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Software · head to head

Fig vs Notepad++

F

Fig

Software

IDE-style autocomplete for your existing terminal

From
Free
Rated
-
Notepad++ logo

Notepad++

Software

Free, lightweight source code and text editor for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Fig shut down on 1 September 2024. Amazon acquired Fig in August 2023 and folded it into Amazon Q Developer, which now carries the terminal autocomplete; Notepad++ windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Fig and Notepad++ actually diverge.

Attributes where Fig and Notepad++ differ
AttributeFigNotepad++
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWebwindows
Founded20202003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Fig

Nothing recorded that Notepad++ does not also cover.

Only in Notepad++

  • Syntax Highlighting
  • Tabbed Editing
  • Plugin System
  • Regular Expression Search
  • Function List

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Fig

No use cases recorded yet. See the Fig review.

Notepad++

  • Quick editing of code and config files on Windowsnot Fig
  • Batch find-and-replace across multiple files with regexnot Fig
  • Lightweight alternative to a full IDE for scriptingnot Fig
  • Viewing and editing logs or large text filesnot Fig

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Fig

  • Shut down on 1 September 2024. Amazon acquired Fig in August 2023 and folded it into Amazon Q Developer, which now carries the terminal autocomplete
  • The standalone desktop app is no longer available or supported
  • The completion specs remain open source on GitHub, but the product that consumed them is gone

Notepad++

  • Windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.
  • Lacks built-in debugging or project/build management found in full IDEs.
  • Plugin quality and maintenance varies since they are community-contributed.
  • No built-in version control integration beyond what plugins provide.

Pricing, plan by plan

Fig

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Fig review.

Notepad++

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor and plugin ecosystem, no paid tiers

Which should you pick?

Choose Fig if

  • You want to start without paying.

Choose Notepad++ if

  • You need syntax highlighting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows.
  • You also want tabbed editing.

Questions people ask

Is Fig or Notepad++ better?
Neither clearly leads. Fig starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Fig or Notepad++?
Fig starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free.
Does Fig or Notepad++ run on more platforms?
Fig runs on Web. Notepad++ runs on windows.
Can I use Fig for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Fig do that Notepad++ cannot?
Notepad++ covers Syntax Highlighting, Tabbed Editing, Plugin System, Regular Expression Search.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Notepad++: Is Notepad++ free?

Yes, Notepad++ is free and open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License, with no paid tiers.

Source
Notepad++: What license does Notepad++ use?

Notepad++ is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 (GPLv2), meaning its source code is freely available and modifiable under GPL terms.

Source
Notepad++: Which operating systems does Notepad++ support?

Notepad++ runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows; there is no official native build for macOS or Linux.

Source
Notepad++: How do I install plugins in Notepad++?

Plugins are installed and managed through the built-in Plugins Admin (plugin manager), which lists community plugins available for download and update.

Source
Notepad++: Where can I get help or documentation for Notepad++?

Official documentation is at the User Manual site, and community support is available through the Notepad++ community forum and GitHub issue tracker.

Source
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