SciTE
What SciTE is
SciTE is a Scintilla-based text editor for editing source files and building or running programs. It can compile or run a source file and show the command output in its output pane. Automatic syntax styling is documented for languages including C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, and YAML. Several files can stay in memory, although SciTE displays one file at a time. Editing features include multi-cursor editing, column editing, macro recording, and handling large files.
SciTE is free, and its plan is listed as free. Windows and Linux downloads are available; a commercial version is offered through the Mac App Store. Windows executables support Windows 7 and later, with 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM downloads. The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel-compatible processors, requires GTK 2.24 or later, and was tested on Ubuntu 22.04. Much of the editor's behavior can be changed through properties files, which can also add external applications to the Tools menu. The maker describes SciTE as best suited to jobs with simple configurations. Release notes say version 5.6.4 mitigates problems with running untrusted code. Questions and comments are directed to the scite-interest mailing list.
Who it suits
SciTE suits programmers who want a free text editor that can also run or compile source files and display command output. It is especially suited to people working with simple configurations who are comfortable changing settings through properties files.
What it does well
- Free plan listed as free
- Can compile or run source files and show command output
- Syntax styling documented for a range of programming and markup languages
- Includes multi-cursor editing, column editing, and macro recording
- Properties files can change settings and add Tools menu applications
What to know first
- The editor displays only one file at a time
- The Linux binary requires GTK 2.24 or later
- The Mac App Store version is commercial
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SciTE | Simple configurations · Windows and Linux downloads | Free |
As scintilla.org lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the SciTE website
- Choose the Windows or Linux download for your system
- On Windows, select the listed 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM executable
- On Linux, use a 64-bit Intel-compatible system with GTK 2.24 or later
- For macOS, find the commercial version in the Mac App Store
Verdict
Choose SciTE if you want a free editor with syntax styling and built-in commands for running or compiling source files, particularly for simple configurations. Look elsewhere if you need multiple files visible at once or require a noncommercial Mac version.
Questions
Is SciTE free?
Yes. The SciTE plan is listed as free.
Which platforms can I use it on?
Windows and Linux downloads are available. A commercial version is available through the Mac App Store.
Can SciTE run or compile programs?
Yes. It can compile or run source files and direct command output to its output pane.
Can I customize SciTE or add tools?
Much of its behavior can be changed in properties files. Those files can also add external applications to the Tools menu.
What are the Linux requirements?
The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel-compatible processors and requires GTK 2.24 or later. It was tested on Ubuntu 22.04.
Does SciTE have a free trial?
No free trial is listed; SciTE has a free plan.
Facts from SciTE's own pages
- Best suited for
- The maker says SciTE is best used for jobs with simple configurations. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Build and run
- SciTE can compile or run source files and direct command output to its output pane. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Column editing
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Customization
- Much of SciTE’s behavior can be changed by editing properties files. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Editing
- SciTE provides automatic syntax styling and can hold multiple files in memory, with one file visible at a time. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- External tools
- Users can add external applications to SciTE’s Tools menu through properties-file commands. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Language support
- The documentation lists syntax styling for languages including C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, and YAML. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Large-file handling
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- License
- The download page says the license for using Scintilla or SciTE is similar to Python’s and contains very few restrictions. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel compatible processors, requires GTK 2.24 or later, and was tested on Ubuntu 22.04. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- macOS availability
- A commercial version of SciTE is available from the Mac App Store. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yes · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The scintilla.org privacy policy says the site collects logs and that its advertisements collect viewing information through Google Analytics; it says the site collects no personally identifiable information. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The release notes say version 5.6.4 mitigates problems running untrusted code. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Questions and comments about SciTE are directed to the scite-interest mailing list, which averages fewer than five messages per week. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linux · scintilla.org, 23 Sept 2026
- What it does
- SciTE is a Scintilla based text editor with facilities for building and running programs. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The downloadable Windows executables support Windows 7 and later, with 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM downloads listed. · scintilla.org, 7 Oct 2026
Where SciTE stands on Freedom251
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- Code editors#15 of 45