Someone released a fake version of popular Windows text editor Notepad++ for Mac users. The real creator quickly warned people that he never made a Mac version and doesn’t know what this copycat software actually does.
This matters because Notepad++ is beloved by millions of Windows users who write code and edit text files. Mac users have been asking for their own version for years, making them easy targets for scammers.
The Perfect Setup for Confusion
Notepad++ creator Don Ho has been crystal clear about his Windows-only policy for over a decade. He’s repeatedly told Mac users that porting the software would be too much work, and he’s not interested in doing it.
That left the door wide open for someone else to create a Mac app with the same name. The fake version appeared on download sites, looking official enough to fool people searching for “Notepad++ Mac download.”
The timing was particularly sneaky. With more people working from home and switching between different computers, demand for familiar software on new platforms has never been higher.
Ho discovered the impostor app and immediately posted warnings on social media. He reminded everyone that authentic Notepad++ only exists for Windows, and anything else is unauthorized.
The fake app has since been removed from most major download sites, but copies might still be floating around the internet. Ho says he’s looking into legal options to prevent future copycats from using his software’s name and reputation to trick users.
