Overview of Features

Everything you need to forge your perfect editing experience

Modular by Design

Every feature is a module. Enable only what you need, keeping the editor lean and focused on your workflow.

Scriptable Actions

Define powerful workflows with action scripts. Automate repetitive tasks and create custom commands.

Custom Modes

Tailor the editor for any language or data format. Create modes that understand your specific needs.

Standalone & Lightweight

No external dependencies. A single executable that runs anywhere without complex setup.

Template System

Reusable, customizable templates for common document types. Start projects faster with pre-built structures.

Marketplace

Share and discover extensions with the community. Find modes, themes, and modules created by others.

Syntax Highlighting

Language-agnostic, theme-aware syntax highlighting. Beautiful code display that adapts to your preferences.

Accessible by Default

Full keyboard navigation and screen reader support. Everyone can use Text Forge effectively.

User-Driven

Open source and community-focused. Every user can contribute improvements and shape the editor's future.

Comparison

Feature-by-feature breakdown of Text Forge and how it compares to other popular editors.

This page compares Text Forge against widely-used editors (Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Notepad++, and Emacs). Summary notes below are intended as general guidance — links to official documentation are listed after the comparison for exact, up-to-date details.

Modular by Design
Text Forge's architecture is module-first: features are discrete modules you enable or disable. This keeps the core lightweight while enabling users to compose exactly the workflow they need.
Text ForgeModule system
VS CodeExtension-based
SublimePackages
Notepad++Plugins
EmacsHighly extensible
Scriptable Actions
Action scripts and automations let users record and run complex workflows or create custom commands.
Text ForgeAction scripts
VS CodeTasks & extensions
SublimeMacros & plugins
Notepad++Macros + plugins
EmacsElisp macros
Custom Modes
Modes that understand specific languages/data formats (syntax rules, indentation, preview formats).
Text ForgeMode system
VS CodeLanguage extensions & LSP
SublimeSyntax packages
Notepad++Built-in syntaxes
EmacsMajor/minor modes
Standalone & Lightweight
Single executable distribution with no heavy external dependencies; good for constrained environments.
Text ForgeStandalone
VS CodeElectron-based (larger)
SublimeLightweight binary
Notepad++Native Windows binary
EmacsLarge but native
Template System
Reusable project or document templates with placeholders to jumpstart new files or projects.
Text ForgeBuilt-in templates
VS CodeProject & snippet templates via extensions
SublimeSnippets & packages
Notepad++Limited
EmacsTemplates via packages (YASnippet, skeletons)
Marketplace / Extensions
Community repository for modules, modes and themes to install or share.
Text ForgeMarketplace (community)
VS CodeLarge extension marketplace
SublimePackage Control ecosystem
Notepad++PluginCentral / community
EmacsMELPA / ELPA
Syntax Highlighting
Theme-aware, language-agnostic highlighting that adapts to the chosen editor theme.
Text ForgeTheme-aware
VS CodeRobust + LSP
SublimeFast highlighter
Notepad++Many syntaxes
EmacsModes provide highlighting
Accessibility
Keyboard navigation and screen reader support by default.
Text ForgeDesigned for accessibility
VS CodeAccessibility features
SublimeBasic keyboard support
Notepad++Windows-focused
EmacsExtensive keyboard-driven UI
Backups & Reliability
Automatic backups, crash recovery and safe plugin handling.
Text ForgeAuto backups (configurable)
VS CodeAuto save & extensions
SublimeSession restore
Notepad++Backup plugins
EmacsConfigurable backups
Flexible Project System
Uses a single `.tfproj` file for project data, allowing files from any path and even single-file projects for flexibility.
Text ForgeProject file
VS CodeFolders & workspace
SublimeProject/workspace
Notepad++Folder only
EmacsProjectile
Multi-Caret Editing
Supports multiple carets/selections for simultaneous editing of code in different places.
Text ForgeMulti-caret
VS CodeMultiple cursors
SublimeMultiple selections
Notepad++Multi-edit (plugins)
EmacsMultiple cursors (plugins)
Code Completion
Provides mode-driven auto-completion for code and text (context-aware suggestions).
Text ForgeMode-driven
VS CodeIntelliSense (LSP)
SublimeBasic + plugins
Notepad++Basic + plugins
EmacsYes (plugins)
File Outline
Outline panel to navigate sections or symbols in the file (mode-provided).
Text ForgeOutline panel
VS CodeOutline view
SublimeGoto Symbol
Notepad++Document map
EmacsImenu
Live Preview
Generates a live preview of the file (e.g. HTML or Markdown rendering) in a side panel.
Text ForgeLive preview
VS CodeLive preview
SublimePreview (plugins)
Notepad++None
EmacsLive preview
Linting (Problems Panel)
Mode-driven linting that shows errors and warnings in a Problems panel at the bottom.
Text ForgeProblems panel
VS CodeProblems panel
SublimeLint plugin
Notepad++Lint plugin
EmacsFlycheck

Notes: The short comparison rows above are *summary guidance* — each editor is highly configurable, and some capabilities (like LSP support or templates) can be added via community packages/extensions. For authoritative, up-to-date details see the docs linked below.

Official references