GNU nano
by GNU nano
What GNU nano is
GNU nano is a free text editor that the project presents as a compact alternative to Pico, with additional editing tools while retaining reasonable compatibility. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports extensions and macro recording. Editing options include undo and redo, syntax colouring, auto-indentation, line numbers, word completion, file locking, backup files, and internationalisation. Search and replace can use regular expressions, be case-sensitive, or run backward. Nano can process several files in sequence or keep them open in separate buffers. Its settings are managed through nanorc files, where users can choose options such as syntax highlighting and line wrapping. It can read, enter, and save Unicode text when the terminal encoding and locale use UTF-8. Restricted mode limits file access and disables shell commands, spell checking, suspending, and backup-file creation. The project offers source archives and links to distribution packages and Windows executables, along with signature files for source archives. Documentation includes an online manual, FAQ, shortcut overview, PDF manual, and man pages. The project lists Chris Allegretta as its original author and Benno Schulenberg as current maintainer.
Who it suits
GNU nano suits people who want a free, Pico-compatible text editor with configurable editing and search tools. It also fits users who need to edit files in a terminal environment on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
What it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Search and replace supports regular expressions and backward searches.
- Separate buffers allow multiple files to remain open.
- Settings can be adjusted through nanorc files.
- Restricted mode limits file access and disables selected actions.
What to know first
- Unicode support depends on UTF-8 terminal encoding and locale.
- Restricted mode disables shell commands, spell checking, suspending, and backup creation.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GNU nano | Text editor; source code and Windows binaries available | Free |
As nano-editor.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the GNU nano website.
- Choose a source archive, Linux distribution package, or Windows executable.
- Install or build the editor for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Configure options in nanorc files if needed.
Verdict
Choose GNU nano for a free editor with Pico compatibility, multi-file buffers, configurable settings, and regular-expression search. Its Unicode text handling depends on a UTF-8 terminal encoding and locale, and restricted mode disables several actions.
Questions
How much does GNU nano cost?
The listed plan is free.
Which platforms does it support?
GNU nano supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Does GNU nano support extensions and macros?
Yes. Extension support and macro recording are listed.
Can it edit several files?
Yes. It can edit files in sequence or open them in separate buffers.
Does it support Unicode?
It can read, enter, and save Unicode text when the terminal encoding and locale use UTF-8.
Where can users find downloads and documentation?
The project offers source archives and links to Linux packages and Windows executables. Its documentation includes an online manual, FAQ, shortcut overview, PDF manual, and man pages.
Facts from GNU nano's own pages
- Compatibility
- Nano aims to be reasonably compatible with Pico while providing additional functionality. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can configure nano through nanorc files and choose options such as syntax highlighting and line wrapping. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The project provides an online manual, FAQ, shortcut overview, PDF manual, and man pages. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project offers compressed source archives and links to Linux distribution packages and Windows executables. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- It offers undo and redo, syntax coloring, interactive search and replace, auto-indentation, line numbers, word completion, file locking, backup files, and internationalization support. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · nano-editor.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 1999 · nano-editor.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · nano-editor.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ describes configuring nano as the editor for Pine, mutt, and Git commit messages. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yes · nano-editor.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Multiple files
- Nano can edit several files in a row and can open files in separate buffers. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Project leadership
- Chris Allegretta is listed as the original author and Benno Schulenberg as the current maintainer. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GNU nano is a small, friendly text editor designed as a free replacement for Pico. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Restricted mode
- Restricted mode limits file access and disables actions including shell commands, spell checking, suspending, and making backup files. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- Search and replace support regular expressions, and searches can be case-sensitive or run backward. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Signatures
- The download page provides signature files for the source archives. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs usage questions to its help mailing list and bug reports to the Savannah bug tracker. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOS · nano-editor.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Unicode
- Nano supports reading, entering, and saving Unicode text when the terminal encoding and locale use UTF-8. · nano-editor.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where GNU nano stands on Freedom251
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