Kakoune review
A focused, free terminal editor for programmers who think in selections.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Kakoune is a terminal-oriented modal code and text editor for programmers working in Unix-like environments. Its object-then-verb editing model puts multiple selections at the center of text manipulation, making it suited to users who frequently need to transform several matching regions at once. The editor combines syntax highlighting, contextual help, as-you-type completion, text objects, macros, hooks, and shell integration in a focused command-line environment.
Its standout capability is selection control. Kakoune supports regex-based selection, filtering, and splitting, along with selection alignment, rotation, case manipulation, and indentation. Text objects cover paragraphs, sentences, and nestable blocks, while macro recording and replay help repeat editing operations. Shell pipelines and external program integration extend those operations beyond the editor itself. Client-server editing sessions allow multiple clients to connect to one session, and the ecosystem includes tmux, zellij, kitty, wezterm, X11, and Wayland.
Kakoune is free and open source. The project states that it is released into the public domain, with no paid tiers presented. The published platform support centers on Linux and macOS, and the project describes no native Windows version as planned. That makes Kakoune a strong choice for terminal users who value precise, simultaneous text manipulation and shell-based workflows. It is less suitable for people who need a graphical editor, native Windows support, or a broader general-purpose editing approach. Users evaluating it should expect its selection-centric model to shape how everyday editing tasks are performed.
Kakoune pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Multiple selections support simultaneous text manipulation
- Regex tools, text objects, macros, and shell pipelines
- Client-server sessions work with multiple connected clients
- Where it doesn't
- Supports Linux and macOS rather than native Windows
- Selection-centric editing may not suit broad editor workflows
- Large-file handling is not a stated strength
Kakoune fact sheet, pricing and score →
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