Choosing the Best Text Editor for Mac Users

When it comes to choosing a text editor for Mac, there is a vast selection available, each with its own unique features and benefits. This article will guide you through the process of selecting the most suitable text editor based on various use cases.

Overview of Popular Text Editors for Mac

Almost all popular text editors support Mac. Some of the best and most widely used editors include Visual Studio Code (VSCode), Atom, Sublime Text, and Vim. While Vim is a terminal-based editor, VSCode offers both a terminal environment and a rich graphical user interface (GUI).

My Personal Recommendation: Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

I personally switched from Atom to VSCode recently, and it has proven to be an exceptional choice. VSCode offers numerous features that make it a top contender for developers and content creators alike. It supports a wide range of programming languages and is highly customizable through its rich extensible package ecosystem. VSCode is my go-to editor due to its powerful features and seamless cross-platform support.

Pick the Right Editor for Your Needs

The optimal "best" text editor may vary depending on your specific use case. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the most suitable editor for different tasks:

For ASCII Text Editing

TextEdit: A built-in editor that uses the macOS GUI. Vim and Emacs: Terminal-based editors offering advanced features and scripting capabilities. Ed and Nano: Simple, basic editors that might not be as feature-rich.

For paid options, Bare Bones Software's BBEdit 12 is a favorite among Mac users, especially for its advanced features in a free mode, TextWrangler.

Editing HTML

For HTML editing, consider using Coda 2, which is highly regarded for its comprehensive features and robust HTML development capabilities.

Short Form Writing - For Print

For short form writing, Pages is a great start. It might cover all your bases and is often sufficient for most users. However, for those who need Microsoft Office compatibility, LibreOffice Suite is a free alternative. For a more Mac-like experience, Nisus Writer is an excellent choice.

Long Form Writing

For long-form writing, you have two main options: Scrivener and Literature Latte, or Ulysses. Ulysses, in particular, offers a subscription-based model and is renowned for its powerful writing features, available across multiple platforms.

Markdown Writing

If you primarily work with Markdown, options such as Bear (available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac) or ByWord (text editor app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad) are specifically designed for this format and provide advanced functionalities. Alternatives like Sublime Text are also suitable for Markdown, although there are more specialized tools available.

Cross-Platform Support

One of my criteria for determining the "best" text editor these days is cross-platform support. Sublime Text, Atom, Brackets, and VSCode are all great choices that offer this feature. Sublime Text, in particular, is a leader in the crowd inspired by TextMate, and its base feature set is excellent. It gets out of your way and has a rich package ecosystem that enhances its functionality further.

Emacs is another editor that stands the test of time. It is incredibly powerful and its extensibility is unrivaled. Org mode alone is a compelling reason to love it, as it offers extensive features for organizing and managing large projects.