6 Best Text Editors for Mac in 2025

Some of the best text editors I’ve used on my Mac in 2025 include Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Nova by Panic, Sublime Text 4, Zed, TextMate 2, and CotEditor. As a web designer and developer, I switch between several tools depending on the project. These ones stand out because they genuinely keep up with how I think, no sluggish loading and no distracting UI quirks. When I’m working, I want something fast, clean, and customizable enough to stay out of my way.

You don’t have to test a dozen editors to find the right one (I already did that). Here’s how each of these performs when you actually use them every day.

1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

VS Code is probably the most popular option on this list. It supports multiple languages through extensions, plus its IntelliSense autocomplete suggestions are context-aware based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules. 

The interface is modular, so I can customize panes, tabs, and toolbars depending on the language or framework I’m working with. Git integration works without needing external tools, and changes appear inline with color-coded diffs. I find this helpful during version control or code review.

For front-end development, I rely on the Tailwind CSS IntelliSense extension, along with Emmet for faster HTML generation. When building full-stack apps, I use the built-in terminal to run backend services, test scripts, and commit changes in the same window. 

Debugging works reliably for JavaScript, Python, and TypeScript using breakpoints and variable watches. With settings and extensions saved in a settings.json file and synced via GitHub, I can replicate my setup across machines in minutes.

2. Nova by Panic

Nova feels like it was built for macOS. The UI is clean and fast. Its native integration makes every action feel smooth, from switching tabs to running build tasks. You can use it for syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and LSP-based language support. The built-in Git client is especially polished, with a visual commit history and side-by-side diffs that let you review changes quickly without leaving the editor.

I mainly use Nova when working on static sites or lightweight front-end projects. It has a built-in server with live preview, which is useful when building landing pages or testing CSS changes. I’ve also created custom workflows that run build scripts and deploy files over SFTP, all from the sidebar. Unlike VS Code, it doesn’t rely heavily on extensions, but that’s part of the appeal.

3. Sublime Text 4

Sublime Text 4 is fast, lightweight, and straightforward. It launches instantly and handles large files without lag. The interface is simple but highly customizable. You get multi-cursor editing, accurate find-and-replace, and strong support for many programming languages. I use it when I need something quick and distraction-free.

Most of the time, I rely on Sublime for quick script edits or writing config files. I like how the Command Palette works. It makes it easy to access settings or plugins without leaving the keyboard. Package Control gives you access to thousands of community-made tools, so I’ve added things like auto-formatting for JSON and syntax highlighting for Markdown. It’s reliable and doesn’t get in the way.

4. Zed

Zed is a fast, Rust-based code editor built with collaboration in mind. It’s built by the original creators of Atom, but this time it’s optimized for speed and simplicity. It runs natively on macOS and uses GPU rendering to keep scrolling and typing smooth, even in large files. Unlike Electron-based editors, it doesn’t use excessive memory or CPU.

I mainly use Zed for real-time collaboration and focused writing. Its peer-to-peer sharing lets me pair-program without needing extensions or logins. The editor also supports multiple workspaces, split views, and built-in terminals. While the plugin ecosystem is still developing, it already includes essentials like syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and Git integration.

5. TextMate 2

TextMate 2 is not as flashy as modern editors, but it gives me control over my workflow. You can customize just about everything, from syntax definitions to snippets and keybindings. It supports powerful search and replace, and bundles make it adaptable to many languages.

I often reach for TextMate when working with plain text or quick script edits. It feels snappy even with large logs or Markdown files. I’ve set up macros for repetitive edits, and the regex-based find tool is one of the most efficient I’ve used. It’s a niche tool, but in the right hands, it’s sharp.

6. CotEditor

CotEditor is great for quick edits and clean formatting. It launches instantly, supports over 50 languages, and has built-in tools for line endings, character encoding, and syntax coloring. It doesn’t try to be an IDE, which makes it perfect for handling clean text or isolated code files.

I usually open CotEditor when I’m reviewing CSVs, editing config files, or cleaning up data dumps. The real-time character count, split editing, and customizable themes make it feel precise. It also auto-saves and restores sessions, which helps when juggling small but frequent edits across files.

Overall, there’s no single “best” text editor for Mac. It really depends on how you work and what features matter to you. And if you’re serious about coding on your Mac, it’s worth checking out how ChatGPT is now integrated with native macOS tools. OpenAI’s latest updates let you use AI directly in your development setup.