Our verdict: Notepad3 is a good pick if you want Windows Notepad to start just as fast but understand code. It highlights dozens of languages, searches with regular expressions and can replace the built-in Notepad. It has no tabs and no plugin system, so it stays a single-file editor.
About Notepad3
Notepad3 is developed by Rizonesoft and grew out of Notepad2 by Florian Balmer. It is built on the Scintilla editing component and released under the BSD 3-Clause license.
Each file opens in its own small window. Notepad3 adds syntax schemes for languages such as C++, Python, JavaScript, SQL and Markdown, code folding, bookmarks, line encoding and line ending conversion, and an optional setting that makes it open whenever Windows would start Notepad.
What it does well
- Syntax highlighting. Ships with color schemes for dozens of programming, markup and config languages.
- Regex search. Find and replace with regular expressions, plus a mark-all-occurrences mode.
- Code folding. Collapses functions and blocks to keep long files readable.
- Encoding tools. Converts between UTF-8, UTF-16 and ANSI code pages and between Windows and Unix line endings.
- Notepad replacement. Can be set to open instead of the built-in Windows Notepad.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who edit config files, scripts and logs and want a faster, smarter Notepad.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who needs tabs, plugins, project folders or a debugger.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Starts instantly
- Clean, minimal interface
- Regex search and replace
- Can replace Windows Notepad
Cons
- No tabs: every file opens in its own window
- No plugin system
- Windows only
How to install Notepad3
The download button gets the 64-bit installer from the official GitHub release. A portable ZIP is listed on the same release. During setup you can choose whether Notepad3 should replace Windows Notepad.
Questions about Notepad3
Is Notepad3 free?
Yes. It is open source under the BSD 3-Clause license and free for any use.
What is the difference between Notepad3 and Notepad++?
Notepad3 is a single-window editor that stays close to classic Notepad. Notepad++ has tabs, sessions and plugins.
Can Notepad3 replace Windows Notepad?
Yes. The installer offers an option that opens Notepad3 whenever Windows would start Notepad.
