# Notepad++
**Notepad++** is a free (as in "free speech" and also as in "free beer") source code editor and Notepad replacement for [Microsoft Windows](https://www.edgepedia.org/microsoft-windows) that supports several programming and natural languages, and whose use is governed by the [GNU General Public License](https://www.edgepedia.org/gnu-general-public-license).[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) • [2](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/) It is written in C++ on the Scintilla editing component, using the pure Win32 API and the [Standard Template Library](https://www.edgepedia.org/standard-template-library), a combination the project says ensures higher execution speed and a smaller program size than heavier frameworks.[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it is | Free source code editor and Notepad replacement for MS Windows, licensed under the GNU General Public License[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) |
| Engine | Written in C++ with pure Win32 API and STL, built on the Scintilla editing component[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) |
| Language support | Around 80 programming languages with syntax highlighting and code folding[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md) |
| Extensibility | Plugin system since version 3.1, managed through the built-in Plugins Admin tool[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/) • [5](https://realpython.com/ref/code-editors-ides/notepad-plus-plus/) |
| Builds | 64-bit, ARM 64-bit, and 32-bit Windows builds; installer, MSI for IT deployment, and portable editions[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md) |
| Current release | The v8.x line, documented up to v8.9.8.1[6](https://www.npp-user-manual.org/) |
| Signing | From v8.9, release binaries are signed only with a GlobalSign-issued certificate[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/) |
## Features and architecture
Notepad++ is based on the powerful editing component Scintilla. The project attributes the editor's higher execution speed and smaller program size to its implementation choices: C++ with the pure Win32 API and STL.[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) The project also frames its low CPU usage as an efficiency feature, arguing that when a PC uses less CPU power it can throttle down and reduce power consumption.[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/)
On top of that engine, the editor supports around 80 programming languages with syntax highlighting and code folding, and allows working with multiple open files in a single window through its tabbed editing interface.[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md) Editing and navigation features include regex-capable search and replace, multi-caret and multi-edit features, and column editing.[5](https://realpython.com/ref/code-editors-ides/notepad-plus-plus/) Since version 8.0, Notepad++ has offered a built-in dark mode that can be set to follow the Windows light/dark setting.[5](https://realpython.com/ref/code-editors-ides/notepad-plus-plus/)
## User Defined Languages and plugins
The **User Language Define System (UDL)** lets users define their own languages: not only the syntax highlighting keyword definitions, but also the syntax folding keyword definitions, comment keyword definitions, and operator definitions.[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/)
Notepad++ has had a plugin system since version 3.1, which gives the editor its extension capacity.[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/) The application ships with a built-in Plugins Admin tool to install, update, and remove plugins.[5](https://realpython.com/ref/code-editors-ides/notepad-plus-plus/)
## Distribution, platforms, and deployment
Notepad++ runs in the MS Windows environment.[1](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) Downloads are offered as 64-bit, ARM 64-bit, or 32-bit builds, and users are told to determine which their system requires.[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md) For organizations, there is an MSI installer so that IT departments can deploy Notepad++ across an organization.[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md)
**Portable editions** store the application, settings, and plugins in one folder hierarchy and by default do not modify operating system settings, so there are no file associations or "Edit with Notepad++" context-menu entries. The mini-portable edition is a further reduction: it ships only the default light and dark themes, English localization, and no plugins or Plugins Admin.[3](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md)
## Releases and code signing since 2023
The documented release line is v8.x, currently up to v8.9.8.1.[6](https://www.npp-user-manual.org/) One change in this window concerned code signing. Starting with version 8.8.2, Notepad++ release binaries carried a self-signed code-signing certificate; that certificate was removed in v8.9. Beginning with version 8.9, release binaries are signed only with a certificate issued by GlobalSign, and the project strongly recommends that users who previously installed the self-signed root certificate remove it.[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/)
## License and governance
Notepad++ is Free Software whose rights are protected by the GNU General Public License, with its source code hosted on GitHub in the official notepad-plus-plus repository.[4](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/) • [2](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/) The official user manual describes the Notepad++ application v8.x, currently up to v8.9.8.1.[6](https://www.npp-user-manual.org/)
## References
1. [Notepad++ official website](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/)
2. [notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus, official GitHub repository](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/)
3. [Notepad++ User Manual, Getting Started](https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/npp-usermanual/blob/master/content/docs/getting-started.md)
4. [Resources, Notepad++ official website](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/resources/)
5. [Notepad++ | Code Editors & IDEs, Real Python](https://realpython.com/ref/code-editors-ides/notepad-plus-plus/)
6. [Notepad++ User Manual](https://www.npp-user-manual.org/)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Computing and digital systems › Software and programming › Development tools and collaboration infrastructure › Build, deployment, and development tooling*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Sep 30, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license