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Notepad++ for Windows

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 8.6.4
  • 4.3

    (6402)
  • Security Status

Cathy Buggs
Cathy BuggsUpdated 16 days ago

Free open-source text & code editor

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source code editor. Written in the C++ programming language, Notepad++ prides itself in paring down unnecessary features and streamlining processes to create a light and efficient text notepad program. In practical terms, this means high speed and an accessible, user-friendly interface.

Notepad++ has been around for nearly two decades and shows no sign of losing popularity. Notepad proves you don't need to invest in expensive software to code from the comfort of your own home. Try it for yourself and you'll understand why Notepad has endured for so long.

The classic standard for virtual notepads

Whether you're a serious coder or you're just looking for a sleek, lightweight text editor, Notepad++ fits the bill. Notepad++ has been around for a long while, has built up a community of devoted fans, and has been downloaded by millions of users. Being an open-source program, anyone with coding skills is free to access the code and tweak it to customize and make their own improvements to the program.

It also means that a host of informational resources and tools are easily available on the web. Though newer code editors like Sublime are growing in popularity, Notepad++ remains a solid choice whether you're new to coding or an old veteran.

How can I download Notepad++?

The base version of Notepad++ can be downloaded for free by clicking on the Free Download button at Softonic.com. Notepad++ is only available for Windows, so users on other platforms will have to look elsewhere for coding tools. After your download, an install wizard will guide you through a few easy steps to finish your installation and get you coding in no time.

How do I use Notepad++?

If you're using Notepad++ as a plain text editor, using the program is as simple as opening it and starting to type. Notepad++ includes a ton of default features that will make the writing and editing process much easier. This includes an autosave feature, line bookmarks, and the option to create a tabbed document interface.

These tools are particularly useful if you're editing your existing text, as they make marking and finding areas of your document a breeze. While certainly not a replacement for a more feature-heavy word processor, Notepad boasts major utility for writing for such a simple program.

Though it's an excellent text editor on its own, coding is where Notepad++ really shines. Notepad has a built-in ability to read and understand a whole host of code languages like C++, STL, Python, and many more.

You can also use Notepad++ to convert files written in one coding language to another. Simply transfer the code from one file into Notepad, and you'll easily be able to rewrite the code into a new language of your choice using Notepad's intuitive conversion features. Notepad allows for code folding, syntax highlighting, and autocompletion in some cases.

You can use navigation features like split-screen and synchronized scrolling to move through your code with ease. You can then search your code, make edits on the fly, and do it all in a sleek, lightweight interface. It also boasts far more command features than other competitors such as Textpad.

Notepad++ also supports plugins and other add-ons, many created by users that take advantage of the program's open-source code. Notepad, in particular, makes it extremely easy to add plugins. In fact, new versions of Notepad have incorporated various plugins, and 10 user-created plugins are now included in the program by default.

Almost 150 more are available for download so you can tweak your experience as you see fit. Though newer coding programs like Sublime are garnering attention, it's this level of adaptability that has kept Notepad relevant among its competitors.

Using Notepad isn't just a good choice for coding, it's also a good choice for the planet. Notepad has long emphasized its commitment to a greener environment. By streamlining their interface, using Notepad puts less strain on your CPU compared to other programs. Less strain on your CPU means you consume less power, which means a greener environment and lower energy costs.

Is Notepad++ safe?

Notepad++ has been around for many years and has built a sterling reputation as one of the most trusted programs on the web. As such, it's one of the safest free programs that you can download. However, because it's been around for so long, there are a lot of imitators and scam versions floating around the web that mimic the official program.

To ensure that you're safe, make sure the Notepad++ version that you're downloading is from a trusted source such as Softonic.com. On the developer's website, you'll also be able to check out the latest news about upcoming versions or add the site to an RSS feed.

Aside from some minor tech glitches like instances of blurry text or occasional issues with launching the program, Notepad++ is an excellent piece of software. Notepad++'s only major con is that it's only been made available for Windows. If you're on any other platform, you're out of luck and will need to find another coding program. It also isn't particularly forgiving for beginners; there's not a lot in the way of built-in tutorials or help if you're new to coding.

If you're not already familiar with coding basics, it pretty much sinks or swims. However, because Notepad++ has such a longstanding reputation, this is made up for with plenty of online resources, tutorials, and user forums that can answer just about any question you might have.

Latest stable release

Version 8.6.4 of Notepad++ delivers a laser-focused update for users who juggle multiple documents. It eliminates a recent click-to-focus bug in multi-document editing, ensuring edits land in the intended window. Beyond the headline improvement, the release enhances stability for macro recording, a feature for automating repetitive tasks. Python users can also benefit from better syntax support in the Function List.

A must-have tool for writing and coding

Though there are many shiny new text editors like Sublime floating around the web, Notepad++ has endured for good reason. It's simple, reliable, and effective for both coding and word-processing needs. This enduring classic will likely be around for many years to come.

Despite the fact that Notepad++ has been around for ages, it still receives regular updates and bug fixes available for download via the official website. The latest version offers enhanced security features as well as minor changes designed to improve ease of use.

We also recommend you to read our article about Best VPNs.

Notepad++ is a free source code editor (and Notepad replacement), which supports several programming languages, running under the MS Windows environment.

This project, based on the Scintilla edit component (a very powerful editor component), written in C++ with pure win32 api and STL (that ensures the higher execution speed and smaller size of the program), is under the GPL Licence.

This is what Notepad++ has to offer:

  • Syntax Highlighting and Syntax Folding
  • WYSIWYG
  • User Defined Syntax Highlighting
  • Auto-completion
  • Multi-Document
  • Multi-View
  • Regular Expression Search/Replace supported
  • Full Drag ‘N' Drop supported
  • Dynamic position of Views
  • File Status Auto-detection
  • Zoom in and zoom out
  • Multi-Language environment supported
  • Bookmarks
  • Brace and Indent guideline Highlighting
  • Macro recording and playback

PROS

  • Lightweight interface
  • Tons of features
  • Plugins
  • Open source

CONS

  • Only for Windows
  • Steep learning curve

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


Notepad++ for PC

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 8.6.4
  • 4.3

    (6402)
  • Security Status


User reviews about Notepad++

  • tttt

    by tttt

    Software is good, the author is not good, suggest using Nodepad--

  • AOCPO

    by AOCPO

    Can't go wrong with Notepad++. I have been using this app for many years and it has fit every task that I have had and wanted to do. I remember when  More

  • Oscar Navas

    by Oscar Navas

    Nice little tool! I found a text string I couldn't find even by setting up W10 to search text within files. Reason why I don't give it a 10? I couldn' More

  • alex monraux

    by alex monraux

    impeccable je suis un débutant et je trouve très utile a commencer le codage

  • Subhas Maity

    by Subhas Maity

    this is the simple platform where I run the HTML.So I choose this app

  • Umesh Sovani

    by Umesh Sovani

    This application is Easy to use. This application is smooth and light weight.


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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.