Run Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go
Try scripts, snippets, CLIs, and UI experiments from one editor without setting up a full project first.
Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go
Write code. Run it now.
A lightweight Mac code editor for Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go. Run a file right away, then pull in packages, test on Linux, or build for Apple platforms from the same app.
macOS 15+, Universal binary
4
Languages, one editor
Run
Code instantly
Build
Packages, Linux, Apple platforms
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.
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.
Open a file and run it.
Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go 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 Export a Mac app when a SwiftUI experiment turns useful
Use AI on your Mac.
Get completions, explanations, and refactors from the built-in assistant. Your code stays on your machine.
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.
More than a scratchpad.
Run code, keep notes close, add dependencies, and export or share the things worth keeping.
Export Mac apps
Turn SwiftUI work into a real Mac app when a useful experiment stops being temporary.
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.
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.
Perpetual License
$79/ one-time
Buy once
- All features unlocked
- Free updates for v1.x
- Works on 3 devices
- Money-back guarantee
Most popular
Annual Subscription
$19.99/ year
Best if you use it often
- All features unlocked
- Continuous updates
- Works on 3 devices
- Cancel anytime
- Priority support
Free Version
$0/ try before you buy
Try it first
- Core editor features
- Limited advanced features
- Occasional reminders
- Upgrade anytime
Students and educators get free academic access through an annual subscription at 100% off. Apply
Questions before download.
If you want the short version, it sits between a text editor and a full IDE. Fast to start, but capable enough to stick around.
What is Notepad.exe?
Notepad.exe is a lightweight code editor for Mac. It lets you get from idea to running code quickly in Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go.
Is it an IDE or a text editor?
It sits in the useful middle: fast like a text editor, with code completion, diagnostics, execution, package workflows, Simulator support, and app export when you need them.
Do I need Xcode installed?
You can use the Swift toolchain for many Swift runs. Xcode and Apple SDKs are useful when you want to run apps, use Simulator, or work with platform APIs.
Can I prototype iOS apps?
Yes. You can run SwiftUI and UIKit experiments in the iOS Simulator without creating an Xcode project first.
Does the AI send code to a server?
The built-in AI assistant runs on your Mac, so completions, explanations, and refactors can happen on device.
What languages are supported?
Swift, Python, JavaScript, and Go are supported for syntax highlighting, completion, diagnostics, and instant execution.
Can it run code on Linux?
Yes. Notepad.exe can run supported workflows on macOS and Linux, which helps when a quick test needs to match a server target.
Why name a Mac app Notepad.exe?
Because the name is memorable, and the app is serious about staying small, fast, and direct.
Download Notepad.exe and run something today.
Also available with brew install notepadexe