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SciTE

scintilla.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.5 #16 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

SciTE is a free Scintilla-based text editor for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with tools for building and running programs. It provides automatic syntax styling and can keep multiple files in memory while displaying one file at a time. The documentation lists styling for C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, YAML, and other languages. SciTE can compile or run source files and place command output in its output pane. Editing includes multi-cursor, column editing, macro recording, and large-file handling, with extension support. Properties files control much of its behavior and can add external applications to the Tools menu. Windows downloads support Windows 7 and later in 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM versions. The Linux binary is for 64-bit Intel-compatible processors and requires GTK 2.24 or later. A commercial macOS version is available through the Mac App Store. The listed SciTE plan is free.

Spec sheet

What it does
SciTE is a Scintilla based text editor with facilities for building and running programs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Free plan
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Security
The release notes say version 5.6.4 mitigates problems running untrusted code.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Privacy
The scintilla.org privacy policy says the site collects logs and that its advertisements collect viewing information through Google Analytics; it says the site collects no personally identifiable information.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Support
Questions and comments about SciTE are directed to the scite-interest mailing list, which averages fewer than five messages per week.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
License
The download page says the license for using Scintilla or SciTE is similar to Python’s and contains very few restrictions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Best suited for
The maker says SciTE is best used for jobs with simple configurations.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Build and run
SciTE can compile or run source files and direct command output to its output pane.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Column editing
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Customization
Much of SciTE’s behavior can be changed by editing properties files.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Editing
SciTE provides automatic syntax styling and can hold multiple files in memory, with one file visible at a time.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Extension support
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
External tools
Users can add external applications to SciTE’s Tools menu through properties-file commands.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Language support
The documentation lists syntax styling for languages including C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, and YAML.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Large-file handling
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Linux support
The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel compatible processors, requires GTK 2.24 or later, and was tested on Ubuntu 22.04.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
macOS availability
A commercial version of SciTE is available from the Mac App Store.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org
Macro recording
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Multi-cursor editing
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,LinuxRead 23 Sep 2026 · scintilla.org
Windows support
The downloadable Windows executables support Windows 7 and later, with 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM downloads listed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org

Plans and prices

SciTE Free Simple configurations · Windows and Linux downloads Read 7 Oct 2026 · scintilla.org

Every SciTE plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan with free pricing
  • Builds or runs source files with output pane
  • Supports multi-cursor, column editing, and macros
  • Handles large files and multiple files in memory
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux availability

Limits

  • Maker says it is best for simple configurations
  • Linux binary requires GTK 2.24 or later
  • Commercial version listed for macOS
  • One file is visible at a time

Who it suits

SciTE suits people who want a free editor for programming tasks with simple configurations. It fits users needing Windows, Linux, or macOS access and properties-file customization.

Verdict

SciTE combines programming-oriented editing with source build and run commands in a free package. Its simple-configuration focus and platform-specific download details should guide the choice.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to SciTEAll alternatives →

Zed From $10/mo · Free plan 9.1 Visit