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Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Notepad++ remains one of the most trusted productivity tools for writers, coders, and editors seeking a lightweight yet powerful text editor. Its speed, reliability, and simplicity have made it a favorite among developers and casual users. Whether editing quick notes or coding scripts, it delivers a smooth and efficient experience.

Beyond performance, Notepad++ offers essential developer tools that boost efficiency without adding unnecessary clutter. Its clean interface and versatility make it ideal for programmers and anyone managing multiple file types. it remains a free, adaptable editing utility that handles documents, scripts, and configurations with ease and dependability.

Efficiency and power in simplicity

The program offers remarkable speed, even when handling large files, making it suitable for heavy-duty editing tasks. Its tabbed interface enables quick switching between documents, while the syntax highlighting and code folding features make it a valuable ally for developers. Compared to many paid alternatives, the program provides a professional-grade experience without unnecessary complexity. However, its interface, while clean, feels dated compared to modern editors.

One of the strongest aspects of the tool is its extensive customizability, allowing users to modify themes, keyboard shortcuts, and language preferences to match their workflow. Through a wide range of community-created plug-ins, users can extend the program’s functionality for specific needs. It also features auto-completion and powerful search tools, though beginners may find the overwhelming plug-in selection challenging due to the absence of a built-in marketplace or verification system.

The program continues to stay relevant thanks to its open-source development, frequent updates, and lightweight structure that ensures quick performance. Its portable version allows users to run it directly from external drives without installation, making it convenient for professionals managing multiple systems. While other editors emphasize cloud connectivity, Notepad++ stands out as a fast, secure, and offline editing solution for focused, distraction-free productivity.

Enlarged image for Notepad++
Notepad++ 0/1
  • Pros

    • Fast performance
    • Highly customizable
    • Open-source
    • Lightweight design
  • Cons

    • Outdated interface
    • Overwhelming plug-ins

Bottom Line

A timeless editor that delivers

Notepad++ continues to stand out as a reliable, customizable, and lightweight text editor that appeals to both programmers and general users. It offers fast performance, broad language support, and frequent updates that maintain its stability and relevance. Although its interface feels dated compared to newer editors, the program remains ideal for users seeking a streamlined, distraction-free workspace focused purely on efficiency and functionality.

What’s new in version 8.8.6

  • Updated Scintilla to improve syntax highlighting performance
  • Fixed issues with UTF-8 encoding detection
  • Improved dark mode compatibility for menus and toolbars
  • Enhanced plug-in loading for better stability
  • Updated localization files and minor UI adjustments


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
8.8.6
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 7
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 8
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
3,377,111
Downloads Last Week
256

Report Software

Program available in other languages


Last Updated


User Reviews

4.5/5

416 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Take full advantage of highly executable, feature-rich, multi-language, simultaneous text and source code editing.
Notepad++ is a source code editor which supports several programming languages under Windows environment. It's also a lightweight replacement of Notepad. The supported languages by Notepad++ are C, C++, Java, C#, XML, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, RC file, makefile, NFO, doxygen, INI file, batch file, ASP, VB/VBS, SQL, Objective-C, CSS, Pascal, Perl, Python, Lua, Unix Shell Script, Fortran, NSIS and Flash action script. Notepad++ main features are: syntax highlighting and syntax folding, regular expression search, WYSIWYG (If you have a color printer, print your source code in color), Unicode support, full drag-and-drop supported, Brace and Indent guideline highlighting, two edits and synchronized view of the same document, and user language define system.

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