Notepad++, one of the most popular code editors on Windows, is finally available for Mac users after more than 20 years.
The new macOS version comes through an unofficial open-source community port of the original Windows codebase and is now available as a native Mac app.
The app works as a universal binary, which means it supports both Apple silicon Macs and Intel-based Macs. This is good news for developers and users who moved from Windows to macOS but still missed the familiar Notepad++ editing experience.
For years, Mac users had to run Notepad++ through tools like Wine or CrossOver if they wanted to use it on macOS. Now, they can install and use it directly without depending on a compatibility layer.
The macOS version keeps the same core editing experience as the Windows app. It includes the Scintilla editing engine, tabbed editing, syntax highlighting for more than 80 programming languages, search and replace, macro recording, and plugin support.
The main difference is that the Mac version uses native macOS Cocoa APIs for menus, dialogs, file pickers, keyboard shortcuts, and window handling. This should make the app feel more natural on macOS while still keeping the familiar Notepad++ workflow.
Notepad++ for macOS is maintained by Andrey Letov, who built the Objective-C++ Cocoa interface that replaces the Windows Win32 front end. The app is free to download and is released under the GNU General Public License, meaning there are no ads, subscriptions, or hidden charges.
For developers, students, and longtime Windows users who rely on Notepad++, this release brings a familiar and lightweight coding tool to the Mac platform for the first time in a proper native form.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
