Pl
    Text & Code Editor

    Plainwell

    A minimalist, blazing-fast text and code editor for macOS — built in pure Rust to replace TextEdit.

    ● Coming to the App Store Email me at launch →
    Platform · macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon) Size · ~12 MB Built with · Pure Rust · Metal (GPUI) Price · Free tier

    Everything TextEdit isn't

    Native speed and real code features, in a tiny footprint.

    GPU-accelerated rendering

    Metal-native via GPUI, with 120Hz ProMotion support for buttery scrolling.

    Multi-tab editing

    Open many files in tabs within a single window; switch with ⌘1–9 or ⌘[ / ⌘].

    Syntax highlighting, 15+ languages

    Tree-sitter parsing for Rust, Python, JS/TS, Go, C/C++, Java, JSON, TOML, YAML, HTML, CSS, Markdown and more.

    Deeply customizable

    A true modal settings panel for appearance, theme mode, and keyboard shortcuts.

    Dark & light

    Follows the macOS system appearance automatically, or lock your preference.

    Localized & lightweight

    UI in English and Simplified Chinese, read-only mode, font zoom and line numbers — all in a ~12 MB binary. No Electron.

    RustPythonJS / TSGoC / C++JavaJSONTOMLYAMLHTMLCSSMarkdown

    Questions

    That's exactly the idea — the same instant, no-friction feel, plus tabs, real syntax highlighting, and customization, while staying tiny and native.

    No. Plainwell is a focused text & code editor, not an IDE. It stays fast and simple rather than trying to do everything.

    macOS 12.0 or later on Apple Silicon (M-series).

    Want to know when Plainwell ships?

    Email us and we'll let you know the moment it's on the App Store.

    Email support