Don Ho, the author of the well-known Windows text and code editor Notepad++, recently publicly stated that the so-called "Notepad++" application recently launched on the macOS platform is not an official product, but a "fake" application that uses the Notepad++ trademark without authorization.
Ho emphasized in the statement that the macOS version of the application "is neither authorized nor recognized, and has no affiliation or association with the official Notepad++ project." He believes that this behavior is "misleading, inappropriate, and extremely disrespectful to the project and its users."
Previously, an editor claiming to bring Notepad++ to macOS attracted attention. Many users who are accustomed to using Notepad++ on Windows regarded it as the arrival of the "official Mac version". However, after Ho appeared and denied official involvement, the app was clearly defined by as an unofficial ported version of a third-party developer based on open source code.
After coordinating with Don Ho, Andrey Letov, the developer of this macOS version, also responded via the official website, stating that the application and its related websites will be rebranded to avoid confusion with the official Notepad++. Letov said that he will introduce a new logo, adjust the name, and probably enable a new domain name for the macOS version. These updates are planned to be launched with the upcoming 1.0.6 version, while trying to ensure a "smooth transition" for existing users.
Notepad++ is a text and code editor that has been popular on the Windows platform for more than 20 years. It has always been regarded as an essential tool by many developers, and many users have long been looking forward to the official bringing it to macOS. At present, this unofficial porting project will continue to be maintained in the short term, but it will exist independently with a new name and brand image, rather than the Mac version client under the official name of Notepad++.
Ho reiterated in his statement: "It must be absolutely clear: Notepad++ has never released any macOS version." He emphasized that if users see an application with the name Notepad++ on the Mac platform, they should realize that it is not an official product to avoid misunderstandings in terms of functionality, security and even subsequent support.