Notepad++

Version7.9(as of 5/14/2021)
PlatformWindows
LicenseFreeware
CategoryProductivity
Go to Website
Rating:3.9  |  156 Votes

Main Features

  • Advanced text editing tools, such as split-screen views and drag-and-drop
  • Basic source code editing tools, such as syntax highlighting and code folding
  • Native support for many programming languages, such as C++ and Java
  • Ability to extend functionality via plug-ins

Software Overview

Screenshot of Notepad++ 7.9
Screenshot of Notepad++ 7.9

Notepad++ is a text editor that is similar to Microsoft Notepad but provides additional features, such as source code editing tools. Unlike Notepad, Notepad++ is not bundled with Windows, but it is available as a free download.

Basic users can use Notepad++ as a simple text editor, but the program's real power is its advanced features. Notepad++ allows users to edit multiple documents at once via tabs and split-screen views, drag and drop text from one document to another, create and execute macros, and map functions to custom keyboard shortcuts. Those who are beginning to work with source code files, especially, may want to upgrade from Notepad to Notepad++, as the latter program includes basic source code editing features, such as syntax highlighting and code folding. Notepad++ natively supports a variety of programming languages, including C++, HTML, Pascal, Java, and YAML.

If you are looking to up your text editing game even further, you can install a wealth of Notepad++ plug-ins that provide additional features. The program's Plugin Admin tool allows users to quickly review, install, and manage common plug-ins, and more plug-ins are available on Notepad++'s GitHub page.

Summary

If you are itching to upgrade from Microsoft Notepad, Notepad++ is a great next step. While it is not as flashy as other text and source code editors, Notepad++ provides an efficient user interface, native support for a range of programming languages, and many additional features via plug-ins. When you need to edit plain text or source code files, Notepad++ will help you get the job done.

Primary File Type

txt icon.TXTPlain Text File

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.TXTPlain Text File
.ASActionScript File
.CMDWindows Command File
.CSC# Source Code File
.CSSCascading Style Sheet
.DIZDescription in Zip File
.HTMLHypertext Markup Language File
.JSONJavaScript Object Notation File
.LSTData List
.LUALua Source Code
.MMATLAB Source Code File
.MWolfram Language Package
.MARKDOWNMarkdown Documentation File
.MLML Source Code File
.MXMLFlex MXML Component
.PASPascal Source File
.PHPPHP Source Code File
.PYPython Script
.SHBash Shell Script

Additional Related File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.GSCCall of Duty Game Script
.GSDGeneral Station Description File
.INFOGeneric Information File
.MDINFOiPhone Backup Information File
.MDLWarcraft 3 3D Model Text File
.PLRrFactor Player File
.RPTGeneric Report
.SC2LOCALEBlizzard StarCraft 2 Localization File
.SLSTGame Data File
.SMALIAndroid Smali Assembly Language File
.XFDLXFDL File
Updated 5/14/2021