CotEditor
MacLightweight Open-Source Text Editor for macOS
Overview
CotEditor is a free, open-source text editor tailored for macOS, blending simplicity with powerful utilities. It supports syntax highlighting for over 50 languages (Markdown, HTML, Python), code folding, auto-indentation, and real-time Markdown preview. Deeply integrated with macOS features like Dark Mode, Touch Bar, and iCloud sync, it feels native to the platform. Customizable themes, keyboard shortcuts, and a clean interface suit casual writers and developers alike. Lightweight yet robust, it’s actively maintained by a community, offering regular updates as a reliable free alternative to paid editors.
Key Features
- Syntax highlighting for 50+ programming/language formats
- Real-time Markdown preview
- macOS-native integration (Dark Mode, Touch Bar, iCloud sync)
- Customizable themes and keyboard shortcuts
- Code folding and auto-indentation support
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Completely free and open-source
- ⊕ Lightweight with fast load times and performance
- ⊕ Seamless alignment with macOS design and features
Cons
- ⊖ Limited plugin ecosystem compared to VS Code
- ⊖ Lacks advanced IDE features like built-in terminal or debugging tools