Notepad++ Mac Port Renamed Nextpad++ After Trademark Row

Source: MacRumors

Background

The unofficial macOS port of Notepad++ was originally released by Andrey Letov under the Notepad++ name without authorization. Don Ho created the original Windows code editor in 2003 and had publicly objected to the unofficial app’s use of his trademark and the inclusion of his name and biography on its author page.

Rebranding to Nextpad++

After settling the dispute, the app has been renamed Nextpad++. The site for Nextpad++ has been thoroughly updated and now states that the app is an “open‑source and independent community port of Notepad++ to macOS.” Letov’s About page describes the project as a Mac port of the Notepad++ GPL codebase, built on Objective‑C++, Scintilla, and Cocoa, and shipped as a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The app also features a new icon.

Technical Details

• Language/Frameworks: Objective‑C++, Scintilla, Cocoa
• Build: Universal binary supporting both Apple silicon and Intel Macs
• License: Open‑source (GPL)

Community Reaction

Daring Fireball’s John Gruber expressed disappointment, describing the app as feeling “unholy” and suggesting the rapid port could only have been built with AI‑vibe coding tools. The site notes that development began on March 10.

Call for Feedback

Have you tried out Nextpad++ for Mac? Let us know what you think in the comments.