Free source code editor for Windows
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4463 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Free and lightweight
Biggest con
Windows only
TL;DR - Notepad++
- Notepad++ is a free source code editor and Notepad replacement
- It provides syntax highlighting for 80+ languages with plugin support
- Completely free and open-source
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.7/5 across review platforms
What is Notepad++?
Notepad++ provides text editing with programming features. Free editor for Windows that does more than Notepad-the editor many Windows developers start with.
The features exceed Windows defaults. The plugins extend capability. The tool is free.
Windows users wanting better text editing use Notepad++ for capable free editor.
Available on: Windows
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and lightweight
- Fast startup
- Good syntax highlighting
- Plugin support
- Windows standard
Cons
- Windows only
- Basic IDE features
- UI dated
- Limited modern features
- Not for large projects
Ratings Across the Web
4.7(4,463 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Text editorWindowsSyntax highlightingPluginsLightweightOpen source
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 11, 2026
Most Popular
Free
Free
Open source
- Syntax highlighting
- Multi-tab
- Plugins
- Windows only
Reviews
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4.7/5
Across 4,463 verified user reviews on G2, Capterra, SourceForge
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Notepad++ FAQ
How does Notepad++ support different programming languages?
Notepad++ offers good syntax highlighting, which helps users differentiate elements of various programming languages. Its plugin support further extends its capabilities for working with different code types.
Which teams would benefit most from using Notepad++?
Teams primarily working on Windows and needing a free, lightweight text editor for source code will find Notepad++ beneficial. It is particularly suitable for developers who require more features than the default Windows Notepad but do not need a full-fledged IDE.
How is Notepad++ priced?
Notepad++ is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for all Windows users.
Can Notepad++ be used for large-scale software development projects?
Notepad++ is not designed for large-scale projects, as it has limited modern features and basic IDE capabilities. It is better suited for smaller coding tasks and text editing.
How does Notepad++ compare to Visual Studio Code?
Notepad++ is a free and lightweight editor primarily for Windows, offering fast startup and good syntax highlighting. Visual Studio Code typically offers more extensive modern features and advanced IDE capabilities suitable for larger projects, while Notepad++ focuses on efficient text editing with plugin support.
What kind of user would find Notepad++ to be an effective tool?
Windows users who need a more capable text editor than the default Notepad, especially for source code editing, will find Notepad++ effective. Its free nature and plugin support make it a strong option for those seeking enhanced functionality without cost.
Source: notepad-plus-plus.org