Hi everyone!
I’ve been working on an open-source project called Text Forge — a lightweight, standalone, and extensible text editor built entirely with the Godot Engine. If you’re looking for an alternative to bloated editors or want to craft tools that truly adapt to your workflow, this might be up your alley!
Key Features:
Built with Godot, so it is much lighter than big editors.
Tiny footprint (entire project currently is under 12 MB)
Plugin & mode system with near-zero overhead (each mode ~2 KB)
Language-agnostic by design (supports “Modes” as language handling system)
Minimal, fast, fully keyboard-accessible GUI
Designed for maximum customization and hackability
Why I’m Sharing It Now:
The project is still in active development, and I’m looking for folks who want to:
Explore editor design with Godot - Feel free to contribute were you want
Help build and test custom modes - You can add support for any language with modes
Discuss foundational philosophies of software tools, for targeting and specifying general principles - Even about whether you think this project is useless or not !
Shape an ecosystem focused on simplicity and user freedom
We’re also hosting a discussion on the philosophy behind the project’s design; You can share your ideas here:
Let’s talk! Whether you care about keybindings, modularity, startup time, or the deeper values behind tool-building — your input helps shape what Text Forge becomes.
Yes, there is still a lot of planned features, but Text Forge has the basic features now. Also, there is support for HTML, CSS, Python, Markdown, GDScript, CSV, INI, JSON,… and some special features, for example you should see HTML auto formatter:
The first build ready for Windows and Linux has been released! This is a Development Preview version but includes the latest changes to date and 15 ready-made mods. Current supported mods:
This is a monthly list of modes with higher priority in development progress, if you like don’t touch the core of Text Forge you can try mode development with this list or any mode you want, see Mode structure guide to learn how you can develop a mode (you can publish your mode repository with text-forge tag in GitHub or create a pull request to official mode library).
JavaScript - complete web development user experience
BBCode - good for use in Godot, with optional preview feature
Text Forge gives you a simple and fast focused environment for programming. To adapt to all your needs, just connect the modules to reach the power you need!
Second devlog: Panels Feature
The second devlog is out: Control different sections simultaneously with the panels feature!
Notifications Panel
No more alert windows! Stay informed about the progress and keep your focus with the notification panel in Text Forge.
Find & Replace Panel
Find and replace are basic and essential features, but now with the help of panels, they are in a more user-friendly interface!
Read the second devlog here:
New Online Docs
Given the need for a structured environment for online documentation and guides, the project documentation is now available here:
Next release is on the way!
Text Forge received some bug reports, so it’s time to getting ready for next release; You can see most important changes here or see CHANGELOG section for full log:
New menu: Help
New feature: Panel Support
New panel: Notifications
New panel: Find & Replace
New feature: Translation system
New feature: Settings and Preferences
A lot of completed action scripts
New feature: Drag & Drop to open files
There is any feature in your mind? Be fast and share it before 0.1-Stable!
Hey everyone!
We’re excited to announce the first public beta release of Text Forge — a lightweight, keyboard-centric text editor built with Godot.
Text Forge is designed to be simple, fast, and deeply customizable. Whether you’re writing code, editing structured data, or building your own extensions, this release lays the foundation for a modular and user-empowering experience.
What’s New in 0.1? (After last dev release)
This version introduces a wide range of features and improvements:
Core Features
Panel Support: Notifications, Find & Replace, and what you want
Extension System: Add new functionality with minimal overhead in this new way
Mode Manager: Lightweight language support via modular modes, import / export modes easily
Command Palette: Fast access to actions and scripts and see shortcuts
Drag & Drop: Instantly open files by dropping them into the editor
Translation System: A special easy way for modules to handle multiple languages
Action Scripts
View toggles: Line Numbers, Minimap, Breakpoints, Bookmarks, Fold Gutter, Tabs, Spaces, Control Characters, Line Length Guides
Format tools: Auto Indent, Remove All Indents
Utilities: Color Picker, New Window, Restart
Highlighting: Current Line, All Occurrences, Matching Braces
Evaluation: Run selected code snippets
API & Internals
ExtensionHub, Settings, CaseActionScript, CheckableActionScript, Data Reader/Writer
New signals and improved script execution flow
Module Profiler for performance insights
UX & Behavior
New shortcuts and shortcut system
Boot splash screen
Preferences panel
Improved brace handling and auto-completion
Modes now stored in user data folder
Restore window state in launch
Fixes & Cleanup
Numerous bug fixes across signals, script connections, and internal APIs
There is a list of some issues you can contribute with them. If you have a good understanding of the project, you can see this list, which includes issues that are ready to be worked on:
Proposed major update to Text Forge — tons of features on the way!
