KWrite
KWrite is a free text editor from KDE, built on Kate’s editor component.
What KWrite is
KWrite is a free text editor from KDE, built on Kate’s editor component. It highlights syntax according to file type and includes word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and a Vi input mode. Editing options include multi-cursor and column editing, plus extension support. KWrite is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Linux users can install it through Discover or another AppStream store, a distribution’s package manager, or Flathub. The project lists it under the LGPL-2.1+ license. KDE provides a handbook, forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help, as well as links for bug reports and source code. Its privacy policy says KDE software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices unless a user takes an explicit action; third-party distributors may modify software in ways that do not follow that policy. The listed release is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08. Nightly installers are for testing and come from the latest development branch.
Good
- Free to use
- Syntax highlighting by file type
- Multi-cursor and column editing
- Includes plugin support and Vi input mode
Watch out
- Nightly installers are intended for testing
- Third-party distributors may alter the privacy behavior
Who it suits
KWrite suits people who want a free editor for Linux, Windows, or macOS, with syntax highlighting and multiple editing modes. Its plugin support and Vi input mode may also suit users who want those specific tools.
Verdict
KWrite offers a broad set of text-editing features at no cost across three desktop platforms. Check the installation options for your system, and treat nightly builds as testing versions.
Plans and prices
From KWrite's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Syntax highlighting · word completion · auto-indentation · plugin support · Vi input mode |
The facts
Each one read from KWrite's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Column editing
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Development
- The KWrite page provides links to report bugs and browse the source code.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- Listed features include word completion, auto-indentation, plugin support, and Vi input mode.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Help and support
- KWrite links to its handbook, a forum, and the #kate channel on Libera.Chat for help.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The page lists KWrite under the LGPL-2.1+ license.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- KDE’s software privacy policy says its software generally does not transfer information from end-user devices except after an explicit user action.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy caveat
- KDE says third-party distributors may modify its software in ways that no longer follow its software privacy policy.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- KWrite is a text editor by KDE based on Kate’s editor component.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Release
- The latest release listed on the page is version 26.08.2, dated 2026-10-08.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Syntax highlighting
- KWrite supports syntax highlighting according to file type.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Testing builds
- KWrite nightly installers are described as intended for testing and generated from the latest development branch.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1996checked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- KDE e.V. is a registered nonprofit in Germany representing the KDE Community in legal and financial matters.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux installation
- The site points Linux users to Discover or other AppStream stores, their distribution’s package manager, and Flathub.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Other platforms
- The KWrite page lists Windows and macOS as other platforms, and nightly installers include Linux AppImage, Windows, and macOS ARM and Intel builds.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOSchecked 22 Sep 2026
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