- Best Plain Text Editor For Windows 8
- Best Plain Text Editor For Windows Free
- Best Text Editors Windows 10
- Microsoft Text Editor Windows 10
Text editors, sometimes called code editors, are an essential tool when working with code.
Modern text editors provide a host of tools and features to help you modify code such as syntax highlighting for multiple languages, built-in file uploads, error reporting, search and replace and more.
- Whether you're a developer or a writer, a good text editor is a must-have on any computer, in any operating system. The humble text editor is great for managing code, writing down quick notes.
- It works on all Windows systems, from Windows 95 all the way to Windows 10 with the support to both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms. Download a version that is suitable for your system, and simply run it. When it's launched for the first time, you will need to do a little setup to configure which hot-keys you will be using to paste the pure text.
Whether you are a full time web developer, or a website owner that needs to make a few quick edits to a template, you will appreciate how useful text editors can be.
In this article, we would like to show you what we at Design Bombs consider to be the best text editors of 2020.
To sum up, if you are a Windows user, TeXnicCenter is one of the best LaTeX editors that you can use in 2021 and you don't have to look any further. Key Features: Integrated LaTeX environment for Windows apps, Auto-completion, Complete UTF-8 support, Document navigator, Library of LaTeX snippets, Syntax Highlighting, Spell Checking and more.
1. TextPad (FREE Evaluation / $27)
Platforms: Windows
TextPad is a flexible text editor for Windows that features a built-in file manager, a search and replace engine and a keystroke macro recorder.
It allows drag and drop editing between files and works well with large files too.
I have actively used TextPad since my University days in the 90s and it remains one of my favourite website applications. You can download TextPad free of charge for evaluation, but the developers ask that you upgrade for $27 if you decide to continue using it.
2. Atom (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Atom is an open source text editor that is available for multiple platforms. It is free to download.
It features a file system browser, find and replace and smart auto-completion. Atom also allows you to work with Git and GitHub directly within the editor.
New features and functionality can be added using its built-in package manager and it comes with eight dark and light themes.
3. Sublime Text (FREE Evaluation / $80)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Sublime Text is a gorgeous multi-platform text editor that has many useful shortcut commands to improve efficiency. It can be used to find code within files in seconds.
It has a dedicated package manager that helps you install thousands of community-created packages to add more features. Multi-window editing is supported too.
Sublime Text can be downloaded free of charge for evaluation. A premium license costs $80 and comes with three years of updates.
4. Espresso (FREE Trial / $99)
Platforms: Mac
Espresso is a versatile code editor for Mac that supports custom code snippets, multi-file editing and tabbed workspaces.
Dozens of plugin extensions and syntax themes are available to help you add functionality and improve the look and feel of the app. CSS editing tools are available too.
The application is available for $99.
5. Vim (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix, iOS, Android
Evolved from the Atari ST's popular ST Editor, Vim is flexible open source text editor that has 12 different editing modes. This includes a visual mode that highlights area of text, a command line mode and an easy mode.
Hundreds of programming languages are supported and there are a large number of plugin extensions available that add additional functionality.
6. Visual Studio Code (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Microsoft's Visual Studio Code editor is a stylish multi-platform text editor that is free to download.
It features auto-complete, syntax highlighting and debugging.
Git commands are built into the editor so that you can push and pull requests. A number of extensions are also available so that you can add new languages, themes and tools.
7. Brackets (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Brackets is an open source text editor that features inline editing, live previews, quick edits and live highlighting.
A host of extensions are available that add functionality such as indenting, Git integration, W3C validation and JavaScript, HTML and CSS formatting.
8. Coda ($99)
Platforms: Mac
Designed for Mac users, Coda is an useful text editor that has a built-in file and SSH manager.
It has colourful syntax highlighting, CSS overriding and advanced syncing between devices. MacBook Pro users can also switch between editor and preview mode using their laptop touch bar.
9. Code Editor ($24.99)
Platforms: iOS
Designed for iPad and iPhone, Code Editor is a beautiful text editing solution from Panic, the same company behind Coda.
