TL;DR
TextMate vs Sublime Text: Both TextMate and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. TextMate is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Sublime Text excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Which is better: TextMate or Sublime Text?
Both TextMate and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. TextMate is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Sublime Text excels for those who value established ecosystems.
TextMate vs Sublime Text
Which is the better code editors for Mac in 2026?
We compared TextMate and Sublime Text across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both TextMate and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. Read our full breakdown below.
TextMate
General-purpose text editor
Sublime Text
Fast, lightweight code editor with powerful shortcuts
Our Verdict
Both TextMate and Sublime Text are excellent code editors. TextMate is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Sublime Text excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TextMate | Sublime Text |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Quick Install
brew install --cask textmatebrew install --cask sublime-textLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is TextMate?
TextMate is a free, open-source graphical text editor for macOS. Originally a commercial product, it is now developed as open source and available at no cost. It offers a clean interface, bundle-based extensibility, and powerful scripting capabilities through shell commands and macOS integration. While development has slowed compared to actively maintained editors, TextMate remains a viable option for developers who value simplicity and native macOS aesthetics. Its bundle system supports syntax highlighting for numerous languages, and it requires macOS 10.12 or later. TextMate 2.0 is the current version.
What is Sublime Text?
Sublime Text is a sophisticated, cross-platform text editor (Sublime Text 4, Build 4200) known for its speed, flexibility, and extensive feature set. It offers GPU rendering for fluid UI at up to 8K resolutions, native Apple Silicon and Linux ARM64 support, and a highly customizable environment with advanced capabilities like multiple selections, tab multi-select, a command palette, and context-aware auto complete. The editor features a vast plugin ecosystem via Package Control, refreshed UI with dark mode support, and powerful syntax highlighting. Sublime Text requires a license for continued use ($99 for personal, tiered business subscriptions) and includes 3 years of updates. It remains one of the most popular professional code editors across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Multiple Selections
HighTextMate offers basic multiple selection capabilities, allowing users to select and edit multiple instances of the same text within a file. However, its implementation is not as advanced or intuitive as Sublime Text's, lacking some of the more sophisticated selection tools and features. Customization is limited compared to Sublime Text's extensive options.
Sublime Text excels with its solid multiple selection feature, enabling developers to efficiently edit numerous instances of text simultaneously. It boasts advanced selection tools, such as column selection and regex-based selection, providing unparalleled flexibility and control. This makes complex editing tasks significantly faster and easier. The editor also features customizable keybindings to further enhance the multiple selection workflow.
Verdict: Sublime Text provides a far more powerful and flexible multiple selection experience.
Command Palette
HighTextMate offers a basic command palette through its bundle system, allowing users to execute custom commands and snippets. However, its functionality is limited compared to Sublime Text's comprehensive command palette, lacking built-in features and a seamless user experience. Customization requires scripting and bundle management.
Sublime Text features a powerful command palette that provides quick access to virtually any command, setting, or plugin. It offers fuzzy search, making it easy to find the desired action, and supports custom commands and keybindings. The command palette streamlines workflows and enhances productivity.
Verdict: Sublime Text's command palette is far more comprehensive and user-friendly.
Plugin Ecosystem
CriticalTextMate's bundle system allows for extending functionality through custom commands, snippets, and language support. While the ecosystem is smaller than Sublime Text's, it offers a curated selection of high-quality bundles. The bundle management system can be less intuitive than Sublime Text's package manager.
Sublime Text boasts a vast and thriving plugin ecosystem, offering a wide range of packages for virtually any coding task. The package manager makes it easy to install, update, and manage plugins. The community is active and contributes to a constant stream of new and updated packages. The Package Control system makes finding and managing extensions straightforward.
Verdict: Sublime Text's plugin ecosystem offers more options and a more user-friendly experience.
Language Support
CriticalTextMate provides solid language support through its bundle system, offering syntax highlighting, code completion, and other language-specific features for a wide range of programming languages. Bundles often rely on convention and scripting for custom language support. Built-in support is limited.
Sublime Text offers excellent language support out of the box, with syntax highlighting, code completion, and other language-specific features for numerous programming languages. Its plugin ecosystem provides even more extensive support for less common languages. Language definitions are easily customizable and extendable.
Verdict: Sublime Text provides broader built-in language support and greater extensibility.
Customization
HighTextMate allows for customization through its bundle system, enabling users to create custom commands, snippets, and themes. Customization often requires scripting knowledge and familiarity with TextMate's conventions. The theming system is less flexible than Sublime Text's.
Sublime Text offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to tailor virtually every aspect of the editor to their preferences. It boasts a flexible theming system, customizable keybindings, and a powerful plugin API. Settings are controlled via JSON files, providing granular control.
