Pluma vs Notepad++: is it a good Linux alternative?

Pluma as a Linux alternative to Notepad++

Updated October 27, 2026

Our verdict

Pluma is a decent replacement for Notepad++ only if you need basic syntax highlighting and lightweight editing on Linux. It handles UTF-8, multiple encodings, and has a clean tabbed interface. However, it lacks macros, scripting, and a real plugin system—critical features for heavy Notepad++ users. Programmers who rely on automation or extended functionality will find it too limited. Pluma suits casual users or those embedded in GNOME who prioritize simplicity over power. If you need Notepad++-level depth, consider alternatives like Geany or Kate instead.

Feature parity50%

License: GPL-3.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.28.1
Rating: —

Install Pluma

What works the same

Syntax highlighting for over 50 programming languages
Tabbed interface for managing multiple files
Support for UTF-8 and various character encodings
Line numbers and basic indentation guides
Fast startup and low memory usage

What is different

No macro recording or playback
No scripting support (e.g., no Python or JavaScript integration)
Lacks a true plugin architecture—limited extensibility
Basic find and replace without full regex search/replace in all versions
Tied more closely to GNOME, less suitable on other desktops

Opening your Notepad++ files

Pluma can open files created by Notepad++ without issue, including plain text, code files, and logs. Since both editors handle UTF-8 and common encodings like ASCII and ISO-8859-1, character display is generally consistent. However, Pluma does not read Notepad++ configuration files (like config.xml or shortcuts.xml), so custom settings, syntax coloring schemes, or user-defined languages won't transfer directly. You’ll need to reconfigure preferences manually.

Switching from Notepad++ to Pluma, step by step

Install Pluma via your package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install pluma' on Debian/Ubuntu)
Copy your text and code files from Windows to your Linux system
Open files directly in Pluma or use 'File > Open' to browse
Enable syntax highlighting manually per file type in the bottom-right corner
Adjust preferences under Edit > Preferences for fonts, line numbers, and indentation
Use the side panel for file and folder navigation if enabled

Key features of Pluma

Syntax highlighting for over 50 programming languages
Tabbed interface for multiple files
Line numbers and indentation guides
Basic find and replace functionality
Integration with GNOME desktop environment
Support for UTF-8 and other character encodings

How to install Pluma on Linux

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install pluma

Debiansudo apt install pluma

Fedorasudo dnf install pluma

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S pluma

openSUSEsudo zypper install pluma

Frequently asked questions

Can Pluma run on desktop environments other than GNOME?

Yes, Pluma runs on other desktops like XFCE or KDE, but it pulls in GTK and GNOME libraries, which may feel out of place or increase system overhead.

Does Pluma support regular expressions in search and replace?

Basic regex is supported in some versions, but it's less powerful and consistent than Notepad++. Check your version's 'Find' dialog for regex options.

Is there a way to extend Pluma with plugins like in Notepad++?

Pluma has limited plugin support, but the selection is small and functionality is basic compared to Notepad++. Don’t expect IDE-like tools or automation.