Mousepad
What Mousepad is
Mousepad is a free Linux text editor for quickly editing text files, rather than a development environment. It supports column editing and extensions, with settings such as word wrap and automatic indentation available in the preferences dialog and Document menu. Users can also access settings with Dconf Editor, gsettings, or dconf. Printing settings are stored separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc. After first use, Mousepad generates a configurable keybindings file; version 0.5.9 added a shortcuts editor that requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later. That version also introduced a CSS style class called “mousepad” for theming. Required dependencies are GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later. Optional components include gspell 1.6.0 or later and libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later. The documentation lists release 0.7.0, dated 2026-03-02, and links to its source archive and bug-reporting instructions. The project describes Xfce as a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems with separately packaged components.
Who it suits
Mousepad suits Linux users who want to edit text files quickly without a development environment or an extensive plugin collection.
What it does well
- Supports column editing and extensions
- Includes word wrap and automatic indentation settings
- Offers configurable keybindings
- Free for Linux
What to know first
- Linux is the only listed platform
- Shortcuts editor requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later
- Requires GTK, GLib, and GtkSourceView
Limits
The listed free plan is a simple text editor. The shortcuts editor introduced in version 0.5.9 requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mousepad | No price stated · simple text editor | Free |
As docs.xfce.org lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Mousepad documentation page.
- Check that your system has GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and a listed GtkSourceView version.
- Download the current release source archive linked from the documentation.
- Install optional gspell or libxfce4ui if you need those components.
- Open Mousepad and adjust editing settings in Preferences or the Document menu.
Verdict
Mousepad focuses on quick text editing, with configurable settings and keybindings. Its Linux scope and listed dependencies are important to consider before choosing it.
Questions
How much does Mousepad cost?
The listed Mousepad plan is free.
Which operating system does Mousepad support?
Linux is the listed platform.
Who makes Mousepad?
Mousepad is an Xfce component. Xfce describes itself as a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems with separately packaged components.
Does Mousepad support extensions?
Yes, extension support is listed.
What dependencies does Mousepad require?
Required packages include GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later.
Is Mousepad a development environment?
No. Its stated purpose is quickly editing text files rather than providing a development environment.
Facts from Mousepad's own pages
- Column editing
- Yes · docs.xfce.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Configuration
- Mousepad settings can also be accessed with Dconf Editor, gsettings, or dconf. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- Required packages include GLib 2.52.0 or later, GTK 3.22.0 or later, and GtkSourceView 3.24.0 or 4.0.0 or later. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Download
- The documentation links to the current release source archive and says older component versions are also available there. · archive.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Editing settings
- The preferences dialog and Document menu include settings such as word wrap and automatic indentation. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · docs.xfce.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · docs.xfce.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes Mousepad as an editor for people who want to edit text files quickly, rather than use a development environment or extensive plugin collection. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Keybindings
- Mousepad generates a configurable keybindings file after first use; version 0.5.9 introduced a shortcuts editor that requires Libxfce4ui 4.17.5. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The page lists Mousepad 0.7.0, released on 2026-03-02. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Xfce describes itself as a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems, with separately packaged components. · xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Optional components
- Optional packages include gspell 1.6.0 or later and libxfce4ui 4.17.5 or later. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Printing
- Printing settings are stored separately in ~/.config/Mousepad/mousepadrc. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Mousepad is a simple, fast editor for quickly editing text files, rather than a development environment. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The opened Mousepad documentation page does not state security or compliance claims. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project page links to instructions for reporting bugs and viewing currently open bugs. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux · docs.xfce.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Theming
- Since version 0.5.9, Mousepad provides a CSS style class named “mousepad” for theming. · docs.xfce.org, 8 Oct 2026
Where Mousepad stands on Freedom251
- Text Editors#36 of 82