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Dedicated Server: Setup Notepad++ on Linux

This guide was created with the following products:

(Details may vary with products from different providers but the main concepts remain the same)

Introduction

Notepad++ is a free and open-source text and source code editor for Windows. It supports syntax highlighting, code folding, and tabbed editing across many programming and scripting languages, and is highly customizable through plugins. Renowned for its fast performance and low resource usage, Notepad++ remains a popular choice for developers and users seeking a powerful yet lightweight editing tool.

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Considering about hosting this service yourself? We’ll walk you through every step on how to set it up and configure it, along with everything you need to keep in mind.

Linux with Desktop Variant required

This application can only be installed and used on a Linux system with a graphical user interface; in this example, Ubuntu Desktop 25.04 is used as the reference.

Prerequisites

Before installing Notepad++, ensure that your hosting environment meets the following requirements to guarantee a smooth installation and optimal performance.

HardwareMinimumZAP-Hosting Recommendation
CPU1 vCPU Cores4 vCPU Cores
RAM2 GB4 GB
Disk space25 MB25 GB

The software requires that all necessary dependencies are installed and that it is running on a supported operating system. Make sure your server meets the following requirements before proceeding with the installation:

Dependencies: Snap

Operating System: Linux with Desktop Support

Ensure all dependencies are installed and the correct operating system version is in use to avoid compatibility issues during the installation of Notepad++.

Preparation

Before setting up the Notepad++, you need to prepare your system. This includes updating your operating system to the latest version and installing all required dependencies. These preparations ensure a stable environment and help prevent issues during or after the installation.

Update System

To make sure your system is running with the most recent software and security improvements, you should always perform system updates first. To do this, run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures that your system has the latest security patches and software versions before proceeding.

Install dependencies

Once the update process is complete, the installation of dependencies can now be proceeded with.

Snap

The Notepad++ software requires Snap to be installed first. To do this, run the following command:

sudo apt install snapd

Installation

Now that all requirements have been met and the necessary preparations have been completed, you can proceed with the installation of the Notepad++ application. To do so, execute the following command:

sudo snap install notepad-plus-plus

Notepad++ will be downloaded and installed using the official installation script. Simply let the process run until it finishes, after which you can launch the application right away.

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Configuration

Notepad++ includes a wide range of customization options accessible under Settings > Preferences. These allow you to tailor the editor to your specific workflow:

  • General: Control startup behavior, such as reloading previously opened files, setting a default language, or defining how tabs behave.
  • Editor Settings: Adjust font type and size, tab width, line numbering, auto-indentation, or whether spaces and tab marks are displayed.
  • Color Schemes & Syntax: Use the “Style Configurator” to switch between themes and customize syntax highlighting for each supported language.
  • File Handling: Configure options like automatic file reload on changes, behavior with large files, or encoding preferences such as UTF-8.
  • Security & Backup: Enable automatic backups or session restore to prevent data loss.
  • Plugins: Install and manage extensions via the Plugin Manager to add functionality such as FTP support or advanced formatting.

These preferences make Notepad++ highly adaptable, whether used for simple text editing or full-scale software development.

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Conclusion and more Resources

Congratulations! You have now successfully installed and configured Notepad++ on your Dedicated Server. We also recommend taking a look at the following resources, which could provide you with additional help and guidance during your server configuration process

Got specific questions that aren't covered here? For further questions or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team, which is available daily to assist you! 🙂