Micro

Visit site Alternatives

Score8.2

Rank#11 of 82

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Micro is a free terminal-based text editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is distributed as a static binary with no dependencies, making it a straightforward choice for people who work in a terminal or edit files over SSH. The editor supports syntax highlighting for over 130 languages, along with splits, tabs, line numbers, soft wrapping, macros, persistent undo, linting notifications, simple autocompletion, and Unicode. Multiple cursors, mouse selection, and a real interactive shell are also included. Users can adjust options and keybindings with JSON configuration, then extend the editor with Lua. Its Lua plugin system includes a manager for installing, removing, and updating plugins. Micro supports themes in 16, 256, and truecolor, and includes seven default colorschemes. It also supports language servers and remote development. On Linux desktops, external clipboard access requires xclip or xsel for X11, or wl-clipboard for Wayland; Vim emulation and Vi keybindings are not provided.

Who it is for

Micro suits people who prefer editing in a terminal, including those who regularly work with files over SSH. It may also fit users who want configurable keybindings, multiple cursors, and Lua plugins.

What is good

Free and distributed as a dependency-free static binary.
Syntax highlighting for over 130 languages.
Includes splits, tabs, and multiple cursors.
Lua plugin manager handles installation, removal, and updates.
Can run an interactive shell inside the editor.

What to know first

Does not provide Vim emulation or Vi keybindings.
Linux desktop clipboard needs an external utility.
Mingw and Cygwin are not officially supported.

Verdict

Micro offers a broad set of editing features while keeping configuration and extensions available through JSON and Lua. Check its clipboard requirements and lack of Vim-style keybindings against your workflow.

Micro plans and pricing

All plans

Open-source Micro editor Free single static binary · no dependencies github.com · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on text editors

Free plan: Yesmicro-editor.github.io
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linuxmicro-editor.github.io
Extension support: Yesmicro-editor.github.io
Remote development: Yesmicro-editor.github.io
Language server support: Yesmicro-editor.github.io
Editor type: terminalmicro-editor.github.io

Facts

Installation: Distributed as a static binary with no dependenciesmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Configuration Format: Uses simple JSON configurationmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Lua Configuration: Lua can configure the editor furthermicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Language Support: Supports over 75 languagesmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Default Colorschemes: Includes 7 default colorschemesmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Theme Color Support: Supports 16, 256, and truecolor themesmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Multiple Cursors: Supports Sublime-style multiple cursorsmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Plugin System: Provides a Lua plugin system with automatic plugin installationmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Keybindings: Keybindings can be rebound in bindings.jsonmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Mouse Support: Supports click-drag selection and double- or triple-click selectionmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Terminal Emulator: Runs a real interactive shell inside the editormicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Bug Reporting: Bugs can be reported through the GitHub issue trackermicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Community Chat: Offers Gitter for informal discussionmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Source Availability: The source code for the website is available on GitHubmicro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
What it does: Micro is a modern, intuitive terminal-based text editor.micro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Intended users: Micro is intended for people who prefer working in a terminal or regularly edit files over SSH.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Binary format: Micro is distributed as a single, batteries-included static binary with no dependencies.micro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Customization: Users can configure options and rebind keys with JSON, and extend configuration with Lua.micro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Syntax highlighting: Micro provides syntax highlighting for over 130 languages.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Plugins: Micro has a Lua plugin system and a built-in manager that installs, removes, and updates plugins.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Terminal integration: Micro can run a real interactive shell inside the editor.micro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Editor capabilities: Micro includes splits, tabs, a diff gutter, simple autocompletion, persistent undo, linting notifications, macros, soft wrapping, line numbers, and Unicode support.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Platform support: Micro is cross-platform and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Illumos, and other systems where Go and its terminal library run.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Windows limitation: Windows is supported, but Mingw and Cygwin are not officially supported.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Linux clipboard requirement: On Linux desktop environments, external clipboard access requires xclip or xsel for X11, or wl-clipboard for Wayland.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
Vim compatibility: Micro currently does not provide Vim emulation or Vi keybindings.micro-editor.github.io · 28 Sept 2026
Support channels: Users can report issues and ask questions through GitHub, Gitter, Discord, or GitHub Discussions.github.com · 28 Sept 2026
License: The Micro repository is MIT licensed.github.com · 28 Sept 2026