Nextpad++
by Nextpad++
What Nextpad++ is
Nextpad++ is a free, open-source community port of Notepad++ for macOS and Linux. It offers syntax highlighting for more than 80 programming languages, customizable themes, search and replace, split-view editing, column editing, extension support, and macro recording. The interface includes 137 languages. Plugin Admin installs native plugins, although its catalog differs between macOS and Linux; Windows Notepad++ plugins are not binary-compatible and must be ported. macOS builds support Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Linux builds support x86_64 and arm64 and require GTK 4.14+ and glibc 2.39+. The maker says the editor has no telemetry, analytics, advertising, or data collection; network access is used for update checks and Plugin Admin registry access. macOS releases are Developer ID signed and notarized, while Linux packages are signed with published SHA-256 checksums. Downloaded plugin archives are hash-checked before extraction. Andrew Letov maintains the ports with community contributions.
Who it suits
It suits Notepad++ users and developers who want familiar editing, shortcuts, plugins, and settings on macOS or Linux. It is also aimed at users comfortable with the stated Linux system requirements.
What it does well
- Free and open source under GPL v3
- Syntax highlighting for 80+ programming languages
- 137 interface languages included
- Supports Apple Silicon, Intel, x86_64, and arm64
- No telemetry, advertising, or data collection
What to know first
- Windows plugins require platform-specific ports
- Linux requires GTK 4.14+ and glibc 2.39+
- Plugin catalogs differ between macOS and Linux
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nextpad++ for Mac and Linux | Free and open source under GPL v3; macOS and Linux builds | Free |
As nextpad.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Nextpad++ brings Notepad++-style editing to macOS and Linux without a paid plan. Platform-specific plugin availability and Linux requirements are the main considerations before switching.
Facts from Nextpad++'s own pages
- Column editing
- Yes · nextpad.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Editing features
- It supports syntax highlighting for 80+ programming languages, customizable themes, search and replace, split-view editing, and macro recording. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · nextpad.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 2026 · nextpad.org, 19 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · nextpad.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes its audience as users and developers familiar with Notepad++ who want its editor, shortcuts, plugins, and settings on macOS or Linux. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Linux requirements
- The About page lists GTK 4.14+ and glibc 2.39+ as Linux minimums. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Localization
- The editor supports 137 interface languages out of the box. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yes · nextpad.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Maintainer
- Andrew Letov maintains the ports with contributions from the open-source community. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Plugin integrity
- Plugin Admin checks downloaded plugin ZIP SHA-256 hashes against the registry before extracting them. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Plugin limitation
- Windows Notepad++ plugins are not binary-compatible with macOS or Linux and must be ported for each platform. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Plugin Admin installs native plugins, and the available plugin catalog differs between macOS and Linux. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Nextpad++ is a free, open-source community port of Notepad++ for macOS and Linux. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Release integrity
- macOS releases are Developer ID signed and Apple notarized, while Linux packages are signed and have published SHA-256 checksums. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker says the app has no telemetry, analytics, advertising, or data collection; network access is used for update checks and Plugin Admin registry access. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs support requests and bug reports to the macOS or Linux GitHub issue tracker. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Linux · nextpad.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Supported systems
- The macOS build supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs; Linux builds support x86_64 and arm64. · nextpad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Nextpad++ stands on Freedom251
- Text Editors#41 of 82