Kate as a Linux alternative to Atom

Updated October 31, 2026

Our verdict

Kate is a strong native Linux replacement for Atom, especially for KDE users. It covers the core needs: syntax highlighting for 300+ languages, Git integration, and project support. However, it lacks Atom’s massive community plugin ecosystem. If you relied heavily on specific Atom packages, you will need to find Linux-native equivalents or use Kate’s LSP support. For general coding, Kate is faster and more integrated into the Linux desktop than Atom ever was, making it a practical choice for developers who want a lightweight, feature-rich editor without the overhead of Electron.

Feature parity85%

License: LGPL-2.1+
Price: Free
Latest version: 26.04.2 (June 4, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Kate Website ↗

Kate screenshot — Editing code with Kate

What works the same

Syntax highlighting for hundreds of programming languages
Integrated Git version control and folder-wide search
Support for multiple cursors, selections, and split views
Extensible via plugins and scripting capabilities
Project-based workflow with folder opening

What is different

Kate uses LSP for code intelligence, whereas Atom relied on a diverse package ecosystem
Kate is native C++ and generally faster with lower resource usage than Electron-based Atom
Atom’s plugin marketplace is gone; Kate’s plugin system is smaller but more integrated
Kate has built-in terminal and filesystem browser, which Atom required packages for
Kate offers native Vi mode, which Atom did not have built-in

Opening your Atom files

Kate opens standard text files, source code, and project folders directly. Since Atom was primarily a text editor, any .txt, .py, .js, .c, or other source files open seamlessly in Kate. Atom’s specific configuration files (like .atomrc or package.json for user settings) are not directly compatible, as Kate uses its own configuration system. You will need to manually reconfigure themes, keybindings, and plugins in Kate’s settings interface.

Switching from Atom to Kate, step by step

Install Kate via your package manager or Flathub
Open your project folder in Kate to test file handling
Configure syntax highlighting for your primary languages in Settings
Set up Git integration by configuring user name and email in Kate’s settings
Install LSP servers for your languages to replace Atom’s code intelligence packages
Customize themes and keyboard shortcuts to match your previous Atom workflow

Key features of Kate

Syntax highlighting for 300+ languages
Multiple cursors and selections
LSP and DAP support for code intelligence and debugging
Built-in terminal and filesystem browser
Git integration and folder-wide search
Vi mode and customizable keyboard shortcuts
Project support with folder opening
Extensible via plugins and JavaScript scripting

How to install Kate on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.kde.kate

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install kate

Debiansudo apt install kate

Fedorasudo dnf install kate

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S kate

openSUSEsudo zypper install kate

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same plugins I had in Atom?

No, Atom plugins are JavaScript-based and specific to Atom’s API. Kate uses a different plugin system and LSP for code intelligence. You will need to find equivalent tools or configure LSP servers for your languages.

Is Kate as fast as Atom?

Kate is generally faster to start and uses less RAM because it is a native C++ application. Atom was built on Electron, which added overhead. For large projects, Kate’s native performance is often superior.

Does Kate support remote editing like Atom did?

Yes, Kate supports wide protocol support including SSH, FTP, and WebDAV, allowing you to edit files on remote servers directly, similar to Atom’s remote editing capabilities.