It features a dual file browser, SSH terminal support and unique editing modes for Shell, SQL, Swift and more.
Code Editor is available from the Apple app store for $24.99.
10. UltraEdit (FREE Trial / $79.95 Per Year)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
UltraEdit is a multi-platform text editor that has built-in FTP, SSH and Telnet managers.
A host of themes are included with UltraEdit and it boasts multi-code select and advanced file searching. It supports large files too and the editor has been designed to work with high resolution displays.
A 30 day free trial is available for UltraEdit. Once the trial has expired, it costs $79.95 per year.
11. BBEdit (FREE Trial / $49.99)
Platforms: Mac
Developed for Mac, BBEdit is a useful text editor that features an advanced search and replace engine and a built-in file manager and FTP manager.
A unix command-line tool is also available and there is integration support for Git, Subversion and AppleScript.
BBEdit retails at $49.99, however you can download it free of charge and test it for 30 days.
12. TextMate($56)
Platforms: Mac
Another text editor that Apple users should check out is TextMate.
It offers multiple caret editing, version control, code snippets, macro recording, folding sections and shell integration. Custom actions, custom themes and extensible bundles are also available.
Although TextMate is open source, the product is sold commercially for $56.
13. Codeshare (FREE)
Platforms: Online
Codeshare is a free online text editor that lets you write, edit and share code with friends and colleagues.
It can be used to teach code to others and share code. Many companies also use the tool to set coding tasks for interviewees.
14. CoffeeCup (FREE / $29)
Platforms: Windows
CoffeeCup is a popular HTML editor for Windows that has a large components library and a built-in W3C markup validation tool.
A split-screen preview pane allows you to see what your HTML and CSS code will generate. There is also a tags tab that has references for (X)HTML, PHP, and CSS tags.
A free version of CoffeeCup is available with less features, with the full version retailing at $29.
15. Komodo Edit & Komodo IDE (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Komodo Edit is a free text editor that features auto-complete, skins and icon sets and a change tracker.
Komodo IDE is a superior alternative from the same developers that has a visual debugger, version control, workflow management, syntax highlighting and a host of add-ons to extend functionality.
16. CodePen (FREE / $8 Per Month)
Platforms: Online
One of the largest coding communities online, CodePen is a free online code tool that allows users to share and test HTML, CSS and JavaScript code snippets.
The CodePen text editor looks great, highlighting syntax code with many colours.
The majority of CodePen features are free to use, however premium plans are available from $8 per month that remove advertisements and add features such as live view and unrestricted theme embedding with custom CSS.
17. Codeanywhere (FREE Trial / $2.50 Per Month)
Platforms: Online
Codeanywhere is a cloud code editing and sharing solution that lets you edit code remotely and move and copy files and folders across FTP, Google Drive, Dropbox and more.
Its text editor has syntax highlighting for over 75 programming languages and features split panes, grid mode, multiple cursors and custom themes. It also supports file revisions and has a built-in terminal console.
A 7 day free trial is available to help you test the service, with premium plans starting from $2.50 per month.
18. Notepad++ (FREE)
Platforms: Windows
Notepad++ is an open source Windows text editor that offers syntax highlighting, scripting, auto-complete, macro recording and split screen editing.
Over 140 plugin extensions are available that let you add functionality such as W3C validation, text sorting and quote handling.
The application is free to download.
19. WeBuilder ($59.95)
Best Plain Text Editor For Windows 8
Platforms: Windows
Creators for Windows users, WeBuilder is a versatile code editing application that has syntax highlighting for many popular programming languages.
It features several themes, advanced search and replace, macro recording, split editing, shortcuts for code snippets and code templates, a built-in file upload manager and many code validation tools.
WeBuilder retails from $59.95. The developers are behind other text editors that are also worth checking out such as Rapid CSS Editor, HTMLPad and Rapid PHP Editor.
20. Spacemacs (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix
Despite its name, Spacemacs is not just for Apple users. It is a multi-platform text editing solution that brings Emacs and Vim tools together.
