SciTE
SciTE is a Scintilla-based text editor that can also compile or run source files and show command output in its output pane.
What SciTE is
SciTE is a Scintilla-based text editor that can also compile or run source files and show command output in its output pane. It provides automatic syntax styling for languages including C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML and YAML. Multiple files can remain in memory, although only one is visible at a time. Editing features include multi-cursor and column editing, macro recording and support for large files. Many settings can be changed in properties files, which can also add external applications to the Tools menu. SciTE is free, with Windows and Linux downloads; a commercial version is available from the Mac App Store. Windows executables support Windows 7 and later and are listed for 32-bit, 64-bit and ARM systems. The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel-compatible processors, requires GTK 2.24 or later and was tested on Ubuntu 22.04. The maker describes SciTE as best suited to jobs with simple configurations. Release notes say version 5.6.4 mitigates problems with running untrusted code.
Good
- Free Windows and Linux downloads are available.
- Can compile or run source files.
- Supports multi-cursor editing and macro recording.
- Properties files allow behavior customization.
- Syntax styling covers many listed languages.
Watch out
- Only one file is visible at a time.
- Linux release requires GTK 2.24 or later.
- The macOS version is commercial.
Who it suits
SciTE suits people who want a free editor with syntax styling and the ability to build or run source files. Its maker positions it for jobs with simple configurations.
Verdict
SciTE combines text editing with basic build-and-run facilities and adjustable properties. Its platform-specific requirements and single visible file may matter when choosing an editor.
Plans and prices
From SciTE's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SciTE | Free | Simple configurations · Windows and Linux downloads |
The facts
Each one read from SciTE's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Best suited for
- The maker says SciTE is best used for jobs with simple configurations.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Build and run
- SciTE can compile or run source files and direct command output to its output pane.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Column editing
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Much of SciTE’s behavior can be changed by editing properties files.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Editing
- SciTE provides automatic syntax styling and can hold multiple files in memory, with one file visible at a time.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
- External tools
- Users can add external applications to SciTE’s Tools menu through properties-file commands.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Language support
- The documentation lists syntax styling for languages including C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, and YAML.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Large-file handling
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
- License
- The download page says the license for using Scintilla or SciTE is similar to Python’s and contains very few restrictions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The scintilla.org privacy policy says the site collects logs and that its advertisements collect viewing information through Google Analytics; it says the site collects no personally identifiable information.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The release notes say version 5.6.4 mitigates problems running untrusted code.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Questions and comments about SciTE are directed to the scite-interest mailing list, which averages fewer than five messages per week.checked 7 Oct 2026
- What it does
- SciTE is a Scintilla based text editor with facilities for building and running programs.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux support
- The Linux binary release is for 64-bit Intel compatible processors, requires GTK 2.24 or later, and was tested on Ubuntu 22.04.checked 7 Oct 2026
- macOS availability
- A commercial version of SciTE is available from the Mac App Store.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yeschecked 23 Sep 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linuxchecked 23 Sep 2026
- Windows support
- The downloadable Windows executables support Windows 7 and later, with 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM downloads listed.checked 7 Oct 2026
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