KateLinux
vs
Windows NotepadWindows
Kate as a Linux alternative to Windows Notepad
Updated
Our verdict
Kate is overkill for users who only need basic text editing like Windows Notepad, but it's an excellent replacement for power users and developers who want advanced features. It handles plain text quickly and correctly, supports UTF-8 and line endings properly, and launches fast enough for daily use. If you occasionally edit config files or code, Kate’s syntax highlighting and tab management add value without getting in the way. But if you only jot down quick notes or edit simple .txt files, its feature set is unnecessary. For those comfortable with KDE or seeking room to grow, Kate is a solid, future-proof choice.
- License
- LGPL-2.1+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.04.2 (June 4, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports UTF-8 and common text encodings like ASCII and UTF-16
- Handles CR, CRLF, and LF line endings correctly
- Fast launch and responsive for plain-text files
- Simple UI available when advanced panels are hidden
- Full clipboard integration with copy, paste, cut
What is different
- Kate has syntax highlighting by default, which Notepad lacks
- Includes advanced features like LSP, terminal, and git integration not found in Notepad
- Supports projects and folder-wide search, going beyond single-file editing
- Vi mode and multiple cursors add complexity not present in Notepad
- No 'simple mode' by default — interface appears heavier at first
Opening your Windows Notepad files
Kate opens and saves files created by Windows Notepad without issues, including .txt files with CRLF line endings. It correctly detects UTF-8 encoding and preserves it unless changed. Files saved in Kate are readable by Notepad, though long lines may wrap differently due to Notepad's lack of word wrap. If a file contains no special formatting, compatibility is perfect. Users should avoid enabling syntax-specific formatting unless needed, as Notepad won't recognize such enhancements.
Switching from Windows Notepad to Kate, step by step
- Install Kate via your package manager or Flathub
- Open a plain .txt file to test basic editing
- Disable sidebar panels and terminal if you prefer a cleaner look
- Use File → Open to browse and edit multiple text files in tabs
- Enable 'Show whitespace characters' in Settings if debugging line endings
- Save files as UTF-8 and use LF or CRLF as needed for compatibility
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 install flathub org.kde.katesudo apt install katesudo apt install katesudo dnf install katesudo pacman -S katesudo zypper install kateFrequently asked questions
Can Kate open a file without syntax highlighting?
Yes. You can disable syntax highlighting in Settings or set the mode to 'Plain Text'.
Is Kate slower than Notepad for small files?
No, Kate launches quickly and handles small files instantly, even on modest hardware.
Does Kate support drag-and-drop like Notepad?
Yes, you can drag text or files into Kate, and it opens them in new tabs.
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