Fake “Notepad++ for Mac” Site May Pose Malware Risk for Mac Users

A deceptive website is circulating online that claims to offer an official “Notepad++ for Mac” download, and it has already misled some users and even tech media outlets into believing that Notepad++ has finally launched a native macOS version.

The site operates under the domain notepad-plus-plus-mac[.]org. It is branded to look like an official extension of the real Notepad++ project.

It copies the familiar Notepad++ name, logo, and green color scheme, and prominently advertises “Notepad++ for Mac” as a full native port for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Marketing text on the homepage claims there is “no Wine, no emulation” and positions the app as the long‑awaited macOS edition, which helps convince users that the project is endorsed by the original developers.

In reality, Notepad++ remains a Windows‑only editor, and the project’s founder has publicly called out this site for misuse of the brand and his identity.

An “Authors” page goes further by listing the real Notepad++ creator, Don Ho, alongside the macOS port developer, complete with Ho’s photo and biography.

This design choice strongly implies that Ho is part of the Mac project’s team or has approved the port, even though that is not the case.

Notepad++ has never released a macOS

Despite the convincing appearance, the official Notepad++ project has never shipped a native macOS release.

In a warning titled “Trademark Violation: Fake Notepad++ for Mac,” Don Ho states clearly that this macOS offering “has no connection to Notepad++,” is “not authorized, not endorsed, and not affiliated with the project in any way.”

He explains that while the code may be based on the open‑source Notepad++ repository, the problem is the way the site markets itself as if it were an official product.

Ho also notes that only a small number of users read disclaimers deeply, meaning most people will download the application and assume it is a legitimate Notepad++ release.

This confusion has been amplified by articles and forum posts celebrating “Notepad++ finally coming to Mac” and linking directly to the impersonating domain.

The macOS port uses the Notepad++ name and chameleon logo, both of which are associated with the original Windows project, without proper authorization.

According to Ho, the site’s design and wording cross the line from an independent port into trademark infringement because they deliberately make the app appear official.

More worrying, the website features Don Ho’s name and biography on the “Authors” page, implying that he is a co‑author or sponsor of the Mac version.

Ho has publicly called this “misleading, inappropriate, and frankly disrespectful” to the Notepad++ community and its users.

He has contacted the site owner demanding changes and is currently awaiting a response, while reserving the right to take legal action if necessary.

Why this could be a security risk

From a security perspective, the biggest danger is that users are downloading and executing software they believe to be official, when it is actually distributed by an unrelated third party.

Even if the current build is not malicious today, the operator could push a future update containing backdoors, spyware, or other malware and many users would install it without suspicion.

Ho has warned that any product using the Notepad++ name could be abused to deliver malware or hidden remote‑access capabilities, especially if it gains wide trust in the developer community.

The macOS app is advertised as signed and notarized by Apple, but notarization does not guarantee that software is safe it only means Apple scanned it at one point in time.

Once users get used to searching “Notepad++ for Mac” and clicking the first unofficial domain they see, it becomes trivial for threat actors to clone the current site and swap in trojanized binaries.

Users should treat any “Notepad++ for Mac” branding as unofficial and avoid downloading from notepad-plus-plus-mac[.]org or similar look‑alike domains.

The safest practice is to obtain Notepad++ only from the genuine project website, notepad-plus-plus[.]org, where the developers publish Windows builds and official announcements.

macOS users who need a code editor should instead choose trusted alternatives such as VS Code or other reputable IDEs obtained from their official sites or the Mac App Store.

If you have already installed the fake Notepad++ for Mac, security teams recommend removing the application, revoking any related permissions, and scanning your system with up‑to‑date endpoint protection.

Finally, if you see social media posts or articles claiming an “official” Notepad++ release for macOS, consider correcting them and sharing the project’s trademark warning so others do not fall into the same trap.

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