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CotEditor
Plain-text editor for web pages, program source codes and more
Developer ToolsFree
v6.2.2
Quick Take: CotEditor
4.6
CotEditor stands out as an exceptional plain-text editor for macOS, perfectly balancing simplicity with powerful features. Its commitment to a native macOS experience ensures it feels intuitive and performs rapidly, making it a joy to use for quick edits and more involved coding tasks. While it doesn't aim to be a full-fledged IDE, its extensive syntax highlighting, robust find/replace, and scriptability provide a solid foundation for developers, writers, and anyone needing a reliable text manipulation tool. The open-source nature and active development further enhance its appeal, offering a free yet high-quality solution that integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem.
Best For
- •macOS users seeking a fast, native, and lightweight text editor
- •Developers and coders who prefer a streamlined editor over a full IDE for daily tasks
- •Technical writers and content creators working with plain text or Markdown
- •Users requiring strong multi-language and CJK character support
- •Anyone looking for a free, open-source, and highly customizable text editing solution
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask coteditorWhat is Coteditor?
CotEditor is a lightweight, open-source, Cocoa-based plain-text editor designed specifically for macOS, emphasizing a native user interface and rapid launch times. It provides robust features for editing various plain-text files, including web pages (HTML, CSS), program source codes (Python, Ruby, Perl), and structured texts like Markdown. The application is built with a focus on being a first-class macOS citizen, adhering to system-native UI components and behaviors for an instantly familiar experience. CotEditor supports a wide range of functionalities such as syntax highlighting for over 50 languages, powerful find and replace with regular expressions, and comprehensive handling of file encodings and line endings.
Deep Dive: Coteditor
An in-depth look at Coteditor for Mac.
History & Background
Coteditor has been a staple in the Mac ecosystem. It was developed to address specific user needs on macOS.
How It Works
Coteditor is built for macOS and integrates with the operating system's native APIs.
Ecosystem & Integrations
Coteditor works well alongside other Mac productivity tools.
Future Development
Coteditor continues to receive updates with new features and macOS compatibility improvements.
Key Features
Syntax Highlighting
CotEditor comes with pre-installed syntax highlighting for more than 50 major languages, including HTML, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Markdown. Users can also create and customize their own syntax definitions to suit specific coding needs or less common languages.
Powerful Find & Replace
The editor integrates a super powerful find and replace functionality, leveraging the ICU regular expression engine for advanced search patterns. This feature allows users to perform complex text manipulations efficiently across their documents.
Split Editor
CotEditor enables users to split a single window into multiple panes, allowing them to view and edit different sections of the same document simultaneously. This capability is particularly useful for long documents or when cross-referencing different parts of a code file.
Scriptable Macros
Users can create their own macros using various scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, Perl, PHP, UNIX shell, AppleScript, or JavaScript. This extensibility allows for automation of repetitive tasks and customization of workflows within the editor.
Auto Backup & Versions
CotEditor automatically backs up documents while editing, mitigating the risk of losing unsaved data due to unexpected closures or errors. It also supports macOS's native Versions feature, allowing users to revert to previous states of their documents.
Character Inspector & Encoding Handling
The Character Inspector provides detailed Unicode character data for selected characters, displaying glyphs and Unicode information in a popover. CotEditor also excels at accurately estimating and handling various file encodings, including CJK languages, and can identify incompatible characters.
Outline Menu
An auto-generated outline menu helps users navigate large documents quickly by extracting specified lines based on predefined syntax. This feature allows for fast jumping to corresponding sections or definitions within the text.
Command-Line Tool (cot)
CotEditor includes a command-line tool, 'cot', which enables users to control the editor directly from the terminal. This allows for opening files, creating new documents, setting syntax, and jumping to specific lines or columns via command-line arguments.
Who Should Use CotEditor?
1Web Developer / Programmer
A web developer uses CotEditor for quick edits to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Python files thanks to its rapid launch and syntax highlighting for over 50 languages. The powerful find and replace with regular expressions helps in refactoring code or making bulk changes across files efficiently.
2Technical Writer / Markdown Author
A technical writer leverages CotEditor for drafting documentation in Markdown or other structured text formats. The outline menu aids in navigating long documents, while the clean, distraction-free interface allows for focused writing. Auto-backup ensures that no work is lost during intense writing sessions.
3System Administrator / IT Professional
A system administrator frequently edits configuration files, scripts (Bash, Python, Perl), and log files. CotEditor's ability to handle various file encodings, its fast performance with large files, and the command-line tool integration make it ideal for quick, precise modifications directly from the terminal.
4Student / Casual Coder
A student learning programming or a casual coder needs a simple, free, yet capable text editor for experimenting with code snippets or taking notes. CotEditor's intuitive macOS-native interface, quick launch, and syntax highlighting provide an accessible environment without the complexity of a full IDE.
