This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them

Period

–Visits

–Page views

–Clicks to vendors

–Time on page

–Reading now

Clicks to vendors, by tool

Top countries

Devices

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Pencil Code

Free#26 of 42 in Coding Learning Software

Pencil Code: A free, open-source path from visual coding to text-based creative projects. Ranked #26 of 42 in Coding Learning Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for beginners learning blocks alongside text.

6.9/10Editor score

Visit Pencil Code

Pencil Code6.9 Visit Pencil Code

At a glance

Editor score
6.9 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Beginners learning blocks alongside text
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Feedback mode
Automated
Facts checked
23 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Dual-mode editing connects blocks with CoffeeScript and other web languages
- Supports art, music, games, stories, webpages, simulations, and algorithms
- Includes online guides, classroom activities, and teacher materials
Where it doesn't
- Access is limited to the web
- CoffeeScript is the main programming language
- Public sharing may not suit projects requiring private distribution

Our verdict on Pencil Code

Pencil Code is a free, open-source, browser-based programming environment for learners who want to move between blocks and text. Its dual-mode editor supports CoffeeScript alongside JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, making it suitable for beginners who are ready to connect visual programming concepts with written code. The project-based format covers creative work such as art, music, games, stories, webpages, simulations, and algorithms. Turtle graphics, online saving, and public sharing give learners several ways to turn lessons into visible projects.

Its strongest fit is educational use built around guided activities and experimentation. Pencil Code provides online guides, classroom activities, a teacher manual, and an illustrated programming book, while the programming environment gives learners a broad set of project directions. The combination of blocks, text, and web technologies can support a gradual transition from introductory exercises to more expressive creations. Teachers and learners should expect a browser-based experience rather than a native application, since web is the listed platform.

Pencil Code’s open-source model and free access make it straightforward to consider for classrooms, self-directed learners, and educators looking for reusable teaching materials without paid tiers. It is less suitable for buyers seeking a polished commercial learning suite, a broad integration ecosystem, or a primary language other than CoffeeScript. Learners who value public project sharing and creative programming should find the format aligned with its focus; those who need private distribution or mobile access should choose another option.

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

Pencil Code pricing

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

See plans on pencilcode.net

Pencil Code fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Feedback mode	Automated
Learning format	Mixed
Programming languages	CoffeeScript, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Project-based learning	Yes
Mobile apps	Not verified
Computer science topics	Yes
Deployment	Cloud
Platforms	Web
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	pencilcode.net
Facts checked	23 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Pencil Code

See all Pencil Code alternatives →

Used Pencil Code? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Pencil Code for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Title

Your review

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Pros (optional · one per line)

Cons (optional · one per line)

Your name (shown with your review)

Role (optional)

Company (optional)

How long have you used it?

I've used Pencil Code myself and this is my honest opinion — nobody paid or asked me to write it.

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

Pencil Code is listed in our Coding Learning Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/pencil-code/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/pencil-code.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update