Verdict: Sublime Text provides more granular control and flexibility in customization.
User Interface
MediumTextMate features a clean, minimalist interface that emphasizes simplicity and focus. Its design adheres to macOS conventions, providing a familiar and intuitive experience for Mac users. Some may find the interface too basic compared to Sublime Text's more feature-rich UI.
Sublime Text offers a clean and modern interface with a dark theme by default. The UI is highly customizable through themes and plugins. Some may find the default UI less visually appealing than TextMate's minimalist design, although themes address this.
Verdict: TextMate's UI adheres more closely to the Mac aesthetic.
Project Management
MediumTextMate offers basic project management capabilities through its project drawer, allowing users to organize and navigate files within a project. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in Sublime Text, such as project-specific settings and workspaces. No indexing is performed. Simple folder based browsing.
Sublime Text provides solid project management features, allowing users to create and manage projects with project-specific settings, workspaces, and build systems. It offers indexing making file and symbol navigation efficient. Supports automatic loading and saving of workspace configurations.
Verdict: Sublime Text's project management is more comprehensive.
TextMate vs Sublime Text Feature Matrix
| Feature | TextMate | Sublime Text | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Selections | Fair | Excellent | Sublime Text |
| Command Palette | Limited | Excellent | Sublime Text |
| Plugin Ecosystem | Good | Excellent | Sublime Text |
| Language Support | Good | Excellent | Sublime Text |
| Customization | Good | Excellent | Sublime Text |
| User Interface | Excellent | Good | TextMate |
| Project Management | Fair | Good | Sublime Text |
Who Should Choose Which?
1Front-end Developer
Sublime Text's plugin ecosystem and language support provide powerful tools for web development, offering extensions for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies including TypeScript and JSX support out of the box.
2Back-end Developer
Sublime Text's versatility makes it suitable for backend development, with plugins and language support for Python, Java, Go, and other server-side languages.
3Scripting Enthusiast
TextMate's free price point and convention-based approach make it ideal for automating tasks and creating custom workflows without investment.
4Large Project Developer
Sublime Text's project management, indexing, and efficient performance make it more suitable for larger projects.
5Cross-Platform Developer
Sublime Text's cross-platform compatibility allows developers to work smoothly on macOS, Windows, and Linux with the same editor and settings.
6Beginner Coder
TextMate provides a simple learning curve at zero cost, allowing new developers to focus on learning to code without being overwhelmed by UI elements or too many options.
Migration Guide
Textmate → Sublime Text
Migrating from TextMate to Sublime Text involves familiarizing yourself with Sublime Text's command palette, Package Control, and settings system. TextMate bundles can often be adapted for Sublime Text. Sublime Text projects must be set up instead of simply browsing file trees.
Sublime Text → Textmate
Switching from Sublime Text to TextMate requires adjusting to TextMate's convention-based approach and bundle system. Sublime Text keybindings can be imported into TextMate. Note that many Sublime Text features have no direct TextMate equivalent.
Pro Tips
When migrating, focus on transferring essential settings and plugins first. Take advantage of each editor's customization options to create a familiar and efficient environment. Be prepared to change preferences to what is idiomatic for each editor, as not all preferences are created equal.
Final Verdict
sublime-text
Winner
Runner-up
Sublime Text is the clear winner for most developers in 2026. While TextMate remains a capable free editor for macOS, its slowed development and lack of modern features make it suitable only for light editing tasks. Sublime Text 4 delivers superior performance, features, and cross-platform support that justify its license cost for professional use.
Bottom Line: Choose TextMate only if you need a free, simple macOS editor for occasional use. Choose Sublime Text for professional development, large projects, or if you work across multiple platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Explore More on Bundl
Browse code editors apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.
Related Technologies & Concepts
Related Topics
Extensibility
Plugin and customization options for extending editor functionality.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: May 6, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Sublime Text has an indefinite evaluation period.[sublime-text-pricing]
- TextMate is free and open-source.[textmate-homepage]
- Sublime Text boasts a larger plugin ecosystem than TextMate.[sublime-text-plugins, textmate-plugins]
- TextMate is known for its lightweight design and fast startup.[textmate-homepage]
- 1Sublime Text Store
Accessed May 6, 2026
- 2TextMate - Text editor for macOS
Accessed May 6, 2026
- 3Sublime Text Package Control
Accessed May 6, 2026
- 4TextMate Bundles
Accessed May 6, 2026
Research queries: textmate vs sublime text 2026; textmate free open source 2026; sublime text 4 pricing 2026; sublime text build 4200 features