5Multilingual Content Creator
A content creator working with multiple languages, especially CJK languages, finds CotEditor invaluable due to its robust support for various file encodings and CJK-friendly features like accurate encoding estimation and vertical text mode. The character inspector also assists in verifying Unicode data.
How to Install Coteditor on Mac
CotEditor can be easily installed on macOS via Homebrew, a popular package manager, or directly from the Mac App Store.
1
Install Homebrew (if not already installed)
Open Terminal (Command+Space and type 'Terminal', then press Enter). Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: `/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"`. Follow the on-screen prompts, which may include entering your macOS user password.
2
Install CotEditor via Homebrew Cask
Once Homebrew is installed and configured (you might need to run `echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile` and restart Terminal), simply execute the command: `brew install --cask coteditor`. This will download and install the CotEditor application to your Applications folder.
3
Install the Command-Line Tool (Optional)
To use the `cot` command-line tool, which is bundled with the application, you need to create a symlink. Run the command: `ln -s /Applications/CotEditor.app/Contents/SharedSupport/bin/cot /usr/local/bin/cot`. This allows you to interact with CotEditor from the terminal.
4
Set as Default Git Editor (Optional)
If you wish to use CotEditor as your default editor for Git operations, configure Git by running: `git config --global core.editor 'cot --wait'`. The `--wait` argument ensures Git waits for CotEditor to close the file before proceeding.
Pro Tips
- • For direct installation, CotEditor is available for free on the Mac App Store.
- • Ensure Homebrew is updated (`brew update`) before installing new casks for the latest version.
- • If you encounter permission issues during Homebrew installation, ensure your user has administrative privileges or use `sudo` with caution.
Configuration Tips
Customize Syntax Styles and Themes
CotEditor allows extensive customization of syntax highlighting and themes. You can access these settings in the Preferences window to change default fonts, colors, and even create your own themes and syntax definitions. This enables a personalized editing environment that suits your visual preferences and specific language requirements.
Leverage the Command-Line Tool
The `cot` command-line tool can significantly enhance your workflow. Use `cot -n` to quickly open a new blank document, `cot -r <file>` to open a file in read-only mode, or `cot -s <syntax> <file>` to force a specific syntax highlighting for a document. This integration streamlines opening and managing files directly from the terminal.
Manage Auto-Save and Versions
While auto-save is a great feature, be mindful of its behavior, especially with 'Replace All' operations. If an unintended change occurs, you can often undo it through the Edit menu after closing the Find window, or revert to a previous version using macOS's built-in Versions feature.
Optimize for Large Files
For extremely large log files or documents, ensure that unnecessary features like complex syntax highlighting or real-time character counting are disabled if performance becomes an issue. CotEditor is generally fast, but optimizing settings can further improve responsiveness with massive text files.
Alternatives to CotEditor
While CotEditor is an excellent native macOS text editor, several other powerful alternatives cater to different user needs and preferences.
V
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
VS Code is a free, open-source, and highly extensible code editor from Microsoft, available cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux). Unlike CotEditor's macOS-native focus, VS Code offers a vast ecosystem of extensions for debugging, Git integration, and language support, making it a powerful IDE-like experience for developers, though it is not as lightweight as CotEditor.
S
Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a fast, minimalist, and remarkably extensible text editor known for its speed and efficient interface, available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. While a freemium product, its performance and powerful features like 'Goto Anything' and multiple selections are highly valued, often surpassing CotEditor in raw speed for some tasks, but it lacks CotEditor's full macOS native feel.
B
BBEdit
BBEdit is a venerable and powerful commercial text and HTML editor exclusively for macOS, often seen as a more feature-rich counterpart to CotEditor. While not free, BBEdit offers advanced features like extensive grep patterns, disk and FTP browsing, and robust project management, catering to professional developers and writers who need industrial-strength text manipulation beyond CotEditor's scope.
N
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a popular free, open-source code editor for Windows, often missed by users switching to Mac. CotEditor is frequently cited as its macOS equivalent, offering a similar lightweight feel and essential coding features like syntax highlighting and powerful find/replace, but Notepad++ boasts a broader plugin ecosystem on its native platform.
Pricing
Open-Source
CotEditor is completely free and open-source software. It is available for download without any cost from its official website, GitHub, and the Mac App Store. The developers have no plans to introduce paid versions or subscription models in the future, maintaining its commitment to being a true freeware.
Pros
- ✓Truly macOS-Native: Adheres to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, providing a familiar and integrated user experience.
- ✓Lightweight and Fast: Launches quickly and maintains high performance, even with large files, making it ideal for quick edits.
