How to highlight syntax in Notepad++ step by step and without complications

For those who work with code on a daily basis, having a clean and visually clear environment is essential. One of the tools that has gained the most popularity among programmers and advanced users is Notepad++, a free, lightweight, and very powerful text editor that stands out for its support for multiple programming languages. programmingIf you've ever wondered how to use syntax highlighting in Notepad++ to improve your development experience, here's the most comprehensive guide available in Spanish.

Syntax highlighting, also known as syntax highlighting, allows users to view their code in different colors and typographic styles depending on the function of the text (comments, variables, reserved words, etc.). This feature not only improves the readability, but also reduce errors when programming. In this article, we'll learn how to enable, adjust, and customize syntax highlighting in Notepad++ with practical examples and helpful tips.

What is syntax highlighting and why is it important?

Syntax highlighting is a visual feature that distinguishes different elements of the code using colors and styles. For example, in a file PythonComments might appear in gray, variables in black, keywords in blue, and text strings in green. This differentiation makes it much easier to understand large blocks of text.

A key advantage of syntax highlighting is its ability to help you quickly detect errors. If you forget to close a quote or use the wrong keyword, the code simply won't look the way it should, which can alert you that something is wrong even before you run the program. In this context, it's important to have a good editor that makes your work easier, such as programs to program in C.

In addition to error detectionIt also makes your workflow more fluid. When working on large projects, recognizing code structures at a glance is vital. Highlighting saves you time and eye strain.

How to install Notepad++ correctly

If you don't have Notepad++ on your computer yet, the first thing to do is download it from their website. official (https://notepad-plus-plus.org)Make sure to select the latest version available, as it often comes with improvements and support for more languages.

Here are the basic steps:

• Visit the official Notepad++ website.
• Download the most recent version compatible with your operating system.
• Double-click the installer and follow the instructions.

Once installed, you're ready to start working with syntax highlighting.

Enable syntax highlighting by language

Notepad++ does not automatically activate highlighting for all file types, especially if the file has an unusual extension or is initially blank. To manually activate highlighting:

• Open Notepad++.
• Go to menu "Language" on top.
• Select the programming language you use (for example, Python, PHP, JavaScript).

Once the language is selected, the code will be automatically colored according to the predefined rules of Notepad++ itself and thus you will be able to work without problems as in the management of a XML file.

Customize syntax styles

If the default colors and styles don't suit you, you're in luck: Notepad++ lets you customize these styles down to the smallest detail.

Steps to modify styles:

• Access the menu "Configuration" and select “Style Configurator”.
• Choose the language you want to modify.
• Select the element (for example, “Keyword”, “Comment”, “Number”) you want to customize.
• Change the font, size, text color, and background to your liking.
• press “Save and close”.

Helpful hint: If you use specific dark or light themes, be sure to adjust the background and text colors to maintain good readability.

Import custom highlight settings

Sometimes you don't want to start from scratch. Fortunately, Notepad++ allows you to import user configuration files who have already done the work of defining custom styles for certain languages.

To do it:

• Go to menu Language → Define your language.
• Click on Import.
• Select the .xml file that contains the syntax definition.
• Restart Notepad++ to apply the changes.

It's useful if you work with less common languages, such as GeneXus. In this case, you can access files prepared by other users, which makes your life much easier.

User-defined syntax highlighting (UDL)

One of the most powerful advanced features of Notepad++ is the User Defined Language (UDL), which allows you to define from scratch how highlighting should behave for a language that is not natively supported.

This process involves:

• Open Language → Define your language…
• Give your new custom language a name.
• Configure keywords, operators, comments, delimiters, and assigned styles.

Known limitations: Versions prior to 6.5.5 have issues with dark themes. For example, even if you change the background, some letters may remain solid white, causing an annoying contrast on dark backgrounds. The solution is to use UDL files specifically designed for dark themes.

Highlight text that is not code

Sometimes we don't want to highlight a language's syntax, but rather simply colorize a piece of text to make it stand out within the document. For this, you can use:

1. Comments: In many languages, comments are colored by default, so you can use that “trick” to emphasize lines that are not executed.
2. Custom styles: Create a new language (UDL) and manually indicate which words you want to color, without the need for programming rules.

This is useful for making to-do lists, highlighting important dates, or code you'll review later.

Use plugins to highlight syntax or apply color scripts

Notepad++ supports a wide variety of plugins to expand its functions. One of the most powerful in this regard is NppExec, which allows you to run scripts directly within the program.

Steps to install it:

• Go to Plugins → Admin Plugins…
• Search NppExec and click install.

Once installed, you can create small scripts like:

// Guardar el archivo actual
npp_save

// Activar salida de consola
npp_console on

// Establecer color de fondo para estilo específico
SCI_SENDMSG 2082 10 0x00FFFF00

This example changes the background color of style 10 (selected text) to yellow. The RGB value in hexadecimal format can be modified to match the desired color.

Share your settings with other users

If you've created a custom configuration that works perfectly with your specific workflow or language, you can easily export and share it.

• Go to Language → Define your language.
• Click on Export.
• Save the generated .xml file.

This file can be imported by anyone who uses Notepad++ and wants to replicate your style. It's a fantastic way to collaborate with your team or community.

You've seen that the syntax highlighting system in Notepad++ goes far beyond what meets the eye. From basic options like choosing a language to creating definitions from scratch with UDLs, the customization possibilities are impressive. You can even apply different color palettes depending on the language you're working with, or adapt dark or light themes based on your visual preference. Adding plugins like NppExec takes this functionality to a whole new level. And if you work with unconventional languages ​​like GeneXus, the option to import configurations from other users will save you hours of work. Without a doubt, mastering these features will save you time and reduce errors in your projects.