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Guide · Open source

How to use Neovide: install, run and get started

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Neovide is a desktop window for Neovim, the keyboard-driven text editor. It draws Neovim in a graphical window with some visual improvements while aiming to behave like Neovim's terminal interface. This guide explains what you need before installing it, where to get prebuilt releases, and where to get help, so you can start using it with your existing Neovim knowledge.

Neovideneovide/neovide · ★ 15.3k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your Neovim version. Confirm Neovim is version 0.12 or newer, since the README states this is required.
  2. 2Open the Releases page. Go to the GitHub Releases page for neovide/neovide and pick the build for your operating system.
  3. 3Install the download. Run the signed installer on macOS or Windows, or use the AppImage on Linux.
  4. 4Read the installation guide. Follow neovide.dev/installation.html for package-manager commands and verification steps.
  5. 5Launch Neovide. Open Neovide from your applications and use your Neovim workflow as you would in a terminal.
  6. 6Configure as needed. Review the configuration settings on neovide.dev to adjust the window to your preferences.

What Neovide is and who it is for

Neovide is a graphical user interface for Neovim. The project describes it as a simple GUI where some graphical improvements are added, but it should otherwise act like the terminal UI.

It suits people who already like Neovim and want a standalone app window instead of running Neovim inside a terminal. The README assumes Neovim knowledge, so it is not a first editor.

  • Good fit: Neovim users who want a standalone graphical window
  • Good fit: developers who want graphical touches while keeping a keyboard-driven workflow
  • Not a fit: people new to Neovim, or anyone who prefers a terminal-only setup

Check the Neovim version requirement

Neovide requires Neovim 0.12 or newer. If you run an older Neovim, update it before you try Neovide.

Pre-built releases are published for macOS, Windows and Linux on the GitHub Releases page. Each release includes signed installers or AppImage builds, according to the README.

  • Prerequisite: Neovim 0.12+
  • Platforms with prebuilt releases: macOS, Windows, Linux

Install Neovide from a prebuilt release

Download the installer or AppImage for your system from the GitHub Releases page. The README points to neovide.dev for detailed package-manager commands, verification steps and build-from-source instructions, so use that installation guide for the exact steps.

The README also includes a command to clone the repository. Cloning gives you the source code, which is useful if you want to build from source.

  • Get prebuilt releases: https://github.com/neovide/neovide/releases
  • Installation guide: https://neovide.dev/installation.html
git clone https://github.com/neovide/neovide

Configure and learn Neovide

The project homepage covers its features, installation instructions and configuration settings. Start there for options beyond the basics in this guide.

Because Neovide aims to match the terminal UI, your existing Neovim configuration and keybindings are the main thing to carry over. Check the official docs for any Neovide-specific settings.

  • Homepage: https://neovide.dev

Get help when something goes wrong

The maintainers note that Neovide is maintained in spare time, so patience helps. Pick the channel that fits your question.

Use the issue tracker for reproducible bugs or crash reports. Use GitHub Discussions for general questions, tips or feature ideas. Discord and Matrix are good for real-time help from other community members.

  • Bugs and crashes: https://github.com/neovide/neovide/issues
  • Questions and ideas: https://github.com/neovide/neovide/discussions
  • Real-time chat: Discord or Matrix (links on the project README)

What people use it for

  • Running Neovim in a standalone window instead of a terminal tab
  • Keeping a keyboard-driven Neovim workflow with some graphical touches
  • Using the same Neovim setup on macOS, Windows or Linux with prebuilt installers

Frequently asked questions

Is Neovide free?

Yes, Neovide is licensed under the MIT License, as stated in the README. The project also accepts sponsorship on GitHub to help fund code-signing certificates and maintenance.

What does Neovide require?

Neovide requires Neovim 0.12 or newer. Prebuilt releases are published for macOS, Windows and Linux.

How do I install Neovide?

Download a prebuilt installer or AppImage from the GitHub Releases page. For package-manager commands and build-from-source steps, use the installation guide on neovide.dev.

Do I need to know Neovim first?

Yes. The README describes Neovide as a client for Neovim and assumes Neovim knowledge, so it is not recommended for beginners.

What are the alternatives to Neovide?

Comparable projects include Neovim-Qt, VimR and goneovim. Each is a graphical client for Neovim, so compare them on platform support and features you need.

Where do I report a bug?

Use the GitHub issue tracker for reproducible bugs or crash reports. For general questions, use GitHub Discussions, Discord or Matrix.

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Our verdict

Neovide suits Neovim users who want a standalone graphical window with the same keyboard-driven workflow. If you are new to Neovim or want everything inside a terminal, pick a terminal setup instead, and if you run Neovim 0.11 or older, update first.

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