Nextpad++
Andrey Letov · Native macOS text and code editor: an unofficial, free, open-source port of Notepad++.
Nextpad++ is a Developer Tools app for Mac. It needs macOS 12 or later.
About
Nextpad++ is an unofficial native macOS port of the Notepad++ codebase, developed by Andrey Letov. It uses Scintilla and Lexilla and runs without Wine or an emulation layer. The universal macOS build supports Apple Silicon and Intel.
Editing and workflow
- Tabbed documents, syntax highlighting for 80+ languages, code folding and user-defined languages.
- Regular-expression search, find-in-files, split views, document map and macro recording.
- Native menus and shortcuts, system-aware dark mode, 137 interface languages and an optional Tahoe-style toolbar; Classic remains the default.
- Plugin Admin manages plugins ported for this platform. Windows plugin binaries are not directly compatible; consult the official plugin catalog rather than assuming every Windows plugin is available.
Requirements and installation
Version 1.1.2 requires macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, despite older README references to macOS 11. Install the official Homebrew cask:
brew install --cask 'nextpad++'
Alternatively, download the signed, notarized DMG from the official release page, open it, drag Nextpad++.app into Applications and launch it from Applications or Spotlight. The optional npp terminal editor is a separate opt-in component; installing this cask installs the desktop app.
License and privacy
Free and open source under GPL-3.0. The project states that it has no ads, subscriptions or telemetry. This port is distinct from the original Windows Notepad++ project.
New What’s new in 1.1.2 Oct 5 · OpenNavo editorial
- Highlights1.1.2 — macOS 12+, Apple Silicon / Intel
Install and uninstall
Homebrew installs the app in your Applications folder.
Install without Homebrew
Download the same file Homebrew uses: github.com/nextpad-plus-plus/nextpad-plus-plus-macos/releases/download/v1.1.2/Nextpad++v1.1.2.dmg
SHA-256 only checks that the download is complete; it is not a security certification. See the SHA-256 and download address
$ brew uninstall --cask \nextpad++A regular uninstall removes the app and keeps its settings and caches.
$ brew uninstall --zap --cask \nextpad++--zap also deletes the settings, caches and other files listed in the Homebrew definition. They can include data shared with other apps and cannot be restored, and it does not guarantee that nothing is left.See which files are removed
Facts and sources
- Version 1.1.2
- Released by the vendor on Oct 5
Questions
Is Nextpad++ safe?
Nextpad++ is in Homebrew’s official catalog and has not been disabled. Since September 2026, Homebrew disables apps that fail macOS Gatekeeper checks. When installing, Homebrew checks the download from github.com against its SHA-256 checksum. It was installed 12 times through Homebrew in the last 30 days.
How do I completely uninstall Nextpad++ on a Mac?
Run brew uninstall --cask nextpad++. It quits the app. To delete its settings and caches as well, run brew uninstall --zap --cask nextpad++. That also deletes 7 files and folders, including ~/.
Does Nextpad++ run on Apple silicon (M1 and later) Macs?
Homebrew installs it on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs, from the same download. It needs macOS 12 or later.
Where does Nextpad++ store its settings and data?
Its settings are in ~/. Its data is in ~/ and ~/. These locations come from Homebrew’s clean-up list.
What is the latest version of Nextpad++?
The latest version is 1.1.2. Run brew upgrade --cask nextpad++ to update it.