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Guide · Open source

How to use CodeEdit: install, features and what to expect

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

CodeEdit is a free, open-source code editor written specifically for macOS by a community of contributors. This guide explains what it does, how to get it running from the project's README, and where it fits compared with Xcode, VS Code, Zed and TextEdit. By the end you will know how to install it, which features it lists, and whether it suits your work.

CodeEditCodeEditApp/CodeEdit · ★ 23.1k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your Mac. Confirm you are on macOS and check the release notes for the supported version, since the README does not state it.
  2. 2Download the app. Get the latest release from the CodeEdit GitHub releases page.
  3. 3Open CodeEdit. Launch the app and open a non-Apple project folder you want to work on.
  4. 4Try the core features. Test syntax highlighting, code completion, and project find and replace on a small project.
  5. 5Report what you find. Submit issues on GitHub if something breaks, so the project can fix it.

What is CodeEdit and who is it for?

CodeEdit is a code editor built by the community and written entirely for macOS. The project says it aims to stay lightweight like TextEdit while growing toward the feature set of Xcode when needed.

It suits developers on a Mac who work on non-Apple projects and want a native macOS editor, and people who prefer MIT-licensed, free software. It is not recommended for production-critical work yet, because the README says it is still in development.

  • Good fit: Mac users on non-Apple projects who want a native macOS editor
  • Good fit: contributors comfortable with Swift and SwiftUI/AppKit
  • Good fit: users willing to test pre-release builds and report feedback
  • Not a fit: teams that need a production-stable editor
  • Not a fit: Windows or Linux users, since it is written only for macOS
  • Not a fit: developers who need the full, mature feature set of Xcode for Apple platform work

How do you install CodeEdit on a Mac?

The README's install method is to download the app. The latest release is listed on the project's GitHub releases page, and pre-release versions are also published there. The README does not state the exact macOS version required, so check the release notes before installing.

The README also gives a git command to get the repository, which is useful if you want the source code rather than the app.

  • Open the project's releases page on GitHub and download the latest release
  • Check the release notes for the macOS version it supports, since the README does not state it
  • Optional: clone the source code if you plan to build or contribute
git clone https://github.com/CodeEditApp/CodeEdit

What features does CodeEdit include?

The README lists these features: syntax highlighting, code completion, project-wide find and replace, snippets, a terminal, task running, debugging, git integration, code review and extensions. It also says the list includes more beyond these.

The project says it follows Apple's human interface guidelines so the app looks and feels like a built-in Apple application.

  • Syntax highlighting and code completion
  • Project find and replace
  • Snippets
  • Integrated terminal
  • Task running and debugging
  • Git integration and code review
  • Extensions

How do you open a project and start editing?

The source excerpt does not describe the step-by-step interface for opening folders or files, so this guide does not list menu paths or shortcuts. Consult the project's documentation or Contribution Guide for current workflow details.

Once the app is open, the features above are the main tools the project documents for everyday editing.

Should you use CodeEdit or another editor?

Xcode remains the choice for mature Apple platform development. VS Code and Zed are alternatives listed as comparable projects. TextEdit is the simpler, lightweight editor that CodeEdit uses as a design reference.

Choose CodeEdit if you want a free, open-source, native macOS editor for non-Apple code and you accept that it is still in development.

  • Xcode: mature, built for Apple platforms
  • VS Code: a comparable code editor listed by the project
  • Zed: a comparable code editor listed by the project
  • TextEdit: the lightweight editor CodeEdit aims to resemble

How can you help improve CodeEdit?

The project invites people to test pre-release versions and submit issues on GitHub. Contributors can join the Discord community or GitHub Discussions, and a weekly meetup is held on Discord.

The Contribution Guide in the repository explains how to contribute code. Issues are tracked across multiple repositories, so the project board can help you find a starting point.

  • Test pre-release builds from the GitHub releases page
  • Report problems through GitHub issues
  • Join the Discord community or GitHub Discussions
  • Read CONTRIBUTING.md before submitting code

What people use it for

  • Editing a non-Apple project such as a web or backend codebase on a Mac
  • Running a terminal and tasks alongside your code in one window
  • Using git integration and code review while working on a project
  • Testing pre-release builds and giving feedback to the developers

Frequently asked questions

Is CodeEdit free?

Yes. The project says it is open source and free forever, and it is licensed under the MIT licence. The project relies on community support.

What license is CodeEdit under?

CodeEdit is licensed under the MIT License, which the repository lists. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.

What macOS version do I need for CodeEdit?

The README excerpt does not state the exact macOS version. It only says the project is written for macOS, so check the latest release notes before installing.

Does CodeEdit work on Windows or Linux?

No. The project is written entirely for macOS and is not designed for Windows or Linux.

Is CodeEdit ready for production use?

Not yet. The README says CodeEdit is in development and not yet recommended for production use, so it is best for testing and personal projects.

How does CodeEdit compare to Xcode or VS Code?

Xcode is built for Apple platform projects and has a mature feature set. VS Code and Zed are comparable editors listed by the project. CodeEdit aims to be lighter like TextEdit while growing toward Xcode's features when needed.

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Our verdict

CodeEdit is a good choice for Mac developers who work on non-Apple projects, want a free MIT-licensed native editor, and are happy to test a project still in development. If you need a production-stable editor, work on Windows or Linux, or depend on the full feature set of Xcode for Apple platforms, choose another tool.

Install options & downloads