Free and open source futuristic text editor for macOS

Atom for Mac

Atom for Mac

  -  203 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    Atom 1.60.0 LATEST

  • Review by

    Daniel Leblanc

  • Operating System

    Mac OS X 10.8 or later

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Atom Team / External Link

  • Filename

    atom-mac.zip

Atom for Mac was a highly customizable text editor designed specifically for use by programmers and software developers who need to track large coding projects and simplify coding sessions with a large number of streamlined tools for coding help.

Atom for Mac Screenshot 1

Its flexibility enabled it to seamlessly integrate with other tools and services, making it an ideal choice for developers and programmers. Developed directly by a team that managed the popular developer platform GitHub, this app found great success in the late 2010s.

This app was particularly useful for developers who work on multiple projects simultaneously, as it allowed for easy switching between files and projects.

Its cross-platform capabilities also make it a great choice for those who work on different operating systems. Additionally, this software also featured a built-in package manager enabling its users to easily search for and install new packages or create their own.

NOTICE: After a significant security breach in the GitHub platform in late 2022 and the appearance of new technologies that could better serve software coders, the team that supported the development of this app decided to sunset it.

Since that point, this app received no security or feature updates, with some of its core services becoming available for use.

The spiritual successor of this app includes “Zed” (written in Rust) and “Pulsar” (community fork).

Atom for Mac Screenshot 2

Main Features
  • Web Technologies – Modern coding tool built on top of Electron framework.
  • Customizable via Coding – This ‘’hackable” app supports extensive customization via HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Smart autocompletion – Write code faster with the help of a highly competent autocompletion service.
  • Syntax Highlighting – Manage projects of all sizes with automated syntax highlighting for several popular programming languages.
  • Built-in package manager – Search for and install new packages or create their own with built-in tools.
  • File system browser – Easily browse and open files, projects, or multiple projects without the need for external tools.
  • Flexible Multiple Panes – Split interface into multiple panes for comparing and editing code across files.
  • Cross-platform Editing – Works seamlessly across operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Installation and Setup

Even though it is no longer in active development, this app can be downloaded and used on modern Mac computers. To get it up and running, users simply need to download it from the official GitHub page or secure FileHorse servers.

It is important to note, that due to its discontinued status, not all features and services of this app will be functional, including package management service, teletype, and downloading of Electron symbols and headers.

Atom for Mac Screenshot 3

How to Use

Atom is a coding utility that helps programmers of all technical levels get an easier overview of their projects, with a wide selection of built-in tools for supporting coding.

Due to its depreciated status, not all tools in it are active, preventing seamless integration into the daily workflows of many users.

User Interface

The app’s user interface is clean and intuitive, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.

The interface is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the look and feel of their editor to suit their preferences not only with built-in options but also with direct coding using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Atom for Mac Screenshot 4

FAQ

What is Atom?
It was a customizable text editor designed by GitHub for use by software developers. As of 2023, this app is no longer in active development.

Is it safe?
No. This depreciated app should be used with care, following instructions left by previous developers of this app on its official GitHub page.

Alternatives

Sublime Text for Mac – A popular text editor known for its speed and ease of use in supporting coding and software development projects.

Visual Studio Code for Mac – A free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft.

MacVim– A highly versatile open-source coding editor with a strong focus on customization.

Pricing

This app is 100% Free.

System Requirements

macOS 10.8 or later

64-bit processor

PROS
  • Highly customizable.
  • Cross-platform compatibility.
  • Deep integration with the GitHub platform.
  • Free and open-source.
CONS
  • No longer in active development.
Conclusion

Atom for Mac is a highly customizable text editor designed by GitHub developers to support software coders in projects of all types and sizes.

During its presence on the market, its unique features and capabilities made it an excellent choice for developers and programmers, however, today this app is no longer supported. After a security breach and the rise of other web technologies, the active development of this app stopped.

Users are recommended to use other coding editing apps that receive regular security and feature updates, such as Visual Studio Code, Vim, and Sublime Text.

Note: Requires 64-bit processor.

Also Available: Download Atom for Windows

  • Atom 1.60.0 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Atom 1.60.0 Screenshot 1
  • Atom 1.60.0 Screenshot 2
  • Atom 1.60.0 Screenshot 3
  • Atom 1.60.0 Screenshot 4

What's new in this version:

- atom/tabs#531 - Activate panes on any click, not just left click
- Allow line endings to be converted when copying and pasting