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Notepad++ Now Native for Mac: Free Code Editor for Apple Silicon & Intel

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Notepad++ for Mac is now available as a free native macOS application under version 1.0.2, dropping Wine and emulation. Built from the original Windows codebase, it runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1–M5) and Intel Macs without compatibility layers.

The open-source editor, governed by the GNU GPL, uses Objective C++ and platform-native APIs to ensure speed and a small footprint. It’s a community port—separate from the official Windows version—distributed as an Apple Developer ID-signed, notarized Universal Binary with no telemetry or ads.

Key features include identical Scintilla-based editing across platforms, macOS-native UI elements, and daily plugin releases. Maintained by Andrey Letov and contributors, it’s safe to install and fully free, making it a robust alternative for macOS coders.

Notepad++’s Mac version is a significant move for developers seeking a familiar, lightweight code editor on Apple hardware, maintaining its cross-platform reliability without bloat.