Need to open a large text file or edit a quick note without changing your familiar Notepad shortcuts? AkelPad is a lightweight Windows text editor with support for ANSI, OEM, and Unicode text, plus optional features supplied through plugins.
How does AkelPad handle text files?
AkelPad focuses on editing plain-text documents, including files that are too large for a quick edit in a basic editor. Open a document to inspect or change its contents, then save the edited text. Files can be opened and saved as ANSI, OEM code pages or Unicode (UTF-8 and UTF-16), and AkelPad can detect the encoding automatically.
Search and replace understands regular expressions, and column (block) selection edits several lines at once. The program is small, starts instantly and can run portably from a USB stick.
Can you work with several documents or add editing features?
Choose single-window (SDI), multi-window (MDI) or tabbed (PMDI) mode, depending on whether you prefer one file per window or many tabs.
- Use the familiar Notepad keyboard shortcuts for common editing actions.
- Add plugins: Coder brings syntax highlighting, code folding and autocomplete, Scripts runs JScript or VBScript macros, and Sessions reopens a set of files.
What is a typical AkelPad workflow?
AkelPad is free, open-source software. Version 4.9.8 is the final release; it is no longer developed but still runs on current Windows versions in 32-bit and 64-bit builds.
Pros
- Opens and edits large text files
- Supports ANSI, OEM, and Unicode text
- Retains familiar Notepad keyboard shortcuts
- Optional plugins add features such as syntax highlighting
Cons
- No longer developed
- Key features such as syntax highlighting need plugins
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
Can AkelPad highlight source code?
Yes, with the Coder plugin, which also adds code folding and autocomplete.
Does AkelPad use Notepad keyboard shortcuts?
Yes. Standard Notepad shortcuts work, so switching takes no relearning.
Can I run AkelPad without installing it?
Yes. It can be used as a portable program from a folder or USB drive.
Is AkelPad still updated?
No. Development stopped at version 4.9.8, though the editor still runs on Windows 10 and 11.