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textlint

Free#24 of 29 in Writing Style Checkers

textlint: A flexible, open-source text linter for teams that want customizable workflows. Ranked #24 of 29 in Writing Style Checkers by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers building extensible linting workflows.

6.6/10Editor score
textlint6.6 Visit textlint

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.6 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    Developers building extensible linting workflows
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
textlint screenshot
  • Where it wins

    • Custom rules, presets, filters, and processors support tailored linting.
    • Automatic fixes include a dry-run mode for safer file changes.
    • Editor integrations, GitHub Actions, APIs, and MCP broaden its reach.
  • Where it doesn't

    • Rules are installed separately and require textlintrc configuration.
    • Markdown and plain text are supported by default; other formats need plugins.
    • Built-in brand, terminology, and team-governance features are limited.

Our verdict on textlint

textlint is an open-source JavaScript utility for checking natural-language text. It runs locally through a command-line interface and supports Markdown and plain text by default. Developers can add rules, presets, filters, and processors through its plugin-based architecture, making it suited to teams building customized linting workflows rather than users seeking a fixed, ready-made checker. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and API-based use, with a standalone desktop app also available.

Customization is the main reason to choose textlint. Users install rules separately, configure them in a textlintrc file, and can lint files or apply automatic fixes with dry-run mode. Built-in and custom output formatters, file caching, and CLI configuration support repeatable workflows. Node.js and kernel APIs extend the tool beyond the command line, while plugins add support for HTML and other formats. That flexibility also creates setup responsibility: teams need to select and configure the rule ecosystem that matches their writing standards.

Its ecosystem covers Visual Studio Code, Atom, Sublime Text, Vim, micro, NetBeans, Emacs, GitHub Actions, Chrome extensions, and MCP. The GitHub Actions integration fits continuous checks, while the MCP server supports AI-assistant workflows. These integrations make textlint a practical choice for developers who want linting embedded in editors, automation, or custom applications. It is less suited to buyers looking for built-in brand, terminology, and team-governance features without assembling plugins and configuration. Choose textlint for extensibility and API access; consider an alternative if a narrower, more managed writing checker is the priority.

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

textlint pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on textlint.org

textlint fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromFree
Custom style guideNot verified
Terminology managementNot verified
Brand voice rulesNot verified
Editor supportAtom, Sublime Text, Vim, Visual Studio Code, micro, NetBeans, Emacs
Rule actionNot verified
Team workflowNot verified
API accessYes
DeploymentSelf-hosted, Desktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations10 integrations: Visual Studio Code, Atom, Sublime Text, Vim, micro, NetBeans … See all →
PricingOpen source
Websitetextlint.org
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

textlint integrations

textlint lists 10 integrations on its own site.

  • Visual Studio Code
  • Atom
  • Sublime Text
  • Vim
  • micro
  • NetBeans
  • Emacs
  • GitHub Actions
  • Chrome extensions
  • MCP

See all textlint integrations →

Alternatives to textlint

See all textlint alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — textlint 6.6/10

textlint is listed in our Writing Style Checkers 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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