How do I get Notepad.exe?

Download it from notepadexe.com. You can also subscribe to receive information about releases and updates.

Is Notepad.exe an IDE or a text editor?

Both! It's a lightweight IDE with code completion, live error detection, and instant execution - but without the bloat of traditional IDEs. Think of it as Xcode Playgrounds done right.

Wait, isn't Notepad.exe the Windows Notepad? Why name a Mac app .exe?

Yes, it's intentionally ironic - naming a native macOS app with a .exe extension is the kind of rebellious humor that makes developers smile. It's a playful nod to the simplicity of Windows Notepad while being the exact opposite: a powerful, native code editor for Swift, Python, and JavaScript built exclusively for Mac.

Do I need Xcode installed?

Notepad.exe works with just Swift Toolchain installed, but having the SDK from Xcode allows you to run applications. It's like having both the recipe and the oven!

Can I develop iOS apps with Notepad.exe?

Yes! Notepad.exe includes built-in iOS simulator integration. You can run iOS code and test your SwiftUI and UIKit apps directly in the simulator.

What programming languages does Notepad.exe support?

Notepad.exe supports Swift, Python, and JavaScript with full language support, intelligent code completion, and instant execution.

Why isn't it open source?

Parts of Notepad.exe are open source. The core product remains proprietary to maintain the development model, but some components are available as open source projects.

Does Notepad.exe have vim mode?

No, I'm not doing vim mode. However, there's an app named kindaVim (https://kindavim.app/) that is 100% compatible with Notepad.exe, and I recommend using it!

Welcome to Notepad.exe - Native macOS Code Editor

Stop Fighting With IDEs.
Start Coding.

The lightweight IDE that lets you code. Write it, run it. That's it.
No project setup. No config files. Just code.

Notepad.exe guestbook

For quick prototyping, learning to code, testing APIs, or running scripts, Notepad.exe fills a nice niche. Perfect for the "just let me write and run some code" workflow.

Whether you're picking up Swift, automating something in Python, or hacking on a JavaScript project, this native Mac app gets out of your way. Students and educators can apply for free academic access. Check out the [FAQ] section or visit our press kit for media resources.

See It In Action

Notepad.exe building SwiftUI Mac application with animations and native UI

Build Native Mac Apps - Create SwiftUI applications with animations and interactive UI. Run your Mac apps instantly to see your code in action.

Notepad.exe running Swift code for Linux directly from macOS with AI coding assistant

Swift on Linux on Mac - Run Swift code for Linux platforms directly from macOS. Built-in AI coding assistant helps you write, edit, and understand cross-platform code.

Notepad.exe iOS Simulator integration with SwiftUI app and project settings

iOS Simulator Integration - Run SwiftUI apps directly in the iOS Simulator. Configure Swift toolchain, platform, and SDK settings without complex project files.

Notepad.exe Python editor with interpreter settings and built-in documentation

Python Development Made Easy - Run Python scripts with custom interpreter settings and package dependencies. Access built-in Quick Help documentation for instant API reference.

Notepad.exe editor preferences and customization options for text editing

Fully Customizable Editor - Tailor your coding environment with extensive preferences. Configure line numbers, highlighting, indentation, wrapping, and more to match your workflow.

What Developers Are Saying

I really dig the Notes Library and the ability to pin a window to the front. Love the included assist too. Cot does too little for me, Xcode is overkill for small things so I really love this. The website + the small yellow notes are so cute. We need more whimsical stuff. Thanks for making this!

Jakob

It's an excellent small code editor to explore all your Swift ideas without launching an heavy IDE like Xcode And the option to create an image for quickly sharing a piece of code on social networks is just perfect!

Thomas Ricouard

I was really impressed with Marcin squeezing every drop of performance from ~~Electron~~, only to learn Notepad.exe is a native app. With Marcin's decades of experience building text components this lightweight IDE is great for putting together quick ideas to see what works. Where Xcode playground has to work *despite* Xcode's years of legacy, Notepad.exe has a very promising future ahead of itself

Sash Zats

I've tried loads of Swift dev tools, and Notepad.exe is one of the few that hasn't made it onto my naughty list. It's fast, lightweight and refreshingly low-friction - allowing one to jump straight into experimenting with code snippets without distractions or unnecessary side-quests. It's exactly the Swift playground we've all been wanting.

