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Notepad++

Free#4 of 82 in Text EditorsEditor Software Code Editors

Notepad++: A capable free editor with advanced editing tools, but Windows-only coverage narrows its fit. Ranked #4 of 82 in Text Editors by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users wanting a capable free editor.

9.1/10Editor score

Visit Notepad++

Notepad++9.1 Visit Notepad++

At a glance

Editor score
9.1 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Windows users wanting a capable free editor
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Multi-cursor editing
Yes
Founded
2003
Facts checked
22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Multi-cursor, multi-selection, and column editing support
- Macros, regex search, workspaces, and project panels
- Free, open-source software under the GNU GPL license
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability
- Designed for local desktop use rather than browser editing
- Large-file restrictions may affect very large documents

Our verdict on Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source-code editor for Microsoft Windows. It supports syntax highlighting for programming and natural languages, making it suitable for developers, technical users, and anyone who wants more control than the standard Windows Notepad application. Its editing toolkit includes multi-cursor and multi-selection editing, rectangular column selection, macro recording and playback, regular-expression search, sessions, folder workspaces, and project panels. The product is designed for local desktop use rather than browser-based or mobile editing.

The published plan structure is straightforward: the Free plan provides free software with open-source code under the GNU GPL license. There are no paid tiers to compare, so the main decision is whether its Windows desktop model matches your workflow. Plugin installation and management through Plugins Admin adds room for customization, while large-file restriction and performance settings provide controls for handling demanding documents. These features give the editor useful depth without changing its basic role as a desktop text and code editor.

Platform fit is the clearest boundary. Notepad++ is focused on Windows and does not target browser or mobile editing, so users who need cross-platform access or a web-based workspace should choose an alternative. Within its intended environment, it combines syntax highlighting, column editing, macros, project organization, and regex-based find and replace in one free package. Choose Notepad++ if you want a capable Windows editor with open-source licensing and practical advanced editing features. Look elsewhere if operating-system flexibility or browser access is essential.

Your product? Our editors can test Notepad++ in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Notepad++ pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on notepad-plus-plus.org

Notepad++ fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	Windows
Multi-cursor editing	Yes
Macro recording	Yes
Column editing	Yes
Large-file handling	Yes
Extension support	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	notepad-plus-plus.org
Facts checked	22 Sep 2026

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Also Ranked In

Notepad++ is ranked in 3 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Notepad++ is listed in our Text Editors directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update