AkelPad 4.10.0.2

Overview

AkelPad is an advanced open-source text editing software that is specifically designed to be compact, yet efficient. The software is free for all to use, and is part of an open development project that anyone can contribute to. The original version released in 2003 was available in Russian only, but since then 4 versions have been introduced, and the current version is compatible with 20 languages.

Installation

AkelPad can be installed in all versions of Windows that utilize Unicode text systems, including Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, and 7. The installation process is simple and quick, and can literally be completed in less than 30 seconds once the install file has been downloaded. With a file size of less than 1 MB, the software takes up little hard drive space and has virtually no impact on system performance. It offers 3 options for installation: standard, editor for Total Commander (will be installed as an external editor for TC) and as replacement for Windows' Notepad. If you choose the latter, Notepad will be replaced by AkelPad, but if you uninstall at some point, you'll get Notepad back automatically, as a copy will be kept.

Interface

The user interface is what one would expect from a basic text editor, however it is an open source program, so its functionality can be expanded significantly using specially developed plugins. The real features of AkelPad can be found within the five main context menus located at the top of the user interface – File, Edit, View, Options, Help.

Pros

• Uses proprietary AkelEdit text control technology to replace the default Windows Rich Edit environment, giving the user greater control over how text is displayed and utilized.

• More than 30 plugins can be installed to improve the functionality of the user interface and add new features to the software. Amongst the most popular plugins are Coder (adds support for auto code completion, syntax highlighting, and code folding), Context Menu (lets you customize the arrangement of menus within the program), Hotkeys (lets you designate key combinations to specific functions), and ToolBar (lets you create useful custom toolbars that can quickly open and interact with external programs).

• Compatible with custom scripts – developers can improve their AkelPad experience by creating custom scripts that can access more than 40 predefined actions, to perform automated tasks on-the-fly.

• The interface can be split up into as many as four Windows so that multiple segments of a document can be viewed simultaneously.

• Supports color printing, and a print preview can easily be generated.

• Developers can create custom color themes to ensure that their code is neatly organized and easy to read/write.

• Supports unlimited file sizes (only limited by available PC memory)

• Various text selection methods available, including the option to display by line or column.

• Perform find and replace functions in bulk using predefined criteria

• Fonts plugin lets you load dynamic fonts without having to install them in your operating system.

Cons

• Advanced features may require some learning curve.

Alternatives

The two most notable alternatives to AkelPad are Notepad (the default text editor included with Windows) and Notepad++ (another powerful open-source text editor designed for developers). Although AkelPad has a few formidable competitors, it still manages to stay one of the most advanced text editors available for free.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a free, easy-to-use, compact, feature-rich text editor, AkelPad is an ideal application.