- rom beginner-friendly options like TextMate to powerhouse tools like VS Code and Sublime Text, there’s an editor for everyone, regardless of experience.
- Editors like Nova and Espresso stand out with native macOS integration, offering a seamless and aesthetically pleasing user experience.
If you’re a Mac user, you already know how vital the right tools are for getting work done efficiently. Whether you’re coding your next big app or writing a masterpiece, the right text or code editor can make a world of difference. The good news? There are tons of excellent editors to choose from in 2025—each designed to make your life easier, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
This list isn’t just about software; it’s about helping you find a tool that fits your workflow like a glove. From lightweight editors to feature-packed coding environments, let’s dive into the top 10 text and code editors for Mac this year!
Why Switch to a Third-Party Editor?
Sure, macOS comes with TextEdit, but let’s face it—it’s pretty basic. If you’re managing large projects, editing complex code, or just craving advanced features, a third-party editor is the way to go. These tools aren’t just functional; they’re crafted to boost productivity, streamline tasks, and make coding or writing downright enjoyable.
Whether you’re searching for blazing speed, seamless integrations, or just something that feels intuitive, the editors below have you covered.
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Top 10 Best Text & Code Editors for Mac in 2025
Let’s have a look over these best text editors for MAC OS. And download these Editors directly from itechhacks.
1. BBEdit 14: The Veteran Performer
- Perfect for: Web developers and heavy-duty text editing.
When it comes to reliability, BBEdit has been a household name among developers for years. Created by Bare Bones Software, it’s a hybrid text and HTML editor loaded with features like advanced search, syntax highlighting, and seamless version control integration. If you work with web content or need something rock-solid, BBEdit won’t let you down.
Why it’s great:
- Built-in HTML and text tools.
- Powerful search and replace.
- Excellent support for large files.
2. TextMate: Simple Yet Powerful
- Perfect for: Beginners and those who love UNIX commands.
TextMate proves that simplicity and power can coexist. It’s lightweight but doesn’t skimp on features, making it ideal for new users and advanced developers alike. Plus, it’s free!
Standout features:
- Snippet support for quick coding.
- Full integration with macOS.
- Customizable themes and plugins.
3. Sublime Text 4: A Speedy Favorite
- Perfect for: Coders who love customization.
Ask any developer, and Sublime Text is likely on their radar. Known for its lightning-fast performance and elegant design, Sublime Text is all about efficiency. It supports extensive plugins, so you can tailor it to your exact needs.
Why developers love it:
- Distraction-free mode for focused work.
- Split editing for multi-file projects.
- A vibrant plugin ecosystem.
4. Brackets: A Designer’s Best Friend
- Perfect for: Front-end developers and web designers.
Maintained by Adobe, Brackets is an open-source editor designed with designers in mind. Its standout feature? The Live Preview, which updates your browser in real-time as you code. If you’re a web designer, you’ll love how it bridges the gap between coding and design.
Features worth mentioning:
- Preprocessor support (LESS, SCSS).
- Extract feature for converting PSD elements to CSS.
- Intuitive interface.
5. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): The All-Rounder
- Perfect for: Developers of all skill levels.
Microsoft’s VS Code continues to dominate the coding world in 2025. With its massive library of extensions, integrated Git tools, and cross-platform capabilities, it’s not just a text editor—it’s a development powerhouse.
Why it’s a fan favorite:
- Built-in terminal and debugger.
- Extensions for virtually any language or framework.
- Community-driven updates and support.
6. Nova: Native macOS Excellence
- Perfect for: Developers who value aesthetics and performance.
From the creators of Coda, Nova is sleek, fast, and packed with modern features. Designed specifically for macOS, it offers seamless performance and integrates beautifully with the operating system’s features.
Why it stands out:
- Clean and modern UI.
- Built-in FTP and Git tools.
- Tailored for web development.
7. CodeRunner 4: A Lightweight Workhorse
- Perfect for: Coders who need support for multiple languages.
CodeRunner is your go-to editor if you want a lightweight tool that doesn’t skimp on functionality. With support for 25+ programming languages and an integrated debugger, it’s perfect for students and pros alike.
Key features:
- Instant code execution.
- Error-checking built-in.
- Affordable one-time price.
8. UltraEdit: Handling the Heavy Lifting
- Perfect for: Working with large files and databases.
UltraEdit is designed for those tough tasks—like working with massive datasets or handling complex codebases. It’s highly customizable and supports nearly every programming language you can think of.
What makes it powerful:
- Efficient file handling.
- Multi-platform support.
- Advanced search and replace options.
9. MacVim: A Modern Take on Vim
- Perfect for: Command-line enthusiasts who want a GUI.
MacVim brings the legendary Vim editor to macOS with a user-friendly interface. It’s the perfect bridge between Vim’s powerful features and a modern macOS aesthetic.
Why it’s awesome:
- Keyboard shortcuts for everything.
- Plugin-friendly design.
- Fast and efficient.
10. Espresso: Designed for Web Development
- Perfect for: Designers focused on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Espresso is sleek, modern, and tailored for web developers. Its live preview and streamlined CSS editing make it a breeze to craft beautiful, responsive websites.
Top features:
- Real-time CSS updates.
- Intuitive drag-and-drop features.
- Mac-first design approach.
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Final Thoughts: Which Editor is Right for You?
The “perfect” editor depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for speed? Go for Sublime Text. Need something powerful and free? Check out VS Code or Brackets. If you’re a Mac enthusiast who loves native design, Nova might just steal your heart.
No matter which one you choose, these editors are designed to make your life easier and your work better. If you have a favorite editor we didn’t include, let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