- ✓Open Source and Free: Completely free to use with its source code publicly available, fostering community contributions.
- ✓Extensive Syntax Highlighting: Supports over 50 languages out-of-the-box, with options for custom syntax definitions.
- ✓Powerful Find & Replace: Utilizes ICU regular expressions for advanced and efficient text manipulation.
- ✓CJK Language Friendly: Offers excellent support for CJK languages, including accurate encoding detection and vertical text mode.
- ✓Scriptable: Allows users to automate tasks and create custom macros using various scripting languages.
- ✓Auto-Backup and macOS Versions Support: Protects against data loss and enables easy reversion to previous document states.
Cons
- ✗macOS Exclusive: Only available on macOS, limiting its use for cross-platform workflows.
- ✗Lacks Advanced IDE Features: Not a full-fledged IDE; may lack advanced debugging, project management, or integrated terminal features found in more complex editors.
- ✗Auto-Save with Versions Can Be Confusing: The automatic saving with versions feature, while beneficial, can sometimes lead to unintentional changes being saved, especially for novice users.
- ✗Limited Built-in Git Integration: Does not have deep, built-in version control integration like some modern code editors, though it can be configured as a Git editor.
- ✗Scripting Requires External Language Knowledge: While scriptable, users need to have knowledge of Python, Ruby, AppleScript, etc., to leverage this feature fully.
Community & Ecosystem
CotEditor thrives as an open-source project, inviting contributions from anyone interested in enhancing its capabilities. The primary hub for its community and development is its GitHub repository, where users can report bugs, request features, and engage in discussions with the development team and other users. The project maintains an active GitHub Issues page for support and feedback, and also has a presence on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for updates and announcements. Although there isn't a dedicated forum, the GitHub Discussions offer categories for general questions, ideas, and Q&A. This open development model ensures continuous improvement and responsiveness to user needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about CotEditor
Yes, CotEditor is entirely free and open-source software. There are no hidden costs, premium features, or subscription plans. It's available for free download from the Mac App Store and its official website.
Our Verdict
4.6/5
CotEditor stands out as an exceptional plain-text editor for macOS, perfectly balancing simplicity with powerful features. Its commitment to a native macOS experience ensures it feels intuitive and performs rapidly, making it a joy to use for quick edits and more involved coding tasks. While it doesn't aim to be a full-fledged IDE, its extensive syntax highlighting, robust find/replace, and scriptability provide a solid foundation for developers, writers, and anyone needing a reliable text manipulation tool. The open-source nature and active development further enhance its appeal, offering a free yet high-quality solution that integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem.
Best for:macOS users seeking a fast, native, and lightweight text editorDevelopers and coders who prefer a streamlined editor over a full IDE for daily tasksTechnical writers and content creators working with plain text or MarkdownUsers requiring strong multi-language and CJK character supportAnyone looking for a free, open-source, and highly customizable text editing solution
About the Author
Related Technologies & Concepts
CotEditormacOSHomebrewSwiftMIT LicenseTextMate BundlesBBEditSublime TextVisual Studio CodePlain Text EditingSyntax HighlightingOpen Source
CotEditor (Primary subject of this page), macOS (Target operating system platform), Homebrew (Recommended package manager for installation), Swift (Primary programming language used in development), MIT License (Open-source license under which the software is distributed), TextMate Bundles (Format supported for syntax definitions and snippets), BBEdit (Competitor, commercial macOS text editor), Sublime Text (Competitor, cross-platform text and code editor), Visual Studio Code (Competitor, popular open-source code editor), Plain Text Editing (Core functionality of the application), Syntax Highlighting (Key feature for code readability), Open Source (Development and distribution model)
Related Topics
Plain Text Editors
Applications designed specifically for editing plain text files, often including features like syntax highlighting for code.
Code Editors
Software tools that aid programmers in writing, editing, and managing source code, typically offering features like syntax highlighting and code completion.
Developer Tools
Software utilities that assist developers in writing, debugging, and managing code and software projects.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- CotEditor is a lightweight, plain-text editor for macOS featuring powerful syntax highlighting.[cite-1, cite-3]
- CotEditor is distributed as free and open-source software under the MIT License.[cite-2, cite-1]
- CotEditor supports regular expression search and replace, character inspection, and split-pane editing.[cite-1]
- CotEditor can be installed via the Mac App Store or Homebrew Cask.[cite-3, cite-4]
- CotEditor supports TextMate Bundles for extending syntax definitions and snippets.[cite-1]
- 1CotEditor - Official Site
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2CotEditor - GitHub Repository
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Homebrew Formulae - CotEditor
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4CotEditor on Mac App Store
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5CotEditor Release Notes
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Coteditor Mac app review 2026