KWrite
by KWrite
What KWrite is
KWrite is a free text editor by KDE, based on Kate’s editor component. It highlights syntax according to file type and includes word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and a Vi input mode. For editing, it offers multi-cursor and column editing, and it supports extensions. KWrite is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, and the project lists it under the LGPL-2.1+ license.
Linux users can install it through Discover or another AppStream store, their distribution’s package manager, or Flathub. The KWrite page also lists Windows and macOS as platforms; nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS builds for ARM and Intel. Those nightly builds are generated from the latest development branch and are intended for testing. KDE provides links to a handbook, forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help. The project also links to bug reporting and source code. KDE’s software privacy policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices unless a user explicitly acts to send it. Third-party distributors may modify software in ways that no longer follow that policy.
Who it suits
KWrite suits people who want a free text editor with syntax highlighting and editing tools such as multi-cursor and column editing. It is available across Linux, Windows, and macOS, with Linux installation routes through package stores, a distribution package manager, or Flathub.
What it does well
- Free to use under the LGPL-2.1+ license.
- Syntax highlighting is based on file type.
- Includes word completion and auto-indentation.
- Supports plugins, extensions, and Vi input mode.
- Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
What to know first
- Nightly installers are intended for testing.
- Third-party distributors may modify the software beyond KDE's privacy policy.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Syntax highlighting · word completion · auto-indentation · plugin support · Vi input mode | Free |
As apps.kde.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the KWrite page on apps.kde.org.
- On Linux, install through Discover or another AppStream store, your distribution’s package manager, or Flathub.
- On Windows or macOS, use the platform availability listed on the KWrite page.
- For testing builds, use a nightly installer for Linux AppImage, Windows, or macOS ARM or Intel.
Verdict
Pick KWrite if you want a free editor with syntax highlighting, multi-cursor editing, and plugin support across desktop platforms. Look elsewhere if you need a stable build specifically; the listed nightly installers are intended for testing.
Questions
Does KWrite cost anything?
No. The listed Free plan costs nothing.
Which platforms can run KWrite?
The KWrite page lists Linux, Windows, and macOS. Nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS ARM and Intel builds.
Is KWrite open source?
The page lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license and provides a link to browse its source code.
How can Linux users install KWrite?
The page points Linux users to Discover or other AppStream stores, their distribution’s package manager, and Flathub.
Who makes KWrite?
KWrite is by KDE. The maker details list headquarters at Prinzenstraße 85 F, 10969 Berlin, Germany, and a founding year of 1996.
Where can users get help?
KDE links to a handbook, a forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat.
Facts from KWrite's own pages
- Column editing
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Development
- The KWrite page provides links to report bugs and browse the source code. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- Listed features include word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and Vi input mode. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 1996 · apps.kde.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Help and support
- KWrite links to its handbook, a forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The page lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Linux installation
- The site points Linux users to Discover or other AppStream stores, their distribution’s package manager, and Flathub. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- KDE e.V. is a registered nonprofit in Germany representing the KDE Community in legal and financial matters. · ev.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yes · apps.kde.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Other platforms
- The KWrite page lists Windows and macOS as other platforms, and nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS ARM and Intel builds. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- KDE’s software privacy policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices except after an explicit user action. · kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy caveat
- KDE says third-party distributors may modify its software in ways that no longer follow its software privacy policy. · kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- KWrite is a text editor by KDE based on Kate’s editor component. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Release
- The latest release listed on the page is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOS · apps.kde.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Syntax highlighting
- KWrite supports syntax highlighting according to file type. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Testing builds
- KWrite nightly installers are described as intended for testing and generated from the latest development branch. · apps.kde.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where KWrite stands on Freedom251
- Text Editors#14 of 82