I tried 10 text editor programs for Mac, and these 4 stayed
TL;DR:
- The right text editor program easily boosts my speed and productivity by a third.
- These programs don’t just fix typos; they help you master tone, flow, audience targeting, and more.
- Used correctly, these tools will also help you improve your vocabulary.
If there’s one piece of software I rely on constantly, it’s a good text editor. I work quickly, so I need programs that can keep up and keep me on track.
I’ve tried a few, and many haven’t quite hit the mark for me. So I used my favorite GPT assistant tool to research the top 10 text file editors, based on my goals and preferences, and it recommended a few I hadn’t considered.
The good news is that these are the best text editors for Mac and are now part of my workflow. Let me save you some time and hassle by sharing what I found.
My favorite text editor programs for Mac
Here are the 4 best text-editing software programs I’m using most.
Text Editor: Mac’s native choice
Mac’s native Text Editor is a solid, dependable choice for most users. It can handle both plain and rich text formats and supports Microsoft Word files, as shown below.
Why you should try it: It’s built into your Mac, so there’s no need to download or install. Easy to find in Launchpad (or Apps if you’re on Tahoe), and it’ll suit people who are infrequent users, but need something decent.
Just be aware: There is no TextEdit app for iOS, so it’s not good if you’re on the go.
Pro tip: Using Rich Text mode? You can drag and drop images, audio, and video files directly into documents.
Plus: I loved the ‘smart assistant’ vibe
Of the best text editors for Mac users I found in my research, I think Plus is my favorite as it feels like a smart AI assistant just ready to help out.
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Why you should try it: Plus proofreads and improves what I’ve written, lets me write custom prompts, and I love the summarize and explainer feature, which helps when I’m short on time.
Just be aware: A few users have reported minor bugs, but the developers have been quick to fix them, which gives me real confidence.
Pro tip: Explore the presets, which cover everything from proposals to pitch decks. Yes, you can customize prompts, but the templates are very good.
ProWriting Aid: Inspired my work writing
ProWritingAid is particularly good for creative and academic writers, and it’s packed with powerful text tools that help with refining issues in longer texts like fiction or essays.
Why you should try it: It’ll catch complex writing issues like overused words and the passive voice really well, as this YouTuber points out.
Just be aware: It’s a standalone tool, so you’ll need to pay separately for anything beyond the free basic option.
Pro tip: Review the reports for key areas such as overused words and sticky sentences to identify where you can improve (and need the tool less.)
A great app to try if I need assistance with both writing and coding
BBEdit from the App Store is a winner if, like me, you sometimes need to wear two work hats. I write and need to edit, but also sometimes have to put together text in HTML. This helps me no end.
Why you should try it: If you’re a writer and coder, you’ll be able to edit, search, and manipulate text very simply, all in one app.
Just be aware: There’s a subscription fee to pay, and it’s not very flexible.
Pro tip: I suggest you make full use of the 30-day evaluation period to see if you want to invest in it.
Which text editor will you try?
When it comes to optimizing my workflow, I’ve used all these apps at some stage for different reasons. Simple writing, I go native and use TextEditor or PlusAI. For anything complex, I’ll definitely turn to BBEditor.
Which one of these text editor program options has caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments!
