heynote is a dedicated scratchpad for developers. It functions as a large, persistent text buffer divided into blocks where you can write down anything you like. The software works well for a Slack message you don’t want to accidentally send, a JSON response from an API you’re working with, notes from a meeting, your daily to-do list, etc.
The heynote buffer is divided into blocks, and each block can have its own Language set (e.g. JavaScript, JSON, Markdown, etc.). This gives you syntax highlighting and lets you auto-format that JSON response.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Persistent text buffer.
- Block-based.
- Each block has its own language set. Syntax highlighting for a wide range of languages:
- C++, C#, Clojure, CSS, Erlang, Dart, Go, Groovy, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JSX, Kotlin, TypeScript, TOML, TSX, JSON, Lezer, Markdown, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, Shell, SQL, Swift, Vue, XML, YAML.
- Language auto-detection.
- Auto-formatting.
- Math/Calculator mode – math blocks are calculator scratch pads that can be used for simple calculations. They also support variables, functions and unit conversions (including currencies).
- Currency conversion.
- Multi-cursor editing.
- Dark and light themes.
- Option to set a global hotkey to show/hide the app.
- Default or Emacs-like key bindings.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: heynote.com
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Jonatan Heyman
License: MIT License

heynote is written in JavaScript. Learn JavaScript with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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