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Latest release
The page lists Mousepad 0.7.0, released on 2026-03-02.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Optional components
Optional packages include gspell 1.6.0 or later and libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Printing
Printing settings are stored separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Supported platforms
LinuxRead 22 Sep 2026 · docs.xfce.org
Theming
Since version 0.5.9, Mousepad provides a CSS style class named “mousepad” for theming.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org

Plans and prices

Mousepad Free No price stated · simple text editor Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.xfce.org

Every Mousepad plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports column editing and extensions
  • Includes content search
  • Word wrap and automatic indentation are configurable
  • Settings can be managed through Dconf tools

Limits

  • Linux is the only listed platform
  • Shortcuts editor requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5
  • Requires GTK and GtkSourceView packages

Who it suits

Mousepad suits Linux users who want a straightforward editor for text files instead of a development environment or extensive plugin collection. Its configurable editing options may fit users who want to adjust common text-editing behavior.

Verdict

Mousepad focuses on quick text editing, with search, extensions, and configurable settings. Its scope is narrower than a development environment, and it is listed for Linux.

Where Specifiction places it

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