ProperTree edits property-list files through a cross-platform graphical interface written in Python.
Alternatives
The Best CotEditor Alternatives in 2026
3 alternatives0 free · 3 open source
Looking for something like CotEditor? Here are 3 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 3 are open source.
CotEditor provides plain-text editing on macOS, with its site describing a lightweight editor for the platform.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionProperTreeProperTree edits property-list files through a…Another optiongibMacOSgibMacOS downloads macOS components directly from Apple and…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ProperTree | — | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| 2 | gibMacOS | — | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| 3 | USBMap | — | Yes | macOS |
All CotEditor alternatives
1
Also covers macos and python
2
Also covers macos and python
gibMacOS downloads macOS components directly from Apple and can build Internet Recovery USB installers from Windows.
3
Also covers macos and python
USBMap maps USB ports on macOS and creates a custom injector kext, addressing port limits described by the project.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
What is the best alternative to CotEditor?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to CotEditor are ProperTree, gibMacOS, and USBMap.
Are there open-source alternatives to CotEditor?
Yes: ProperTree, gibMacOS, and USBMap.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative



