Upgrade to BBEdit
Why am I here?
This page is linked to the “Upgrade to BBEdit” menu command in TextWrangler. It provides information on how (and why!) to switch to BBEdit.
TextWrangler is now part of BBEdit. If you are an existing TextWrangler customer, it’s time to switch.
BBEdit is identical to TextWrangler in every way that you’re used to, because it’s built on the same foundation from the same developers. We promise that you will feel right at home in BBEdit. And you still don’t have to pay anything, unless you want to support us by buying a license.
BBEdit offers a 30-day evaluation period, during which its full feature set is available. At the end of the evaluation period, you can continue to use BBEdit for free, forever, with no nag screens or unsolicited interruptions.
After the evaluation period, BBEdit provides a modified set of features, which incorporates all of TextWrangler’s features, and offers unique features of its own. In the best tradition of TextWrangler, using BBEdit in this fashion costs you nothing, while providing an upgrade path to advanced features and capabilities.
Please see our Q&A for TextWrangler customers.
What is BBEdit?
BBEdit is TextWrangler’s elder sibling. It’s a text editing power tool for professionals, with a rich set of HTML markup tools and other web development aids; an advanced “Projects” feature for helping you keep track of related files; integrated support for source-code control using Git or Subversion; and many more features to help software developers, Web developers, and anyone else with high-power text editing needs to work more smoothly and productively.
How is BBEdit different from TextWrangler?
BBEdit’s basic features and behaviors are identical to TextWrangler, but BBEdit offers many more advanced features and capabilities. We’ve put together a handy comparison chart to help you out. And of course, you can just download the latest version and jump right in.
Finally, the BBEdit product page is a great place to learn all about it.
Am I required to purchase BBEdit? I thought TextWrangler was free.
You are absolutely not required to purchase BBEdit.
BBEdit offers a 30-day evaluation period, during which its full feature set is available. At the end of the evaluation period, you can continue to use BBEdit for free, forever, with no nag screens or unsolicited interruptions.
After the evaluation period, BBEdit provides a modified set of features, which incorporates all of TextWrangler’s features, and offers unique features of its own. In the best tradition of TextWrangler, using BBEdit in this fashion costs you nothing, while providing an upgrade path to advanced features and capabilities.
Some of our dedicated customers have asked for a way to express their support in a direct way, and purchasing a BBEdit license is a great way to do it.
How much does BBEdit cost?
If you choose not to purchase a license, BBEdit is free to use forever with its revised feature set, with no nag screens or unsolicited interruptions.
A new BBEdit license is just US$59.99.
I’m convinced! Where do I sign up?
When you’re ready to start using BBEdit, download the latest version here.
BBEdit licenses are available for purchase directly from us. Thanks again for supporting us!
I already own a copy of BBEdit. Do I need to purchase it again?
Thank you for your support! You don’t need to purchase BBEdit again if you already own a license. If you have an older commercial version, we do invite you to upgrade to the latest version at a discounted price. Of course, if you’re already up to date, there’s nothing else you need to do.
I already bought BBEdit from the App Store, does that change anything?
The latest version of BBEdit from the Mac App Store is an older one, and is not supported on more recent OS versions. You’re welcome to upgrade if you like, and more information is available here.
Otherwise, once you’ve purchased a BBEdit license, you don’t have to do so again (unless you need additional licenses for additional users). Thank you again for supporting us.
We’ve written up answers to some common questions related to the Mac App Store, you can find them here.
Is that all?
Yes! Except to say “thank you” for using TextWrangler. Enjoy.
