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Notepad++

Free source code editor for Windows, built on Scintilla, that can replace Windows Notepad.

Try Notepad++ (opens the Notepad++ website in a new tab)

Our verdict

Notepad++ is for Windows users who want a free, lightweight editor to replace Notepad for code and plain text. Skip it if you work on macOS or Linux, or want a cross-platform editor.

What it does well

  • Free to use and open source under the GPL
  • Written in C++ with the Win32 API, which the site says keeps it small and fast
  • Supports many programming and human languages

Where it falls short

  • Windows only; no macOS or Linux version from the project
  • Describes itself as a source code editor, not an IDE
  • Site lists no paid support option
The Notepad++ website
The official Notepad++ website, 17 October 2026.

Notepad++ describes itself as a free source code editor and a replacement for Windows Notepad. It supports several programming languages and is built on the Scintilla editing component. The site says it is written in C++ using the pure Win32 API and STL for higher execution speed and smaller program size. The current version on the site is 8.9.8.1.

It is free with no paid plan. The website has a Donate link, but donations are optional. The GitHub README says all the Windows systems still supported by Microsoft are supported.

The repository's LICENSE file says Notepad++ is distributed under GPL version 3 with clarifications and exceptions.

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Last updated 17 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money