Sublime Text review
A cross-platform desktop editor built around multiple selections and flexible editing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Sublime Text is a desktop editor for code, markup, and prose, aimed at people who want precise editing controls across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Multiple selections and cursors let users make coordinated edits, while rectangular selection supports column-based changes. It can be evaluated for free, but continued use requires a license, so it is less suitable for someone seeking a permanently free editor.
Its editing toolkit extends beyond multi-cursor work: syntax highlighting can use customizable definitions, and packages add plugins, syntax definitions, menus, and snippets. Context-aware auto-completion, tab multi-select, split views, GPU rendering, macro recording and playback, and the `subl` command-line interface round out the feature set. That makes it a fit for users who want an adaptable desktop text editor with several ways to navigate and modify text, rather than a narrowly focused writing app.
The Personal plan is a one-time purchase and includes three years of updates; one license key covers all of the purchaser’s computers and operating systems. Business plans are annual, tiered subscriptions organized by seats: 1–10, 11–25, 26–50, and 51+. A 30-day refund period is specified. Support channels include documentation. Choose Sublime Text if its cross-platform availability and editing controls match your workflow and a paid license is acceptable. Consider another option if continued free use or support beyond documentation is a priority.
Sublime Text pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Multiple cursors and rectangular column editing
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Packages, macros, split views, and context-aware auto-completion
- Where it doesn't
- Requires a license for continued use after free evaluation
- Personal license includes three years of updates
- Business plans use annual, seat-based subscriptions
Sublime Text fact sheet, pricing and score →
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