My Top 6 Replacements for Windows Notepad

We all know that Windows comes with a simple text editor called Notepad. It gets the job done, but it has its limitations. Some die-hard nerds swear by it, saying that its simplicity is its power. However, for those of us who want more, I’m here to introduce you to several high-power replacements for Notepad. Whether you’re working with text files or doing some programming, these alternatives are worth checking out.

The Features

These Notepad replacements have a lot in common when it comes to features. Here are some of the things they can do:

• Syntax highlighting: The program will automatically highlight certain functions and commands based on the programming language you’re using, making them easier to spot.
• Auto-completion: It helps you complete functions as you type them, making programming faster and more efficient.
• Multiple document editing: You can work on multiple text files at the same time, switching between them effortlessly.
• Regular expression search & replace: You can search for patterns rather than just simple text, allowing for more advanced searching capabilities.
• Multiple language support: These text editors can handle different programming languages, so you’re not limited to just one.
• Bookmarks: You can mark a specific line in a text file and easily jump back to it later.
• Macros & scripting: These editors offer advanced features that allow you to automate tasks and customize your workflow.

These power user features are especially useful for programmers. They can save you a lot of time and make your work more efficient. For example, some editors can automatically wrap long text files at a specific character limit.

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free and open-source text editor that packs a punch. It offers all the features I mentioned earlier, and more. One of its standout features is code folding, which allows you to collapse functions and logic statements to save screen space. It was my go-to program when I was using Windows regularly, and I found it invaluable for working on text newsletters and PHP coding.

Programmer’s Notepad

Programmer’s Notepad is very similar to Notepad++ in terms of features and capabilities. It’s another powerful option for programmers. In addition to the features useful to programmers, it also supports code templates, comments, extensions, and more. It even has a handy clip list that allows you to quickly insert blocks of code without typing them out every time.

PSPad

PSPad is another powerful Notepad replacement. Like the others, it offers syntax highlighting, macros, clip files, and templates. It even has an integrated HEX editor. You can group multiple files into projects and it has a built-in FTP client, allowing you to edit files on your server live.

Notepad2

Notepad2 is a lightweight yet powerful text editor. It’s based on Scintilla, just like Notepad++, and offers similar features. Its website may not provide much detail, but trust me, it’s worth trying out. And of course, like the other options, it’s free to use.

TextPad

TextPad is the only option on this list that is not free, but it’s a fantastic text editor for programmers. It has all the features you could want, such as a built-in file comparison engine, unlimited redo/undo, and a spell checker. TextPad also offers a wide range of add-ons that you can explore to further enhance your experience.

You might be wondering if a paid text editor is necessary in this field. Well, in my opinion, it is. I used TextPad for a long time and found that it offered things I missed when using something like Notepad++. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

EditPad

EditPad comes in two flavors: Lite (which is free) and Pro (which you need to purchase). EditPad Lite is more advanced than Notepad, but it doesn’t have all the features that programmers might want, like syntax highlighting. For those features, you’ll need to go with the Pro version. With EditPad Pro, you’ll get all the programmer-centric features, as well as a spell checker, clip collections, a hex editor, regular expression search/replace, and more.

BONUS: WinMerge

WinMerge isn’t a text editor, but it’s a helpful complement to have. It allows you to compare files and automatically highlights the differences for you. You can then merge the files line by line. This is a huge time saver for programmers who need to track multiple versions of the same file.

So, there you have it: my top six replacements for Windows Notepad. Give them a try and see which one suits your needs and preferences. Happy editing!