Run Swift, Python, JavaScript, Go, and Rust
Try scripts, snippets, CLIs, and UI experiments from one editor without setting up a full project first.
Lightweight Mac code editor
Make something. Run it. Keep it.Five lines of Swift, Python, JavaScript, Go, or Rust shouldn’t need a project. Open a blank note and run the file. Add packages, a Linux target, or a Mac app when the idea sticks.
Free, no account · macOS 15.6+, Universal binary
Small ideas should run right away.
Open a file, hit Run, and see what happens. Notepad.exe is quick for scratch work, but it still has room for packages, platform testing, and app work.
It writes the same code you’d write by hand. You can read it, edit it, and learn from it.
Prototype iPhone and iPad screens
Run SwiftUI and UIKit ideas in Simulator when an experiment needs a real screen.
Test code on Mac and Linux
Keep quick experiments close to the platform they need to match, from local tools to server-side work.
Build small tools
Stick with one editor from the first experiment to a reusable utility, desktop app, or shareable script.
More than a scratchpad.
Run code, keep notes close, add dependencies, and export or share the things worth keeping.
Distribute Mac apps
Distribute a macOS Swift note as a local Mac app when the experiment is worth opening on its own.
Python requirements
Keep Python dependencies with the file and run them through the interpreter you choose.
JavaScript with Bun
Run JavaScript snippets, automation, and package experiments from the same editor.
Go workflows
Build quick CLIs, server experiments, and package tests without switching tools.
Organize and share snippets
Search the Notes Library, pin scratch windows above other apps, and export polished code images.
Choose where the assistant runs.
On-Device Model stays on the Mac. Notepad AI is the default and sends the conversation through Cloudflare. ChatGPT and Claude do too.
Use Simulator when a UI idea needs a real screen.
You can try SwiftUI and UIKit in the iOS Simulator without starting in Xcode.
Stay in the same editor as the work grows.
Add Swift packages, Python requirements, JavaScript dependencies, and Go modules without switching tools.
Open a file and run it.
Swift, Python, JavaScript, Go, and Rust work without a project. Start small, then add your own interpreters, flags, and targets when you need them.
- Run Quick experiments without setup
- Adjust Interpreters, flags, and targets when you need them
- Build Distribute a macOS Swift note as a local app when it is worth keeping
A few notes from people using Notepad.exe.
Some came for Swift, some for quick experiments, all wanted something lighter than a full IDE.
Cot does too little for me, Xcode is overkill for small things, so I really love this.
An excellent small code editor to explore Swift ideas without launching a heavy IDE like Xcode.
I was really impressed with the performance, only to learn Notepad.exe is a native app.
Fast, lightweight and refreshingly low-friction, allowing one to jump straight into experimenting with code snippets.
Start free. Pay when it earns a spot in your toolkit.
All paid plans work on up to 3 devices. Students and educators can apply for free academic access.
Recommended
Pro
$19.99/ year
Everything, always up to date
- All features unlocked
- Continuous updates
- Works on 3 devices
- Cancel anytime
- Priority support
Free
$0/ try it first
Start with the basics
- Core editor features
- Limited advanced features
- Occasional reminders
- Upgrade anytime
Prefer to buy once? See the perpetual license →
Students and educators get free academic access through an annual subscription at 100% off. Apply
Guides
Guides for a Swift file, a SwiftUI screen, Python, JavaScript, Go, and a Linux run.
Run Swift on a Mac without an Xcode project
Command-R runs a Swift note without creating an Xcode project.
Prototype SwiftUI without an Xcode project
SwiftUI and UIKit templates run in the iOS Simulator next to the source.
Run Python on a Mac without a project
Your interpreter, a .venv the app creates, and pip for the note's dependencies.
Run JavaScript on a Mac with Bun
One file, Command-R, and Bun. A Node project can wait until you need it.
Test code on Linux from a Mac
Swift and Go cross-compile, then run in a Linux container. Python, Bun, and Rust run there too.
Where the assistant runs
On-Device Model stays on the Mac. Notepad AI, the default, sends chat through Cloudflare.
Export a SwiftUI Mac app
Distribute App writes a local Mac app from a macOS Swift note. App Store upload stays in Xcode.
Organize code snippets on a Mac
Search the Library, tag a note, and pin the window above your other apps.
Run Go on a Mac without creating a module
A new Go note gets a go.mod from the app. Command-R runs it.
Questions
Xcode, Python, JavaScript, Linux, and what the assistant does with your code.
How do I run Swift on a Mac without creating an Xcode project?
Open Notepad.exe, start a Swift note, and press Command-R. If nothing else is installed, the app can assemble a macOS toolchain from Apple's Command Line Tools packages. The iOS Simulator still needs Xcode. Learn more
How do I prototype a SwiftUI screen without an Xcode project?
Pick a SwiftUI or UIKit template, write the view, and run it. Notepad.exe opens the iOS Simulator beside the editor, so you can see the screen without an .xcodeproj. Learn more
How do I run a Python script on a Mac without a project?
Open a Python note and run it with the interpreter you already have. The app creates a .venv from that interpreter and pip-installs the note's dependencies into it, including a library such as numpy. You do not need a PyCharm project. Learn more
How do I run JavaScript on a Mac without setting up Node?
Notepad.exe runs JavaScript and TypeScript with Bun, and it can install Bun for you. A single file runs with Command-R. Add a package when the script needs one. Learn more
How do I test code on Linux from a Mac?
Write the file on your Mac, then run the Linux target. Notepad.exe starts a Linux container. Swift and Go cross-compile on the Mac and the binary runs there. Python, Bun, and Rust run inside the container. Learn more
Does the Notepad.exe assistant send my code to a server?
On-Device Model and the version 1.3 suggestions keep the code on your Mac. Notepad AI is the default and sends the conversation through a Cloudflare gateway. ChatGPT (API), ChatGPT (Codex), and Claude send it to that provider. Learn more
How do I export a SwiftUI experiment as a Mac app?
Choose Distribute App on a macOS Swift note, including SwiftUI and AppKit. You get a local Mac app on your own machine. App Store upload is Xcode's job, and Python, Go, JavaScript, and Rust stay in the editor. Learn more
How do I organize code snippets on a Mac?
Save the note to the Library. Search by name, filter by language, and add tags such as ios or swiftui. Pin the window above your other apps when you want the snippet in view. Learn more
How do I run Go on a Mac without creating a module first?
Open a Go note and press Command-R. You do not type go mod init. The app creates go.mod for a new note. The Linux target cross-compiles a static binary and runs it in a container. Learn more
Download Notepad.exe and run something today.
Also available with brew install notepadexe