Notepad++ is a free text editor that comes with a lot of cool features. For instance, auto-save, syntax highlighting, tab support, multiple views, macros, and much more. If the core functionality is not enough, there are also many plugins available. My personal favorite is TextFX.
I use Notepad++ pretty much every single day. It can be used for everything from writing down random notes to advanced text manipulation. In these posts, I show you some of my favorite tips and tricks. Learn how to quickly remove duplicates, use macros, edit columns, and more
You can use the 32-bit version of Notepad++ with the TextFX plugin to quickly remove duplicates, remove blank lines, and sort data – in one operation! This is a fast and easy way to get the results you want in just a few seconds. And as with any kind of automation: the more data you work with, the more time you save.
Notepad++ Remove Duplicates, Remove Blank Lines, and Sort Data in One Operation:
Install the 32-bit version of Notepad++
Select all Text from Edit menu
Then use Line operations for Remove consecutive duplicate lines.
Notepad++ Macros Example:
Do you ever find yourself doing the same things over and over and over again when working on your text files? You can save a lot of time by recording and running Notepad++ macros to automate these repetitive steps. Just record your steps once, then run them as many times as you need!
Notepad++ Column Editing:
Spoiler alert! Column editing is super simple in Notepad++
All you have to do is press the Alt key while selecting text. You can use either Alt+Mouse Dragging or Alt+Shift+Arrows. This works perfectly on text that is already aligned. But what if your text is not formatted as columns already? You can quickly fix that by using the TextFX plugin.Notepad++ Multi-Editing Text:
You can use Notepad++ to quickly insert, edit, or delete text in multiple locations in one file – at the same time! All you have to do is enable Multi-Editing, and then hold CTRL while you click or select text. This is a fast and easy way to edit parts of your document in just a few seconds.
Notepad++ Word Count:
In Notepad++, you can quickly find information about your text. For example, what is the document length and total word count? You can do this by using a built-in feature or by using the TextFX plugin. They count words differently, though, so be aware! Make sure you use the one that is right for you
Word Count in Notepad++
If you have no plugins installed, you can use the built-in Summary feature. If you are using the TextFX plugin you can use the Word Count feature:
- Click View → Summary
- Double-click on Length / Lines on the Status Bar (shortcut to Summary)
- Use TextFX → TextFX Tools → Word Count
Differences between Notepad++ and TextFX
The Notepad++ Summary only shows the total word count, not the selected word count. If you have text selected, it shows you how many characters you have selected, but not how many words are in your selection.
The TextFX Word Count shows the total and selected word count. It only works when you have text selected. It shows you how many words and characters are in your selection.
More importantly, Notepad++ and TextFX counts words differently. Notepad++ counts hyphenated words as two words, while TextFX counts hyphenated words as one word.
Fun fact: TextFX and Microsoft Word counts words the same way.
