Notepad Next
Cross-platform, open-source reimplementation of Notepad++ for Windows, macOS and Linux.
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About Notepad Next
Notepad Next rebuilds the look and behaviour of Notepad++ with the Qt toolkit so it runs natively on Windows, macOS and Linux, not just Windows. People who are used to Notepad++'s tabs, syntax highlighting, macros, search and replace and Scintilla editing component get a familiar editor on any desktop, without running Wine. It installs through Winget, an installer or zip on Windows, Flathub or an AppImage on Linux, and a disk image or Homebrew tap on macOS. The developer is upfront that it's still incomplete: some features are half-implemented and it isn't recommended for critical work. Notepad++ plugins aren't supported, which is a real gap for heavy users. It is free under the GPL-3.0 and translated by the community through Crowdin. It suits people who want a light, Notepad++-style editor on a Mac or Linux machine rather than a full IDE.
Best for: Notepad++ fans who moved to macOS or Linux and want the same lightweight editor.
Pros and cons
What works
- Familiar Notepad++ layout on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Native Qt app, no Wine needed
- Easy installs via Winget, Flathub and Homebrew
Why people leave
- The developer warns it has bugs and unfinished features
- Doesn't run Notepad++ plugins
- macOS builds aren't notarised, so Gatekeeper warnings need a workaround
Top Notepad Next alternatives
See all 5- 1
Sublime Text69.4Fast, mature cross-platform editor with multiple cursors and a large package ecosystem.
- 2
Visual Studio Code65.0Free, heavily extensible editor if you're ready to move up to a full coding setup.
- 3
Notepad++56.8The original, more complete and with a big plugin library, if you're on Windows.
- 4
Kate52.6Free KDE editor for Linux, Windows and macOS with more features and steadier releases.
- 5
Geany51.2Lightweight open-source editor with IDE touches, stable on Linux, Windows and macOS.
Why people left Notepad Next
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Notepad Next: common questions
Is Notepad Next free?
Yes. Notepad Next is free, open-source software.
Is Notepad Next open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at dail8859/NotepadNext.
What platforms does Notepad Next run on?
Notepad Next is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Notepad Next?
The highest-ranked Notepad Next alternatives right now are Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code and Notepad++. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.