50.1 · Open source · Linux
Looking for an alternative to GNOME Text Editor?Compare Apache NetBeans, Xed, Notepad++.Compare alternativesGNOME Text Editor focuses on text without document formatting. For example, you can open notes, configuration files and source code; syntax colors help with supported file types.
You install the app via an appropriate Linux package or Flathub. A word processor is required for formatted documents with images.
Get more from GNOME Text Editor
Use a text editor for content where format codes should not get in the way: notes, configuration files or simple source code. For technical files, note character encoding, line ends and indentation. Those properties may affect the program that reads the file later.
Work carefully with system files and make a copy in advance. The editor does not automatically check whether a configuration change is logical or safe. For extensive project analysis, a specialised development environment remains more suitable.
Version and updates
Version 50.1. Released on 10-05-2026.
Compare GNOME Text Editor with alternatives
For text files, how to search counts, manages multiple documents and sets text encoding. For programming, syntax, project structure and debugging functions are included. A full development environment can be much more, but is also heavier than an editor for single files.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| GNOME Text EditorYou are viewing this app | You edit text files in a GNOME interface with session and document functions. The app connects to a modern GNOME desktop. | LinuxOpen source |
| Apache NetBeansView this alternative | You develop software with project management, code support and debugging functions in an IDE. This is more extensive than a text editor for single configuration files. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| XedView this alternative | You use a traditional Linux editor for text and source code with tabs and syntax highlighting. This fits with daily work with loose files. | LinuxOpen source |
| Notepad++View this alternative | You edit text and source code in Windows with tabs, syntax colors and plugins. You get a lot of tools for searching and text editing without a full IDE. | WindowsGPL-3.0-or-later |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
Getting started
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Good to know
Please note
Advantages
- Easy text editing Syntax Colors Integration with GNOME
Things to consider
- No word processor Less project functions than an IDE
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Provider’s website · apps.gnome.org
Version history
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Our verdict
This editor is a logical choice if you want to quickly change a text file on GNOME. With configuration files, keep a copy of the original and pay attention to encoding and line ends. For larger programming projects, debugger and project management are often more important; for that you better use a development environment.
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