Notepad.exe 1.3 Adds Local AI Assistance and Mac App Export

September 21, 2025

Independent developer Marcin Krzyzanowski today announced Notepad.exe 1.3, adding local AI coding assistance and Mac app export to the native macOS code editor. The update helps users explain, refactor, and package code without moving the work out of the app.

AI that stays on the Mac

"AI coding assistants are everywhere now, but most send your code to the cloud," says Krzyzanowski. "With version 1.3, I wanted the helper to live inside the editor. Your code stays on your Mac, and the assistant is there when a small explanation or refactor would save time."

Coding Intelligence can explain code, suggest changes, and help write small pieces of functionality. It is built into the same editor where the note already lives, so users do not need to copy snippets into a separate chat window.

From code note to Mac app

Version 1.3 also adds App Distribution. SwiftUI experiments can be exported as macOS applications directly from Notepad.exe, which makes it easier to keep working when a quick prototype turns into something worth running outside the editor.

"It is the first version of this feature, but it is already useful for packaging work into something you can run and share. You can go from a note to a running application inside Notepad.exe."

What is included

• Coding Intelligence: Local AI assistance for explanations, suggestions, and refactors.
• App Distribution: Export macOS applications from SwiftUI notes.
• Local processing: AI operations run on the Mac without a cloud dependency.
• Swift and Python updates: Better file handling, highlighting, and package management.
• Themes: More built-in themes and support for custom themes.
• Custom app icons: Change the Notepad.exe icon from settings.

Privacy and performance

Notepad.exe's Coding Intelligence runs on device using Apple's machine learning frameworks. That means:

• Code stays on the Mac.
• AI features do not require an internet connection.
• Responses do not wait on network round trips.
• AI features do not require a separate subscription.

Smaller improvements

Version 1.3 also includes changes to the everyday editor experience:

• Cleaner interface details.
• Better text handling and editing.
• Improved troubleshooting tools.
• Bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Better code completion and error detection.

Availability

Notepad.exe 1.3 is available immediately as a free update for all existing users. New users can purchase at notepadexe.com with pricing starting at a $19.99/year subscription, or a one-time lifetime license. Academic discounts are available for students and educators. See notepadexe.com/purchase for current pricing.

System requirements: macOS 15.0 (Sequoia) or later.

About Notepad.exe

Notepad.exe is a native macOS code editor for quick code notes, Swift and Python experiments, iOS prototypes, local AI assistance, and Mac app export without starting in a full IDE.

High-resolution screenshots, logos, and additional press materials are available at notepadexe.com/press.

Notepad.exe for Mac developers