We’ve submitted Discussion #91 and PR #71 for a complete rewrite of the Mode API, aiming for v2.0. The new design introduces a modular, extensible architecture that makes it much easier to build custom Modes — like syntax highlighters, preview panels, outline navigation, and more.
Modes now live in their own repositories (called Mode Kits), and unofficial Modes are fully supported. You can check out the first community-built Mode here: Text Forge Python Mode.
Highlights:
Each Mode defines its own syntax highlighter, preview renderer, and UI panels.
New Outline and Problems panels for navigation and linting.
Auto Format & Indent are now Mode-driven.
Safe lifecycle management and better error handling.
We’re actively seeking feedback before merging — especially from Godot tool developers who might want to integrate or extend Text Forge.
Hi @Frozen_Fried, there is some information about editor performance and usage:
Note: The numbers are approximate and vary depending on the number of modules, computer specifications, and platform. Monitored on TFM API v2.0 in debug mode with Window 11, Core i5 1.60GHz, GeForce MX350.
Startup Time: ~2 seconds (~5 seconds for first run)
Memory Footprint: <500MB (on large files when auto format is in progress)
Bundle Size: ~30MB for Linux | ~35MB for Windows (with some source related files)
Bundle Size per mode: ~2KB (~6KB for new modes)
Responsiveness: <20ms for typing (~200ms for outline & linting)
Hey everyone!
We’re excited to share the Release Candidate for Text Forge 0.1 — a lightweight, keyboard-centric text editor built with Godot.
This version builds on the beta with stability improvements, final features, and polish. If you’ve been testing Text Forge, now’s the time to help us validate the experience before the stable release!
What’s New in RC1? (Since Beta)
This release finalizes key systems and introduces several enhancements:
Mode System
Mode-specific support for:
Comment & string delimiters
Auto indent
Code completion
File outline
Linting & problems
Preview generation
Optional mode panel and viewer
Export all mode files from Mode Manager
Feature toggling per mode
Editor Features
Type timer for editor
Problem counter
Outline, Preview, and Problems panels
Highlight matched query segments in command palette
API & Behavior
Global.get_last_file_path()
Auto-navigate to last opened/saved file in dialogs
Auto-load last opened file at startup
Scroll support for preferences tabs
Change Log tab in About panel
Localization
Added Polish translation (PL)
Fixes & Cleanup
Missing queue_free() in file dialogs
Incorrect value for left panel node
General bug fixes and internal cleanup
Binary Size Reduction
Thanks to build optimizations and asset pruning, Text Forge binaries are now significantly smaller:
Windows: reduced from 35 MB → ~27.6 MB
Linux: reduced from 30 MB → ~22.3 MB
This means faster downloads, quicker startup, and a leaner footprint overall.
Hey everyone!
We’re excited to announce Text Forge 0.1.0 RC2 — the second release candidate of our keyboard-first, Godot-powered text editor. This version brings a dramatic leap in responsiveness and speed, setting the stage for a rock-solid 0.1 release.
Blazing-Fast Startup
We’ve completely reengineered the startup pipeline — and the results are stunning:
Startup time slashed from 2158 ms to just 281 ms
With threaded loading, the editor feels instant — no more waiting around
This isn’t just faster. It’s a whole new experience.
What’s New in RC2
Open With support (#82)
Backup System (experimental) (#92)
Fixed: Mode selection when multiple modes are available (#93)
Plus a wave of internal performance improvements and cleanup
The modular editor has officially entered the stable realm—ready to empower your creativity with a flexible, extensible design built entirely in Godot. This release marks a major milestone: a customizable environment where you shape the tools, not the other way around.
