Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick, clear answers to the most common Notepad++ questions. For deeper help, visit the community forum or the main page.

Licensing

Is Notepad++ free?
Yes. Notepad++ is released under the GNU GPL, which allows you to use, share, and modify the software at no cost.

Compatibility

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

Security

Is it safe to download?
Yes—download from official sources and verify the GPG signature or SHA‑256 hash to ensure file integrity.

Editing Features

Does it support syntax highlighting?
Yes. Notepad++ includes syntax coloring 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?
Ensure the correct language is selected under the Language menu so the proper rules are applied.

Extensibility

What are plugins and how do I manage them?
Plugins add functionality such as FTP support, XML tools, and advanced search. Manage them from Plugins Admin.

Appearance

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

Support

How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Open an issue on the official Notepad++ GitHub. Follow the project guidelines to help maintainers reproduce and resolve your request.