The application features graphical and command line user-interfaces and boasts key bindings. There are many community created plugin extensions too that add functionality.
As Spacemacs is open source, it is free to download.
21. PhpStorm (FREE Trial / $199 Per Year)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
PhpStorm is a premium text editor that provides code analysis and error prevention for programming languages such as PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other languages.
It works well with modern content management systems such as Drupal, WordPress, Magento and Joomla, and offers features such as version control, remote deployment, command line tools and advanced debugging.
PhpStorm retails at $199 for the first year, $159 for the second year and $119 for subsequent years. A 30 day free trial is available to help you test the application.
22. GNU Emacs (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
GNU Emacs is an open source multi-platform text editor that offers syntax highlighting and a customisable graphical user-interface.
A large number of plugin packages are available that add additional functionality such as code snippets, custom themes and HTML5 schemas.
You can download GNU Emacs free of charge.
23. Bluefish (FREE)
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Our final recommendation is Bluefish. This lightweight editor offers search and replace, file uploads via FTP and SFTP, a snippets sidebar and code block folding.
An unlimited amount of undos and redos are permitted and Bluefish will show any mistakes you have in your code.
Bluefish is an open source application, so is free to download on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have enjoyed this look at the best text editors of 2020. If so, I encourage you to subscribe to Design Bombs. You can also get updates of our latest articles by subscribing by RSS or by following us on Facebook or Twitter.
What's your favorite text editor?
Let us know in the comment area below 🙂
Kevin
All Windows and Mac machines have basic text editors, but TextEdit and Notepad aren't sufficient for serious web developers. Fortunately, there is no shortage of alternatives. Below is a roundup of the best text editors in 2018 including free and premium options.
Why would you need a more advanced text editor?
Web and software developers use text editors to make code changes or start files from scratch using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or any other programming language. If you don't know a file's format, you can open it with the text editor to view the source code. Text editors are also useful for removing formatting, font styles and hyperlinks from text. These tasks can be accomplished using the default text editors for Windows or Mac; however, if you're trying to create complex software or websites, a more advanced text editor can make the process much easier.
Best collaborative text editors
There are certain online-based text editors available which are built for collaborative use. Whether that be for interview purposes, team coding session, or easy code sharing, these collaborative text editors are great for easily getting more than one set of eyes on your code.
1. CodeShare
CodeShare is the first service that allows you to share your code in real time. It's extremely useful for remote hiring purposes, code reviews, debugging sessions, etc. One differentiator from CodeShare is that it also allows you to talk over video, which in some cases can prove to be quite beneficial.
You are required to port code over from your local development environment and it should be noted that code is only saved for 24 hours unless an account is created.
2. Codeanywhere
Codeanywhere provides a variety of useful features for coding on the go. It comes with an intuitive editor, allows you to connect remotely, has a built-in terminal console, and provides the ability to track revisions.
With Codeanywhere you can easily share files or complete project folders with any collaborator via a simple share link.
Codeanywhere does come with a free tier however also has plans starting at $2/month going to $40/month.
3. CodePen
CodePen is already known as a quite collaborative platform. You can create pens directly on the CodePen platform and share them with others. However, CodePen also comes with a Collab Mode which allows you and other collaborators to edit a pen at the same time.
Although Collab Mode does require a PRO subscription for the pen creator, collaborators aren't required to pay in order to make edits. Furthermore, this mode also comes with a handy chat feature so that you can discuss any changes with your team in real time.
Best free text editors in 2018
All of the options below support most major programming languages, but none of them support every single language. Before you download a text editor, check the maker's website to ensure that your language of choice is supported. If you're primarily developing websites, then these editors should be sufficient.
1. Atom
Atom is a relatively new (released in 2015) an open source editor that works for Mac, Windows and Linux. This highly customizable text editor is supported by a community of committed developers, so you'll have access to dozens of plugins and themes. Atom even comes with a built-in tool for creating your own plugins. Since the editor was made exclusively with web technologies like HTML, JavaScript and CSS, any experienced web developer should feel right at home with Atom.
