When a log, report, or source file grows beyond the reach of a basic editor, TextPad gives you tools for searching and reshaping the text. It edits plain-text documents in a tabbed Windows workspace, with support for large files, regular-expression searches, and programming-language syntax highlighting.
Switch among open documents
TextPad keeps multiple documents open and lets you move between them using tabs. This layout suits workflows that involve comparing or editing several related text files. For long files, large-file support keeps them available for editing without requiring you to split the document first.
Find and transform text
Search and replace works with regular expressions, including patterns that span multiple lines. Use column-based block selection when an edit applies to a vertical slice of text, such as aligned fields. Macro recording can capture a sequence of operations, including repeated search-and-replace steps, for more involved text transformations.
- Set bookmarks on lines you want to revisit or collect, such as log entries.
- Use clipboard history to retrieve previously copied text.
Edit code and reusable snippets
Syntax highlighting can distinguish language elements, and syntax definitions can be extended for additional languages. Automatic code indentation and block-indent controls help maintain structure while editing. Clip Libraries keep frequently inserted text snippets at hand in a sidebar.
Send files to external tools
TextPad can launch external programs, including compilers. When a tool reports an error with a file name and line number, TextPad can use that output to jump to the relevant line. Synchronized scrolling is also available for viewing multiple files side by side while keeping their positions aligned.
Pros
- Tabbed documents keep several files open in one workspace
- Regular-expression search and replace supports multiline matches
- Block selection, macros, and automatic indentation aid structured edits
- Clip Libraries store reusable text snippets
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
Can TextPad search across multiple lines?
Yes. Its regular-expression search and replace can match text across line breaks.
Can TextPad record a sequence of edits?
Yes. Macro recording captures operations, including multiple search-and-replace steps, for text transformations.
Can TextPad work with compiler output?
Yes. It can launch external programs such as compilers and use file-and-line error output to navigate to the reported location.