Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Notepad++. For more help, visit the official community or the main Notepad++ page.

Licensing

Is Notepad++ free?
Yes — Notepad++ is free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL). You can use, share, and modify it without cost.

Compatibility

Which operating systems are supported?
Notepad++ runs natively on Windows (XP and later) and supports both 32‑bit and 64‑bit systems. On macOS and Linux, it can run via Wine.

Security

Is it safe to download?
Yes, as long as you download from the official source. Verify the GPG signature or SHA‑256 hash provided on the download page to ensure file integrity.

Editing Features

Does it support syntax highlighting?
Yes — Notepad++ provides syntax highlighting for many languages (HTML, C++, Python, and more) to make code easier to read and write.

Syntax highlighting isn’t appearing — what should I do?
Make sure the correct language is selected under the Language menu so the proper syntax rules are applied.

Extensibility

What are plugins and how do I manage them?
Plugins extend Notepad++ with extra capabilities like FTP support, XML tools, or advanced search. Manage them via the built‑in Plugins Admin.

Appearance

Does Notepad++ support Dark Mode?
Yes. Since version 8.0, Notepad++ includes a native Dark Mode. Enable it from Settings > Preferences > Dark Mode.

Support

How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Visit the official Notepad++ GitHub page and open an issue. Follow project guidelines to help developers reproduce or understand your submission.