MemPad
MemPad is a free Windows program for plain-text outlining and note-taking with a structured index.
What MemPad is
MemPad is a free Windows program for plain-text outlining and note-taking with a structured index. Every page is stored in one file, while Unicode support and a 20-language interface cover varied writing setups. The index can be rearranged with buttons, a context menu, or hotkeys, and sibling nodes can be sorted in either direction. Editing includes standard clipboard actions, undo, date and time insertion, drag and drop, and quick node moving. MemPad saves without prompting, offers optional four-minute auto-save, and can create restorable backups. Search can cover all pages or one node, move forward or backward, and replace text. Pages support web, network, local file, folder, and internal links. Diary tools organize entries by year, month, and day. Content can be imported or exported, and password-protected encryption is offered. It uses individual INI files without Registry entries.
Good
- Structured index for plain-text pages
- Automatic backups can be restored
- Search and replace across pages
- Supports internal and external links
- Password-protected encryption
Watch out
- Windows only
- Stores all pages in one file
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
MemPad suits Windows users who want a portable, plain-text outline with diary, linking, search, and backup tools. It is also useful when Unicode and multiple interface languages matter.
Verdict
MemPad provides a focused Windows outliner with extensive linking, search, diary, and backup functions. Its freeware model and file-based portability suit users who prefer a simple local organizer.
Plans and prices
From MemPad's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Freeware | — | Plain-text outlining · Structured index · Password-protected encryption |
| MemPad | Free | Freeware · 32-bit and 64-bit downloads |
The facts
Each one read from MemPad's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Diary
- Diary support uses a year, month, and day index and can go to or create today's page with a keystroke.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Editing features include cut, copy, paste, undo, date and time insertion, drag and drop, and quick node moving.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- It can export a page, node, or all content to a file or another program, import content, and insert a text file as a page.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The user interface is available in 20 languages and supports Unicode.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Links
- It supports web links, network and local file or folder links, and internal page links.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Sibling nodes can be sorted ascending or descending, and the index structure can be modified with buttons, a context menu, or hotkeys.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Portability
- MemPad operates in file environments with individual INI files and does not create Registry entries.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MemPad is a plain text outliner and note-taking program with a structured index.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Saving and backup
- MemPad saves without prompting, offers optional auto-save every 4 minutes, and can create automatic backups that can be restored.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- It can search all pages or within a node, continue forward or backward, and replace text.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The page states that MemPad offers password-protected encryption.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Storage
- All pages are stored in a single file.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Help is provided as a MemPad file in English, and the maker lists an email address for contact.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
The company
- Maker and licensing
- The maker's page identifies Horst Schaeffer and labels all programs freeware.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- windowschecked 20 Sep 2026
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