2. Visual Studio Code
Like Atom, Visual Studio Code is still relatively new (also released in 2015) however has been successful in gaining quite a bit of traction since then. It is built to run cross-platform, has an extensive plugin ecosystem, and comes with a few welcoming features to make life easier including:
- Built-in Git commands
- IntelliSense, which goes beyond highlighting and autocompletion with smart completions
- Debugging directly from the editor
VSCode has also shown to be faster than other popular text editors such as Atom. Furthermore, if you prefer to work with minimal distractions, you can also enable VSCode's 'Zen Mode' which hides all menus/windows and maximizes the editor screen.
3. Brackets
Brackets was made with web developers in mind. Consequently, there are versions of Brackets for Linux, Windows and Mac. Don't be deceived by the simple UI; Brackets supports dozens of keyboard shortcuts in addition to advanced features like split-screen editing. With the Live Preview feature, you can watch your web pages update in real time as you edit CSS and HTML files. Plugins provide additional support for things like W3C validation and Python tools.
4. Notepad++
As an upgraded version of the default Notepad for Windows, Notepad++ does everything its namesake can do and much more. It allows you to open documents in tabs so that you can edit multiple files without having to open and close them. You can also control all the tabs simultaneously to compare documents for differences, search for text and replace text.
What's your favorite text editor?
Let us know in the comment area below 🙂
Kevin
All Windows and Mac machines have basic text editors, but TextEdit and Notepad aren't sufficient for serious web developers. Fortunately, there is no shortage of alternatives. Below is a roundup of the best text editors in 2018 including free and premium options.
Why would you need a more advanced text editor?
Web and software developers use text editors to make code changes or start files from scratch using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or any other programming language. If you don't know a file's format, you can open it with the text editor to view the source code. Text editors are also useful for removing formatting, font styles and hyperlinks from text. These tasks can be accomplished using the default text editors for Windows or Mac; however, if you're trying to create complex software or websites, a more advanced text editor can make the process much easier.
Best collaborative text editors
There are certain online-based text editors available which are built for collaborative use. Whether that be for interview purposes, team coding session, or easy code sharing, these collaborative text editors are great for easily getting more than one set of eyes on your code.
1. CodeShare
CodeShare is the first service that allows you to share your code in real time. It's extremely useful for remote hiring purposes, code reviews, debugging sessions, etc. One differentiator from CodeShare is that it also allows you to talk over video, which in some cases can prove to be quite beneficial.
You are required to port code over from your local development environment and it should be noted that code is only saved for 24 hours unless an account is created.
2. Codeanywhere
Codeanywhere provides a variety of useful features for coding on the go. It comes with an intuitive editor, allows you to connect remotely, has a built-in terminal console, and provides the ability to track revisions.
With Codeanywhere you can easily share files or complete project folders with any collaborator via a simple share link.
Codeanywhere does come with a free tier however also has plans starting at $2/month going to $40/month.
3. CodePen
CodePen is already known as a quite collaborative platform. You can create pens directly on the CodePen platform and share them with others. However, CodePen also comes with a Collab Mode which allows you and other collaborators to edit a pen at the same time.
Although Collab Mode does require a PRO subscription for the pen creator, collaborators aren't required to pay in order to make edits. Furthermore, this mode also comes with a handy chat feature so that you can discuss any changes with your team in real time.
Best free text editors in 2018
All of the options below support most major programming languages, but none of them support every single language. Before you download a text editor, check the maker's website to ensure that your language of choice is supported. If you're primarily developing websites, then these editors should be sufficient.
1. Atom
Atom is a relatively new (released in 2015) an open source editor that works for Mac, Windows and Linux. This highly customizable text editor is supported by a community of committed developers, so you'll have access to dozens of plugins and themes. Atom even comes with a built-in tool for creating your own plugins. Since the editor was made exclusively with web technologies like HTML, JavaScript and CSS, any experienced web developer should feel right at home with Atom.
