Linux · Accessories
Mousepad
Mousepad is a lightweight, GTK‑based text editor for the Xfce desktop.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Latest version
- 0.7.0 (March 2, 2026)
- Developer
- The Mousepad developers
- Installs
- 1,183 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is Mousepad?
Mousepad has been bundled with Xfce for many years and remains actively maintained, with the latest release 0.7.0 in early 2026. It targets users who need a fast, no‑frills editor for quick edits rather than a full‑featured IDE. The project follows the GPL‑2.0+ license and is packaged across major distributions such as Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, and Ubuntu.
The editor focuses on simplicity: it opens instantly, offers basic syntax highlighting, line numbers, and standard clipboard operations. It deliberately avoids plugin ecosystems, keeping the binary small and the interface uncluttered. This makes it a good fit for everyday tasks like editing configuration files, notes, or small scripts.
Compared with Windows tools like Notepad++, Mousepad feels more minimalistic. It lacks the extensive language support and macro system of Notepad++, but its integration with the Xfce environment gives a native look and fast startup. Users who prefer a straightforward editor without the overhead of a development suite will find it comfortable.
Best for: Quick edits of plain‑text files when you want a minimal, responsive editor.
Key features of Mousepad
- GTK‑based UI that matches Xfce aesthetics
- Instant startup and low memory footprint
- Basic syntax highlighting for common languages
- Line numbering and word wrap options
- Search and replace with regular expressions
- Configurable font and tab width
- Drag‑and‑drop file opening
Pros
- Very fast and lightweight
- Simple, distraction‑free interface
- Well integrated with Xfce and other desktops
- Free and open source
Cons
- Limited language‑specific features compared to Notepad++
- No plugin system for extending functionality
- Missing advanced project management tools
Windows programs Mousepad replaces
Notepad++How to install Mousepad on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.xfce.mousepadsudo apt install mousepadsudo apt install mousepadsudo dnf install mousepadsudo pacman -S mousepadsudo zypper install mousepadTips for Windows users
Mousepad reads and writes plain text files (UTF‑8 by default), so any .txt, .log, .conf, or source files you edit in Notepad++ will open unchanged. Keyboard shortcuts are similar for basic actions (Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+F to find, Ctrl+Shift+F for replace). Expect fewer advanced shortcuts; you can customize keybindings in the preferences if needed. Drag files onto the Mousepad window to open them, mirroring the double‑click behavior in Windows.
Recent releases
- 0.7.0 —
- 0.6.5 —
- 0.6.4 —
- 0.6.3 —
Mousepad: frequently asked questions
Can Mousepad open large files?
Yes, it handles multi‑megabyte files without noticeable lag, though extremely large logs may load slower than specialized viewers.
Does Mousepad support syntax highlighting for Python?
It includes basic highlighting for several languages, including Python, but the rules are simple compared to full IDEs.
How do I change the default font in Mousepad?
Open the Preferences dialog, go to the Appearance tab, and select your preferred font and size.
Is Mousepad available as a Flatpak?
Yes, Mousepad is published on Flathub and can be installed via Flatpak on most distributions.
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