Konstantin

What Makes It Special

Zero Setup, Infinite Possibilities: Write your code and hit run. No Xcode projects, no configuration files, no waiting around.
Your Languages, Your Way: Swift for iOS and Mac apps, Python for scripts and automation, JavaScript for web projects. Smart code completion helps you along. Read about our latest updates.
Swift on Linux From Your Mac: Run and test Swift code for Linux platforms directly from macOS. Everything is handled automatically - just write your code and run it.
Smart Notes Library: Every code snippet saved and searchable. Filter by language, tags, or recent edits in your personal code library.
AI-Powered, Privacy-First: Local AI code assistance that respects your privacy. What happens on your Mac, stays on your Mac. Learn about our privacy commitment.
Built for Focus: Clean native macOS interface without the IDE bloat. Just you and your code.

And So Much More

Swift, Python & JavaScript Support
Syntax Highlighting
Intelligent Code Completion
Instant Code Execution
iOS Simulator Integration
Run on Linux Support
Mac Application Development
Live Errors As You Type
Code Formatting

Smart Notes Library
Search & Filter Notes
Tag Organization
Pin Favorite Notes
Recent Files Access
Export Code as Image
Export Mac Applications
Share Code Snippets
Dark & Light Themes

AI Coding Assistant
Local AI Processing
Privacy-First Design
Multiple Cursors
Line Numbers & Guides
Keyboard Shortcuts
Spotlight Integration
Auto-Save
Native macOS Performance

Start Coding Without the Wait

Download Notepad.exe

macOS 15.0+

Q: How do I get Notepad.exe?: A: Download and purchase Notepad.exe or try the free version with core features. You can also subscribe to receive information about releases.
Q: Is Notepad.exe an IDE or a text editor?: A: Both! It's a lightweight IDE with code completion, live error detection, and instant execution - but without the bloat of traditional IDEs. Think of it as Xcode Playgrounds done right.
Q: Wait, isn't Notepad.exe the Windows Notepad? Why name a Mac app ".exe"?: A: You caught me! Yes, it's intentionally ironic - naming a native macOS app with a ".exe" extension is the kind of rebellious humor that makes developers smile (or groan). It's a playful nod to the simplicity of Windows Notepad while being the exact opposite: a code editor for Swift, Python, and JavaScript built exclusively for Mac. Think of it as the ultimate plot twist in the code editor story. Plus, it makes for great conversation starters at tech meetups!
Q: When will you support language X?: A: We've got Swift, Python, and JavaScript covered. More languages? Maybe. Stay tuned!
Q: Can't I just use (insert tool you have an opinion about)?: A: Sure, why not? Go ahead and be a rebel!
Q: (Tool you have an opinion about) does it better.: A: That's fantastic news! More power to you and your tool-wielding skills!
Q: Why?: A: Because I can... and also because unicorns told me so.
Q: Is this Swift Studio?: A: It might transform into one after midnight. Who knows?
Q: Why isn't it open source?: A: For very mysterious reasons, like protecting the last piece of grandma's secret pie recipe. Plus, parts are open source on GitHub, so I'm not a total villain!
Q: I could build it over the weekend myself?: A: Go for it! Just make sure to send me a postcard when you're done.
Q: Why don't you just...?: A: Yes! Wait, what was the question again?
Q: It looks like CodeRunner with some AI sprinkled in?: A: Sure, and my toaster's a space shuttle. But hey, great detective work, Sherlock!
Q: Do I need Xcode installed?: A: Notepad.exe works with just Swift Toolchain installed, but having the SDK from Xcode allows you to run applications. It's like having both the recipe and the oven!
Q: Can I develop iOS apps with Notepad.exe?: A: I spent months adding iOS simulators just so you could ask this question. Yes, it runs iOS code now. Your iPhone apps can finally escape Xcode's loving embrace!
Q: Does Notepad.exe have vim mode?: A: No, I'm not doing vim mode. However, there's an app named kindaVim (kindavim.app) that is 100% compatible with Notepad.exe, and I recommend using it!
Q: Did anyone actually ask these questions?: A: Nope, but it feels good to pretend they did!

[ Mail icon made by marcin ]

Stop Fighting With IDEs.Start Coding.