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Notepad++

notepad-plus-plus.org

Free plan Windows
Visit notepad-plus-plus.org
Spec score 8.3 #25 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement for programming and natural-language text. It is made for Windows and supports Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Editing features include multi-cursor work, column editing, macro recording, and handling large files. Plugins add extension support, and the built-in Plugins Admin can list, install, update, deactivate, and remove them. The project is governed by the GPL license, with a listed plan cost of free. The project says it has no plans to port the editor to other systems. Its FAQ suggests Windows API emulators such as Wine on Linux or similar options on macOS, while warning that performance or functionality may be affected. Plugins Admin can flag incompatible plugins, but compatible releases may not appear until added to its Plugin List. Plugin installation may need elevated Windows permissions if the program or Plugins directory is not writable.

Spec sheet

What it does
Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several programming and natural languages.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The project describes Notepad++ as a source code editor and Notepad replacement for people working with programming and natural-language text on Windows.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The project says its use is governed by the GPL license.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Founded
2003Read 28 Sep 2026 · notepad-plus-plus.org
Column editing
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Contributions
The project welcomes contributions and links to contribution rules for prospective contributors.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Extension support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Large-file handling
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Macro recording
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Multi-cursor editing
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Other operating systems
The FAQ suggests using a Windows API emulator such as Wine on Linux or a similar solution on macOS, and cautions that performance or functionality may be affected.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugin compatibility
The manual notes that Plugins Admin identifies plugins that are no longer compatible with Notepad++ and may not list compatible releases that have not yet been added to its Plugin List.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugin installation permissions
Installing plugins may require elevated Windows permissions when the user cannot write to the Notepad++ program or Plugins directory.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugin management
The built-in Plugins Admin lists available plugins and can install, update, deactivate, and remove them.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Primary platform
Notepad++ is made for the Microsoft Windows family; the project says there are no plans to port it to other systems.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Release signing
The repository says releases have been signed using GPG since version 7.6.5 and publishes the signer key fingerprint.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported platforms
WindowsRead 22 Sep 2026 · github.com
Windows support
The supported systems table lists Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 as supported; Windows 7 and Windows 8 can run the current version but are not listed as supported.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Notepad++ Free Free under the GPL license Windows text and source code editor · supports several programming and natural languages Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Notepad++ plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free under the GPL license
  • Supports multi-cursor and column editing
  • Includes macro recording and large-file handling
  • Built-in manager handles plugin installation and updates

Limits

  • Made for Windows, with no plans to port
  • Emulator use on other systems may affect functionality
  • Plugin installation may require elevated permissions

Who it suits

Notepad++ suits people editing programming or natural-language text on Windows who want plugin support and editing features such as macros and multi-cursor work. Users on other operating systems may need an emulator, with possible effects on performance or functionality.

Verdict

Notepad++ combines text and source editing with plugin management on supported Windows versions. Its Windows focus and plugin compatibility and permission caveats are worth weighing before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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