2. Visual Studio Code
Like Atom, Visual Studio Code is still relatively new (also released in 2015) however has been successful in gaining quite a bit of traction since then. It is built to run cross-platform, has an extensive plugin ecosystem, and comes with a few welcoming features to make life easier including:
- Built-in Git commands
- IntelliSense, which goes beyond highlighting and autocompletion with smart completions
- Debugging directly from the editor
VSCode has also shown to be faster than other popular text editors such as Atom. Furthermore, if you prefer to work with minimal distractions, you can also enable VSCode's 'Zen Mode' which hides all menus/windows and maximizes the editor screen.
3. Brackets
Brackets was made with web developers in mind. Consequently, there are versions of Brackets for Linux, Windows and Mac. Don't be deceived by the simple UI; Brackets supports dozens of keyboard shortcuts in addition to advanced features like split-screen editing. With the Live Preview feature, you can watch your web pages update in real time as you edit CSS and HTML files. Plugins provide additional support for things like W3C validation and Python tools.
4. Notepad++
As an upgraded version of the default Notepad for Windows, Notepad++ does everything its namesake can do and much more. It allows you to open documents in tabs so that you can edit multiple files without having to open and close them. You can also control all the tabs simultaneously to compare documents for differences, search for text and replace text.
Notepad++ only works with Windows devices, of course, but there is a mobile version available. There are also plenty of plugins you can download to set up auto-save features, merge text from multiple documents and much more.
5. TextMate
TextMate is a great text editor exclusively for Mac users. This Apple Design Award-winning tool has all of the features you'd expect like search and replace, auto-indentation and word completion. You can code in any programming language, but TextMate also comes with a special tool specifically for building Xcode projects.
6. Vim
Vim was one of the best text editors when it was released in 1991, so the fact that it's on this list is a testament to this program's greatness. Even in 2018, developers are still producing new scripts and updates. Due to the editor's age, documentation and tutorials about Vim are easy to find. Vim works on all major platforms.
Check out our Vim commands cheat sheet for a complete overview of the Vim commands you need to know.
7. Komodo Edit
In addition to tabbed browsing, Komodo Edit offers numerous UI options to make editing as convenient as possible. For example, Focus Mode hides all other open windows so that you can concentrate on coding. Alternatively, you can choose to view folders on the side of the editor. An underrated but much-appreciated feature is the button that lets you return to your previous cursor location. If you need more advanced functionality like debugging, unit testing and code refactoring, check out.
Best paid text editors
Best Plain Text Editor For Windows Free
1. Sublime Text
Just because Sublime Text is lightweight doesn't mean it lacks features. Sublime Text was built from the ground up with a Python API for developers who work with code all day long. Thanks to the editor's array of keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly navigate your code and make changes to multiple lines at once. Not only is Sublime Text cross-platform, but it utilizes the native functionalities of each OS to optimize speed and ease-of-use.
Sublime can be downloaded for evaluation for free however continued use requires the purchase of a license.
Best Text Editors Windows 10
Price: $80
2. CoffeeCup HTML
As its name suggests, CoffeeCup HTML Editor is ideal for creating and managing HTML documents. Therefore, it's a popular option among web developers. Notable premium features include a code cleaner and HTML validation. There is a free version with fewer features, but you can try the full program for free for 21 days.
Price: $49
Microsoft Text Editor Windows 10
3. Coda
Coda remains one of the best text editors a full decade after its initial release. Like Dreamweaver, Coda is so feature-rich that it's practically an IDE. Coda is exclusively for Mac, so it was built with Apple lovers in mind. If you want a similar program for Windows, try UltraEdit.
Price: $99
4. BBEdit
Another Apple exclusive, BBEdit is the spiritual successor to TextWrangler. BB stands for bare bones, which is an apt description for BBEdit's interface, but this premium text editor supports advanced features like code folding and Git integration. Try the full version at no cost for 30 days.
Price: $49.99
Summary
If you're new to web development, start with an open source text editor like Atom or Bracket. Many of the free editors are powerful enough to meet the needs of most web projects. As you gain confidence in your coding capabilities, you may find such text editors too restrictive, so a premium option could be worth the investment if it can help you work faster and more efficiently.
