Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source code editor for Windows, with support for multiple programming languages.
About Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and source code editor for Windows. It works as a Notepad replacement for everyday plain text and supports multiple programming languages. Its search tools are a practical reason to choose it: you can find or replace text in the current document, across open files or within a folder, using plain text or regular expressions. Filters let you narrow a folder search to relevant file types.
For repeated editing, column mode selects a rectangular block of text, and multi-editing lets you change several selected locations together. Two document views help you work with files side by side. You can also record a sequence of supported editing actions as a macro, save it and replay it later. Macros have limits: not every command can be recorded, and replay depends on the caret's position. Notepad++ is a Windows application, so someone who needs the same native editor on Linux or macOS should consider that platform boundary before adopting it.
Key features
- Edit plain text and source code for multiple languages
- Search and replace across documents or a selected folder
- Use regular expressions and file filters for text searches
- Edit rectangular selections and multiple locations
- Place documents in two side-by-side views
- Record and replay supported editing actions as macros
Best for: Windows users editing source files or plain text who need folder searches, repeated replacements and precise multi-line changes.
Good for
- Free and open source under the GPL
- Folder search and replacement can handle related files together
- Column editing and macros support repetitive text work
Watch out for
- Native application targets Windows
- Macro recording covers only supported actions and depends on the caret's position
Notepad++ at a glance
- Website
- notepad-plus-plus.org
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Text Editors
- Type
- App
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Windows
- Details verified
- Oct 20, 2026 · Official source
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Text Editors
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Notepad++ FAQ
Can Notepad++ replace text in a folder of files?
Yes. Find in Files includes replacement, a directory selector and file filters. Check the directory and filters before applying a replacement across files.
Can Notepad++ repeat an editing sequence?
It can record supported editing actions as a macro, save the sequence and replay it. Not every command is recordable, and the caret's starting position affects the result.
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