Highlights of 0.1-stable:
Support for 8+ programming and markup languages with precise, theme-aware syntax highlighting
Hundreds of panels, modes, action scripts, and plugins—fully extensible via GDScript without exporting the source
Advanced translation system and automatic code formatter for clean, readable output
Autocomplete, linting, and outline view for faster navigation and smarter coding
Built-in preview, performance profiler, and automatic backups for peace of mind
Command palette for instant access to every feature, from modes to scripts
Text Forge isn’t just an editor—it’s a platform for building your own workflow. Whether you want a lightweight tool or a deeply customized environment, this is your starting point.
Contributors welcome!
If you’re interested in development, design, testing, or just sharing feedback, we’d love to have you involved. Every contribution—from small ideas to major improvements—helps shape the future of Text Forge.
Start from docs to learn more and get editor in simplest way
There is a list of some issues you can contribute with them. If you have a good understanding of the project, you can see this list, which includes issues that are ready to be worked on:
We have released a new Development Standards document that includes a Code Style Guide. You can easily contribute by refactoring the project’s code according to this guide! The GDScript mode now also supports automatic arrangement of code sections, which will make your work much easier.
Text Forge 0.2 Beta: Projects, Marketplace, and a new way to grow
Hey everyone!
We’re excited to announce Text Forge 0.2.0-beta1 — a major update to our modular, Godot-powered editor.
This release introduces the long-awaited Marketplace, experimental project support, and a host of new features designed to make Text Forge even more powerful, customizable, and community-driven.
What’s New in 0.2?
Built-in Marketplace: Browse and install modes, themes, and extensions directly from within the editor
Project Support: .tfproj format, project menu, recent projects, and file panel
Themes: Customize the look and feel of your editor with theme-aware syntax highlighting
New APIs: Including NetSuite autoload support
Bug Fixes & Improvements: Better scroll handling, improved save logic, and more
Several new standalone modules and tools have been released outside the core editor, expanding what Text Forge can do:
Marketplace Now Available Online
The Text Forge Marketplace is now accessible independently via the web!
Previously only available inside the editor, you can now browse and install plugins, modes, and templates without launching the app.
Unleash Text Forge’s Full Potential: Introducing the Full Mode Kit!
Tired of painstakingly installing Text Forge’s powerful features one by one? Wish there was a lightning-fast way to unlock everything? Your wish is granted! The Full Mode Kit lets you equip Text Forge with all officially available languages in a single, streamlined installation.
Why Choose the Full Mode Kit?
Blazing-Fast Installation: Say goodbye to juggling multiple files. Activate every mode with a single, effortless install!
Compact & Secure Powerhouse: Get maximum functionality without sacrificing security. Our 50KB file delivers a comprehensive and secure suite of modes.
Always Up-to-Date: Rest assured you’re wielding the latest and greatest. The Full Mode Kit bundles the newest versions of all packages for peak performance.
Key Features:
Why I’m Sharing It Now:
!
GitHub Repository:
It’s now usable?
Text Forge 0.1 Beta Released!
Core Features
Action Scripts
API & Internals
UX & Behavior
Fixes & Cleanup
Download & Docs
Join the Conversation
Text Forge 0.1 RC1 Released!
Localization
Binary Size Reduction
Windows: reduced from 35 MB → ~27.6 MB
Linux: reduced from 30 MB → ~22.3 MB
First-Time Contributors
Blazing-Fast Startup
Startup time slashed from 2158 ms to just 281 ms
With threaded loading, the editor feels instant — no more waiting around
Contributors welcome!
Start from 
What’s New in 0.2?
Built-in Marketplace: Browse and install modes, themes, and extensions directly from within the editor
Project Support: 
Themes: Customize the look and feel of your editor with theme-aware syntax highlighting
Bug Fixes & Improvements: Better scroll handling, improved save logic, and more
Online Docs:
Text Forge v0.2.0-beta2 Released
Marketplace Now Available Online
SVG Mode with Live Preview
Rust Mode for Systems Developers
Join the discussion: 
Blazing-Fast Installation: Say goodbye to juggling multiple files. Activate every mode with a single, effortless install!
Compact & Secure Powerhouse: Get maximum functionality without sacrificing security. Our 50KB file delivers a comprehensive and secure suite of modes. 
Update: Text Forge v0.2.0-rc1 Released!
Highlights of this release:
Please give it a try and share your experience here in the thread or via