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Smultron

Features
Ease of use
Ease of management
Quality of support
Affordability
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Pricing from
$9.99 one-time
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
User corporate size
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Medium
Large
User industry
  1. Media and communications
  2. Information technology and software
  3. Arts, entertainment, and recreation

What is Smultron

Smultron is a macOS text editor used to create and edit plain-text files such as source code, configuration files, and notes. It targets individual developers and technical users who want a native Mac editor with project organization and syntax-aware editing. The product focuses on a document-based workflow with features like syntax highlighting, file/folder navigation, and search/replace across files. It is distributed as a desktop application rather than a cross-platform editor.

pros

Native macOS desktop app

Smultron runs as a native macOS application and follows common Mac UI conventions. This can simplify deployment for Mac-only teams and users who prefer OS-integrated behavior (windows, tabs, services, and file dialogs). It avoids the overhead of running a browser-based shell for editing. For organizations standardized on macOS, it can be a straightforward local editor option.

Project and file organization

Smultron supports working with multiple documents and organizing files in a project-style view. This helps users navigate between related files without relying solely on the Finder. It fits common workflows such as editing website assets, scripts, and configuration sets. The approach is comparable to other programmer-focused editors that emphasize multi-file navigation.

Syntax-aware editing features

Smultron includes syntax highlighting and other code-oriented editing conveniences for working with structured text. These features improve readability and reduce errors when editing code or markup. It also supports search and replace workflows that are important for maintaining text-based projects. For many day-to-day editing tasks, these capabilities cover core needs without requiring an IDE.

cons

macOS-only platform support

Smultron is limited to macOS, which restricts use in mixed-OS teams. Organizations that need consistent tooling across Windows, Linux, and macOS may prefer cross-platform editors. This can also complicate documentation and onboarding when teammates use different operating systems. As a result, it is less suitable as a standard editor in heterogeneous environments.

Smaller extension ecosystem

Compared with widely adopted editors in this category, Smultron has a more limited plugin/extension ecosystem. That can reduce options for language servers, linters, formatters, and integrations with developer tools. Teams may need to rely on external tooling or manual workflows for advanced language support. This is a consideration for users who expect extensive customization and integrations.

Limited enterprise administration features

Smultron is primarily positioned as an individual desktop editor rather than an enterprise-managed platform. Capabilities such as centralized policy control, standardized configuration distribution, and deep identity/integration features are not typically core to products of this type. Larger organizations may need additional management tooling to standardize settings. This can increase effort for IT-managed deployments.

Plan & Pricing

Plan Price Key features & notes
Mac App Store $9.99 one-time Sandboxed App Store version; requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later; audited by Apple; one-time purchase via the Mac App Store.
Smultron Store (direct) $9.99 one-time Direct purchase via Peter Borg Apps (FastSpring); non‑sandboxed version available; instant license delivery; VAT handled automatically; buy without Apple ID; 14‑day refund guarantee (applies to Smultron Store purchases).
Upgrade license $6.99 one-time Discounted upgrade license for eligible previous purchasers. (Note: the official site shows an "Upgrade" price of US$6.99; it references eligibility from earlier purchases — see vendor site for exact eligibility date details.)
Site license $49.99 one-time Site license for unlimited computers within a single organization/site.
Demo (free to try) Free (limited) Official demo: download and use full functionality but you cannot save documents until you buy a license.

Seller details

Peter Borg
Private
https://www.peterborgapps.com/smultron/

Tools by Peter Borg

Smultron

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