# BBEdit for Mac

> The veteran text editor for code, prose and data.

BBEdit opens huge files without stalling and is built for finding and transforming text: grep and multi-file search, text factories, clippings, worksheets and deep AppleScript support. Free Mode covers everyday editing at no cost; a license unlocks the advanced features.

## Facts

- Price: Free, with paid upgrades
- Developer: Bare Bones Software
- Category: Developer Tools
- Website: https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/
- Mac App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bbedit/id404009241
- Homebrew cask: bbedit
- Requires: macOS 14.0 or later
- App Store version: 16.0.3
- Facts checked: 2026-10-19
- MacWorthy page: https://macworthy.com/apps/bbedit/

## Install

Homebrew:

```sh
brew install --cask bbedit
```

Mac App Store CLI:

```sh
mas install 404009241
```

## Questions

### Is BBEdit free?

BBEdit is free to download and use, with paid upgrades for extra features.

### Where can I download BBEdit for Mac?

Download BBEdit from the Mac App Store and the developer's website (barebones.com). MacWorthy links only to official sources.

### Can I install BBEdit from the Terminal?

Yes. With Homebrew, run `brew install --cask bbedit`. With Mac App Store CLI, run `mas install 404009241`.

### Which macOS version does BBEdit need?

The Mac App Store version of BBEdit requires macOS 14.0 or later.

### What are good alternatives to BBEdit?

Other developer tools apps for Mac worth a look are Zed (open source), Ghostty (open source), OrbStack (free + pro) and Warp (free + pro).

## Alternatives in Developer Tools

- [Zed](https://macworthy.com/apps/zed/): A code editor that runs at the speed of thought. (Open source)
- [Ghostty](https://macworthy.com/apps/ghostty/): A fast, feature-rich, truly native terminal. (Open source)
- [OrbStack](https://macworthy.com/apps/orbstack/): Docker and Linux machines, light as a feather. (Free + Pro)
- [Warp](https://macworthy.com/apps/warp/): The terminal, reimagined around blocks and agents. (Free + Pro)
- [iTerm2](https://macworthy.com/apps/iterm2/): The terminal that taught macOS new tricks. (Open source)
- [Nova](https://macworthy.com/apps/nova/): Panic's beautiful, extensible code editor. (Subscription)
- [Tower](https://macworthy.com/apps/tower/): Git, with an undo button. (Subscription)
- [Fork](https://macworthy.com/apps/fork/): A fast, friendly Git client. (One-time purchase)

Tags: text editor, grep, automation