Modify various programs with a set of tools like a hex editor, a text analyzer identifying differences, macros, a spellchecker, a code explorer, etc. Multiple syntax highlighting profiles also include multiple project templates and an option for automated code completion.
PSPad is intended for editing simple text and code. In this regard, the tool supports various convenient features, such as syntax highlighting, hex editing and autocompletion. Its interface is quite similar to those of other programs of its type, though outdated and much less minimalistic. It is good that there is accompanying help documentation in case you have any questions.
Fortunately, the editor supports a wide range of programming languages, including VB Script, CSS, C++, Fortran, HTML and Java. Moreover, you do not need to start from scratch; instead, you can use any of the available templates. In this regard, it is very convenient that the program helps you recall the syntax of the selected language functions. Similarly, there are spell language packs downloadable from the developer’s site, which come in handy not only for writing code but standard text as well.
Regrettably, PSPad is not free from drawbacks. For instance, it seems to find a hard time working with large projects. Likewise, different from other similar tools, there are not enough keyboard shortcuts to increase your productivity. Some users have also noticed that the autocomplete function not always works as expected, as it sometimes suggests wrong words. Finally, it a shame that it does not support using wildcards in your searches.
In general, PSPad is a good solution if you need to write standard text or code. It is great for those users working on a budget as it is available absolutely free for any purpose, personal or commercial. There are various downloads available from the developer’s site, some of them portable. Similarly, you should know that there are beta versions there, too.
v5.0 [Apr 22, 2018]
Tab color is applied to the tab you call context menu
Set bookmarks by selection (menu Search) - sets unnumbered bookmarks to the begin and end of selected text
Interactive code clips - window respects high DPI settings
Color selector - height of color cell is higher for high DPI settings
Select text inside bookmarks (menu Edit) - select text according to nearest bookmarks above and bellow the cursor
Ruby - multiline strings
Project settings, Highlighter settings / Compiler, Tools settings - added possibility to set log encoding (OEM, ANSI / UTF-8)
First time run localization isn't taken from system, but from user OS localization
Autocomplete includes first bracket - new option in Program settings / Editor 2
New program actions aDOSFormat, aMACFormat, aUNIXFormat. It allows change line ends format in scripting, allows to assign shortcut
Sessions (File menu, Toolbar button) - PSPad remembers last session. Last session is selected in Session manager, last session is marked in menu items with star icon
New version check was moved into separate thread - it doesn't delay program start
Left panel - you need to keep CTRL when you want to undock Window as protection for unwanted undocking
Add Accent marks function works on selected text. Till now always on whole text
Search/Replace dialog - optimization - when you start with confirmation and answer Replace all, following replace process skips all drawing and will be lightning fast
Undo and Redo optimized for big change number
Exception - added support to send report for mail clients without Simple MAPI support
TextDifference - fixed in 64 bit version
Hex Editor - fix for 64b version
If dark skin was used, the content of help was unreadable (black font on dark background)
Search/Replace - in some cases cursor appear out of editor area
Open big file without running PSPad - wasn't possible to confirm dialog with keyboard
Runtime error after PSPad is closed
Code explorer - if docked in left panel, left panel always appear after start
Program start toolbar flickering
About program dialog with dark skin closes PSPad
Search broke highlight same occurences
Undo/Redo doesn't refresh editor state
Exception when a large number of files are open when starting the PSPad
Catch tool output from Link panel
User Highlighter - fix for case sensitive languages
Lot of fixes joined with skins and drawing
When first file tab was active when program was closed, it wasn't activated with next start
Autocomplete text color problem when Windows skin is set with dark color scheme
Ruby - section #{ ... } in string and string end
FTP - file list icons was too smal for high DPI
64b ends with "program stopped working" message in some cases
Ruby highlighter - class method was highlighted as label
Mall Creeps
