NotePad++ Dev Slams Mac Version As Unauthorized and ‘Frankly Disrespectful’

Last week, it looked like Windows-based text editor NotePad++ had finally arrived on macOS. But it turns out the Mac version is an unauthorized copy of the original.

The developer of NotePad++, Don Ho, is going out of his way to slam the Mac edition with a post titled “Trademark Violation: Fake Notepad++ for Mac.”

A software engineer in New York named Andrey Letov is behind the Mac app, which is based on the free and open-source NotePad++. The problem is that Letov also originally called his version “Notepad++ for Mac,” and even used the iconic chameleon logo. 

(Credit: Internet Archive)

Although Letov’s site described his creation as an “independent community port” that had no affiliation with Ho, the distinction was apparently lost as several Reddit posts began to tout the Mac version, including one that said: “Notepad++ Code Editor Comes to Mac After 20-Year Wait.”

The attention prompted Ho, who doesn’t own a Mac, to respond. “This site has absolutely nothing to do with Notepad++,” he wrote. “It’s not authorized, not endorsed, and not affiliated with the project in any way.”

Ho took issue with Letov not only for using the NotePad++ logo but also for placing his name on the author page for the Mac version. (The photo of Ho also shows him covered with an alien facehugger.)

(Credit: Don Ho)

Ho wrote: “This is misleading, inappropriate, and frankly disrespectful to both the project and its users. It has already fooled people—including tech media—into believing this is an official release.”

In a GitHub thread about the issue, Letov indicated he meant no disrespect to Ho, who’s been developing NotePad++ since 2003. “When I put Don on the authors page I never in my life had any intention to say that he was involved. It actually says that he wasn’t but I wanted to give Don all credit for creating [the] original version, which [the] Mac version was built on,” Letov wrote. 

In response, Ho wrote: “I respect your good intention. However, you do not need to use Notepad++ brand to promote your product in order to reach your goal. As I said, I’m happy to see Mac users benefit from the Notepad++ code base. The problem is not [the] port or fork —the GPL (General Public License) allows you to do so. The problem is that using the name ‘Notepad++’ for your product and project is very confusing. A small number of users are vigilant and read your website to learn the history.”

Letov asked for two weeks to prepare for a name change. But Ho responded: “I have reported your unauthorized use of the Notepad++ trademark to your CDN provider Cloudflare. From my perspective, your website behaves [as] an impersonation/phishing site because it misleads users into believing your product is the official Notepad++ release.”

(Credit: notepad-plus-plus-mac.org)

In the face of some backlash from other developers, Letov added: “I’m not siphoning any legitimacy. I did a lot of work to bring it free to Mac with only intent to expand Notepad++ brand and allow Mac users to find Mac version easier.” The site for his version has since been changed to use the name Nextpad++ for Mac. The logo has also been replaced with a frog.

For now, Letov’s site is still using the “notepad-plus-plus-mac.org” domain, which Ho requested to be changed. But Letov’s site notes: “The domain will be changing tomorrow to nextpad.org.”

About Our Expert

Michael Kan

Principal Reporter

---

Experience

I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware, and more. I’m currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country’s technology sector.

Since 2020, I’ve covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also the regulatory battles over the expansion of satellite constellations, fights with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the effort to expand into satellite-based mobile service. I’ve combed through FCC filings for the latest news and driven to remote corners of California to test Starlink’s cellular service.

I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. In 2024 and 2025, the FTC forced Avast to pay consumers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling their personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.

I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. I’m now following how the AI-driven memory shortage is impacting the entire consumer electronics market. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips.

Read Full Bio