Geany is a lightweight open-source code editor and a small integrated development environment, with a build system to compile and run code.12 It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, is translated into over 40 languages, and has built-in support for more than 50 programming languages.1 The current download is Geany 2.1.0.1 The code-signing policy says the program will not transfer any information to other networked systems unless specifically requested by the user or the person installing or operating it.3
Last checked October 28, 2026.
At a glance
- What it is: A lightweight open-source code editor with syntax highlighting, a symbol list and build commands.12
- Works on: Linux, Windows and macOS, plus other GTK systems including FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris Express and AIX v5.3.12
- Price: Free software, with downloads published on the releases page.13
- Licence: GNU GPL version 2, or any later version. Bundled Scintilla has its own licence.5
- Best for: Editing code, scripts and configuration files on your own computer.
- Official site: geany.org
What Geany does (and how it protects your privacy)
Geany is a lightweight programmer’s text editor.1 It only needs the GTK3 runtime libraries to draw its windows.2 Syntax highlighting colours the code so different kinds of text stand out. Geany can fold a block of code, complete a symbol name, close XML and HTML tags, and show call tips.2 It also has a symbol list and simple project management.2
The Build menu compiles and runs code with tools you install yourself.27 The Windows guide says Geany does not include compilers or interpreters.7 For C and C++, Compile produces an object file. Execute runs a program or script in a terminal.5 Where the VTE library is installed, a terminal can sit inside the window. VTE is a virtual terminal emulator: a panel for typing commands.5 On Windows the documented external terminal command is cmd.exe.5
The code-signing policy says the program will not transfer any information to other networked systems unless specifically requested by the user or the person installing or operating it.3 There is no built-in editing over FTP or SSH, though you can open a folder another program has already mounted.6 Settings stay local. The default configuration directory is ~/.config/geany/, where geany.conf lives, and --config points Geany at another folder. On Windows that directory might vary.5
Key features of Geany
- Many languages: Built-in support for more than 50 programming languages, including C, Java, PHP, HTML, Python and Perl.12
- Geany 2.1 additions: Announced on 6 July 2025, with new types such as Dart, Dockerfile, Nix, TOML and Zig, and most extra colour themes included.4
- Reading aids: Code folding, symbol-name completion, call tips, a symbol list and simple projects.2
- Build commands: Compile, Build and Execute call tools you installed, and you can change the commands.5
- Terminal: An in-window terminal when
libvteis present. Windows uses an external console instead.57 - Plugins: Classbuilder, Export, Filebrowser, HTML Characters, Save Actions and Split Window are included. Geany-Plugins 2.1 adds more.3
- Translations: The interface is translated into over 40 languages.1
Geany pros and cons
Pros
- It is free software under the GNU GPL, version 2 or any later version.15
- You can get it from the website, from your distribution, or as a Windows or macOS download.35
- Settings stay in a folder on the computer. The program will not transfer any information to other networked systems unless specifically requested by the user or the person installing or operating it.35
- It is light: Geany only requires the GTK3 runtime libraries.2
- SignPath.io digitally signs a 2.1 Windows installer. An unsigned installer contains the same build.4
- A change was merged on GitHub on 19 October 2026, after the July 2025 release.48
Cons
- You install compilers and interpreters yourself. They are not part of Geany.7
- The Windows build leaves out the embedded terminal and uses
cmd.exeinstead.57 - Geany cannot edit files directly over FTP or SSH.6
- The main window uses tabs. Side-by-side view is a plugin, or another instance of Geany, rather than part of the core editor.6
- Most shortcuts can be remapped, and a Vim-mode plugin exists, but Geany cannot fully emulate Emacs or Vim.6
Is Geany safe and private?
The About page names Colomban Wendling as maintainer, Nick Treleaven, Matthew Brush and Enrico Tröger as developers, Frank Lanitz as translation maintainer, and Lex Trotman and Jiří Techet as regular contributors.2 The manual licences Geany under the GNU GPL, version 2 or any later version. Scintilla, included in the source tree, has a separate licence.5 GitHub still shows commits in October 2026.8
You obtain Geany from the website or your distribution.5 The default configuration directory is ~/.config/geany/, and on Windows that folder might vary.5 SignPath.io signs the Windows binaries with a certificate from the SignPath Foundation. Giuseppe Penone is the named approver. The same note states the limit on network transfer.3 GPG signatures are published for the source archives and the Windows installers. The macOS row shows a dash in the signature column.3
For an encrypted folder on Linux, gocryptfs is a separate tool. On Windows, simplewall sets application connection rules if you want a check on programs that open a connection.
How to get started with Geany
- On Linux, install the distribution package. The manual says you can obtain Geany from the website or from your distribution.5
- On Windows, download the signed installer
geany-2.1_setup.exe. The unsigned file is the same build. On a Mac, choosegeany-2.1_osx.dmgorgeany-2.1_osx_arm64.dmg. Source archives and Windows files have GPG signatures and a linked public key.34 - Open Geany from the application menu. On Windows it sits in its own menu folder.5 Open a file or start a new one. Colours follow the file type.2
- Install the language’s compiler or interpreter, then use the Build menu.7 Checks such as cppcheck, JSHint and shellcheck are separate programs you obtain first.5
- Settings live in
~/.config/geany/, or in a folder you pass with--config.5 The FAQ describes a portable Windows layout and says a PortableApps package is not maintained by the Geany team.6 Extra plugins are in the Geany-Plugins 2.1 download.3
Who should use Geany (and who might prefer something else)
Geany suits people editing scripts, configuration files or a small project on their own computer. Compilers and interpreters are installed separately.7
For a long document with a publication workflow, see the Academy page on Zettlr. If you need a side-by-side split in the core window, a full imitation of Emacs or Vim, or an embedded terminal on Windows, the Geany FAQ and Windows guide describe those limits.67 Two other editors to compare on their own sites are Kate and VSCodium.
Frequently asked questions
Is Geany free?
Yes. The homepage calls it free software, and the releases page offers source, Windows and macOS downloads directly.13 The licence is the GNU GPL, version 2 or any later version. Scintilla has its own licence.5
Is Geany safe and private?
SignPath.io signs a 2.1 Windows installer, and the code-signing policy says the program will not transfer any information to other networked systems unless specifically requested by the user or the person installing or operating it.34 Settings stay in a configuration folder on the computer.5
Does Geany work on iPhone, Windows and Mac?
It runs on Windows and macOS, with a 64-bit Windows installer and two macOS disk images on the releases page.13 The About page also lists Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, AIX v5.3 and Solaris Express.2 Those lists do not name an iPhone or Android build.23 The Windows port is missing some features, including the embedded terminal.27
Does Geany include a compiler?
No. The project says Geany does not include compilers or interpreters.7 The Build menu can call a compiler, Make, or a linter after you install that tool. A linter is a separate program that points out likely mistakes. Examples named in the manual include cppcheck, JSHint and shellcheck.5
