Notepad replacement: freeware, customizable toolbars

[elcoyoteloco]

Hi all,

I'm currently using UltrEdit, which I really like because it's extremely customizable. I can configure the toolbars and menus just about any way I want, and it has a good macro utility. Unfortunately, it's also really expensive: $60.00 US.

So, before I break down and buy it, I'm looking one last time for a freeware alternative. Notepad++ is what everyone recommends, but as far as I can tell you can't customize it's toolbars or menus. I thought I had found exactly what I needed in the freeware Notepad XP, but apparently it's orphanware now and I can't find a working link for it anywhere.

So, any suggestions for a free, customizable Notepad replacement?

Thanks! Below is a pic of my customized UE.

PS - I use UE mainly for working with html files, txt files, and system files (bat, log, reg, etc), and I'm very mouse-centric. I'm not a heavy keyboarder interested in learning a bunch of keystroke shortcuts.

[fhpuqrgrpgvirzhpujbj]

I don't know of anything better than Notepad++.

[+Xinok Subscriber²]

You can check the Freeware Alternative List.

Text editors are split up into three separate categories based on functionality:

14.22 Documents & PDF -> Text -> Editors

27.13 Programming -> Editors (Notepad++ is listed here)

27.20 Programming -> IDE

There are also HTML editors listed under this category:

35.13 Web & Internet -> Design -> Editors

[Jen Smith]

  On 17/12/2010 at 01:54, omnicoder said:

I don't know of anything better than Notepad++.

Likewise, for a generic Notepad replacement it's hard to beat. I've used UE before, and it is good, but for a notepad replacement it's just major overkill. It has a lot of great developer functionality and all, but for that sort of thing I'd be firing up Visual Studio, IntelliJ and the like. Another one I like for keeping it ultra-light is Notepad2. Kind of falls in between Notepad and Notepad++. Use that one on an older UMPC that doesn't need all the gadgets, but slightly more than what the generic Notepad provides.

[Xilo]

  On 17/12/2010 at 01:54, omnicoder said:

I don't know of anything better than Notepad++.

gVim

[Vice]

  On 17/12/2010 at 02:03, Jen Smith said:

Likewise, for a generic Notepad replacement it's hard to beat. I've used UE before, and it is good, but for a notepad replacement it's just major overkill. It has a lot of great developer functionality and all, but for that sort of thing I'd be firing up Visual Studio, IntelliJ and the like. Another one I like for keeping it ultra-light is Notepad2. Kind of falls in between Notepad and Notepad++. Use that one on an older UMPC that doesn't need all the gadgets, but slightly more than what the generic Notepad provides.

Like Jen I also use Notepad++ and Notepad2 - If I'm editing a program with a lot of different files I'll use Notepad++ as the tabs at the top make switching between files and collapsing pieces of code within files really easy. I'll use Notepad2 if I just want to make a quick edit to a single file as it's fast and has a very simple UI.

Both programs give you a lot of control over the way code is displayed but Notepad++ I think would fit what you need, free too!

[elcoyoteloco]

Okay, thanks anyway folks :)

[Japlabot]

vi

[garwin]

notepad2 - light weight notepad alternative.

notepad++ - full pledged notepad alternative.

[Reacon]

  On 17/12/2010 at 05:04, Quick Reply said:

vi

nano

[SoapyHamHocks Member]

Notepad2-mod is what I use. Has syntax highlighting and folding.

[Solid Knight]

  On 17/12/2010 at 05:28, Recon415 said:

nano

ed

[Emon]

  On 17/12/2010 at 06:56, Solid Knight said:

ed

edit.exe

[ajua]

Notepad++ is the best hands down.

For a lighter app go with Notepad2. It is truly great. Sadly, the author has said he won't add tab support.

[Solid Knight]

  On 17/12/2010 at 07:12, Emon said:

edit.exe

edlin

[Ryoken]

Personally I use Scite..

[BajiRav]

Another vote for notepad++

[elcoyoteloco]

Okay, obviously the Notepad++ fans haven't read my original post, and are just automatically giving their vote whenever they see it mentioned.

Once again, what I'm looking for is a freeware text editor that allows for custom toolbars. I'm NOT asking you what is your favorite editor.

I don't want to use Notepad++ because it doesn't have this ability. So, unless you can prove me wrong by showing me how it can in fact make custom toolbars - which would be great, btw - please stop telling how awesome it is.

Sorry if I sound peeved, but my inbox is flooded with notifications, but I really don't want to unsubscribe from my own thread.

Thank you.

[BajiRav]

Have you bothered to check this? http://sourceforge.n...=Plugin_Central

I see a plugin there that might server your purpose.

[elcoyoteloco]

As a matter of fact I did, and found nothing.

[tomjol]

  On 17/12/2010 at 02:03, Xilo said:

gVim

This.

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

nice however, no thanks sticking with Notepad ++

[Snowl]

e

[elcoyoteloco]

Never mind I figured it out.

[Samson291]

Notepad++ all the way.

[Cupcakes]

I read your thread ;) and feel your complaints about Notepad++. I used it for years but around '08, I just got tired of it. It just wasn't cutting it for me anymore and yeah, it's a functional app but sometimes I wouldn't mind having a little eye candy as well.

I went off to use InType. It's been in alpha/beta for a long time now and during that period, is free to all users. It isn't an opensource project since they have written that they were going to have it as a paid software.. But since it's still available as free, no harm in trying it.

I eventually switched from that again. Honestly, I use Dreamweaver CS5 now. I know you want freeware, so I'm not recommending DW, just randomly talking about it. Up until I actually used it full-time, I used to really rip it to shreds and anyone that used it. DW is actually pretty bad ass in the long run although it doesn't mean that you're a noob that lets DW generate the code for you. I haven't used a "design view" since Geocities in 99 :p.

If you do want to use InType, here are some awesome themes you can apply:

http://www.dflock.co.uk/intype/themes/

http://intype.info/forums/discussion/665/textmate-theme-to-intype-theme-converter/