Indie App Spotlight is a weekly 9to5Mac series that showcases the latest indie apps. If you’re a developer and want your app featured, get in touch. Writing a little code shouldn’t be a hassle—usually you set up a project and navigate menus before you can even write. Notepad.exe flips that script, letting you start with a blank file and figure out the project later, so you can jot down ideas instantly.

The editor feels native, similar to Xcode but lighter. It supports Swift, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Go out of the gate. Just write your code and hit run. If you want to build something further, you can turn it into a project later. A Notes library lets you sift through files without remembering where you created each one.

Notepad.exe also offers a built‑in agentic coding assistant, letting you use a Codex subscription or local models to troubleshoot code problems. On top, it can embed your simulator inside the editor, making it a smooth workflow for iOS developers writing Swift UI.

Download the core app for free—no account needed. For full features, buy Notepad.exe Pro at $19.99/year or a perpetual license for $45 to get all updates within version 1.x.