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Table Of Contents
At Fileion, we don’t just copy what others say, we dig deep to give you honest, experience-based insights. We tested the Code editor tool, Notepad++, by installing it on multiple Windows setups, using it for writing code (Python and HTML code), editing large text files, log and CSV files, and even tweaking config files like "
.ini" and ".json". We also analyzed user reviews, compared it side-by-side with tools like Windows Notepad, Sublime Text, and VS Code, and explored its plugin ecosystem and customization options. The result? A solid, unbiased review that shows where Notepad++ shines—and where it doesn’t.Dynamic Syntax Highlighting
What We Like
Syntax highlighting is essential for coding and config editing, and Notepad++ does it well. It supports 80+ languages, including HTML, Python, Java, and JSON. It clearly highlights comments, strings, and functions, making it easier to spot errors or misconfigurations.
What We Don’t Like
The visuals aren’t as modern as what you'd find in VS Code. Highlighting sometimes misses newer syntax in updated languages unless manually configured.
Handling Large Files
What We Like
Notepad++ loads and edits large files quickly without freezing something. Notepad and even some modern editors struggle with it. Whether it's a log file or a big CSV, you can scroll and search smoothly.
What We Don’t Like
There’s no live data preview or advanced filters like column-based sorting. Large file navigation also lacks bookmarks or visual outlines unless plugins are used.
Config File Editing
What We Like
For "
.ini', ".xml", ".json", and other configuration files, Notepad++ works wonderfully. Its formatting, folding, and bracket matching make configs easier to read and modify without breaking anything.What We Don’t Like
It lacks built-in schema validation, so you won’t get alerts if you break a JSON or XML structure. Also, there's no auto-suggest for config-specific fields.
Work on Multiple Files
What We Like
Working on multiple code files or logs? Notepad++ supports tabs and split views, letting you compare or reference two files side-by-side. This speeds up coding and debugging workflows.
What We Don’t Like
Tabs can’t be dragged into separate windows. The split view is basic and doesn’t remember the layout after a restart.
Regex and Bulk Replacements
What We Like
When working on large files or codebases, Notepad++'s search is a lifesaver. It supports advanced search, replaces across files, and regular expressions—perfect for batch editing configs or refactoring code.
What We Don’t Like
The interface is text-heavy and might overwhelm beginners. Regex has no live preview or built-in help.
Auto-Indentation & Brace Matching
What We Like
Indentation is automatic, and bracket matching is visual, which is very helpful for coding in structured languages like Python or C. This also makes config files less prone to errors.
What We Don’t Like
There’s no smart indentation based on context, and brace matching isn’t customizable in terms of style or colors.
Powerful Plugins
What We Like
Plugins like "Compare", "JSON Viewer", and "NppExec" enhance Notepad++ for real-world use. You can add features like FTP editing, spell-check, or script execution with ease.
What We Don’t Like
Plugin discovery is limited—there’s no rating or review system. Some plugins are outdated or incompatible with newer versions.
Themes & UI Customization
What We Like
Dark mode? Color-coded themes? You’ve got it. You can customize fonts, colors, and UI layout to make long work sessions more comfortable.
What We Don’t Like
Customization options aren’t as intuitive as modern editors. Some settings require restarting the app, and there's no visual theme selector.
Backup & Crash Recovery
What We Like
If your system crashes or you forget to save, Notepad++ has backup options that often save the day. Autosave and session restore add peace of mind.
What We Don’t Like
You need to configure backup settings manually. It's not obvious where backup files are stored, and there’s no version history or Git integration.
Document Map
What We Like
The Document Map offers a mini-map view of your entire file, letting you quickly jump to different sections of long documents or code. It’s especially helpful when navigating log files, scripts, or large HTML pages.
What We Don’t Like
It’s static—no bookmarks or interactive highlights. It also takes up screen space, and there's no easy toggle shortcut for quick access.
Multiple Cursors / Multi-Editing
What We Like
You can place multiple cursors and edit several lines at once. This is useful for aligning variable names, adjusting similar lines of code, or bulk-editing repetitive text.
What We Don’t Like
The functionality is basic compared to Sublime Text or VS Code. You can't select non-adjacent lines or interact with cursors as flexibly.
Session Management
What We Like
Notepad++ lets you save and reload work sessions, preserving open tabs, bookmarks, and cursor positions. It’s a handy feature for switching between projects without losing your place.
What We Don’t Like
Session saving must be done manually—there’s no automatic session detection or naming. Also, it doesn’t group sessions into projects or folders.
WYSIWYG Printing
What We Like
When printing, Notepad++ retains text formatting, color, and layout—what you see is what you get. It’s great for printing code or structured documents cleanly.
What We Don’t Like
There’s no print preview, and advanced print controls (like line numbering or page breaks) are missing. It’s fine for quick prints but not for documentation.
Drag and Drop Support
What We Like
Drag text or files directly into the editor. You can open multiple files or move code blocks quickly between tabs using drag-and-drop.
What We Don’t Like
You can’t drag tabs into separate windows. Also, dropping files doesn’t offer any “open as read-only” or warning prompt—it just loads immediately.
Command Line Support
What We Like
With command line arguments, you can launch Notepad++ and auto-type content, execute macros, or open files in specific ways. It’s a power-user feature that’s great for automating workflows.
What We Don’t Like
There's no built-in command builder or documentation. Most users won’t know it exists unless they read through forums or manuals.
Final Thought
We feel that Notepad++ is a great choice for anyone who needs a fast and reliable tool for coding, editing big text files, or working with config files. It’s packed with helpful features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and plugin support—yet it stays light on your system.
We also noticed that some parts of it may look a bit old, and certain features might be tricky for beginners at first. But overall, we believe it’s a solid editor that gets the job done smoothly and efficiently.
