Notepad++ Tutorial How to find and replace in files using Notepad++

Stop Wasting Time: How to Find and Replace Across Multiple Files with Notepad++

If you’ve ever had to update a common term or setting (like a server URL or an API key) across dozens, or even hundreds, of files, you know the pain of opening each one individually, hitting Ctrl+F, making the change, saving, and repeating. It’s tedious, prone to error, and frankly, a massive waste of time.

Fortunately, Notepad++ has a brilliant feature designed specifically for this task: Find and Replace in Files.

This powerful function lets you search for a specific string across an entire directory of files and replace every occurrence instantly. This tutorial will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can manage large-scale file edits with ease.

The Power of Bulk Editing: Why Use Notepad++?

While many text editors can handle single-file find-and-replace, very few offer the robust, built-in solution that Notepad++ provides for directory-wide operations. This feature is a game-changer for developers, system administrators, and anyone dealing with large repositories of configuration files or scripts.

We’ll use a common scenario: replacing the outdated term localhost with a new term, my_server, across several scripts.

Step 1: Accessing the ‘Find in Files’ Feature

The first step is to locate the directory containing the files you wish to modify and open the Find and Replace dialog box.

1. Prepare Your Directory Path: Navigate to the folder containing all the scripts or files you need to modify. Copy the full path from the Windows File Explorer address bar.
2. Open Notepad++: Launch Notepad++. You don’t need to open any specific file yet.
3. Launch the Dialog Box: Press Ctrl + F to open the standard Find dialog.
4. Select the ‘Find in Files’ Tab: Click on the dedicated tab labeled Find in Files.

Step 2: Searching and Verification

Before you execute a mass replacement, it’s always best practice to verify exactly what and where Notepad++ will make changes.

1. Define Your Search Term: In the ‘Find what’ field, enter the exact string you are looking for (in our example: localhost).
2. Set the Directory: Paste the path you copied in Step 1 into the Directory field. Pro Tip: Ensure you have selected the correct root directory.
3. Run the Search: Click the Find All button.

Notepad++ will now scan all files in that directory and display a list of every match found in the results panel at the bottom of the window. Reviewing this list ensures you aren’t replacing anything unintentionally.

Step 3: Executing the Bulk Replacement

Once you’re satisfied with the results of your initial search, it’s time to switch to the replacement phase. This action is permanent, so proceed carefully!

1. Define the Replacement Term: In the ‘Replace with’ field, enter the new string you want to use (in our example: my_server).
2. Confirm the Settings: Ensure the ‘Find what’ field, the ‘Replace with’ field, and the ‘Directory’ path are all correct.
3. Initiate Replacement: Click the Replace in Files button.
4. Acknowledge the Warning: Notepad++ will pop up a warning, reminding you that this action will replace all occurrences in all files within the specified directory. Since this is exactly what we want, click OK to proceed.

In moments, Notepad++ will execute the change. You will see a summary notification indicating how many occurrences were replaced across the files (e.g., “Replaced all 32 occurrences”).

Step 4: Verify the New Changes

The final, essential step is to double-check that your operation was successful and that the old string is truly gone.

1. Search for the Old Term: Return to the ‘Find in Files’ tab and search again for the original term (localhost). The results panel should now show zero matches.
2. Search for the New Term: Now, search for your new term (my_server). The panel should display all the new occurrences, confirming the successful update.

Summary

The Notepad++ Find and Replace in Files feature is an indispensable utility that instantly eliminates the need for tedious manual editing. Whether you’re making minor configuration tweaks or undertaking major code refactoring, this tool saves you time and guarantees consistency across your file directory.

If you found this guide helpful and are looking for more powerful tips to streamline your tech workflow on Windows, be sure to check out more tutorials here at Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

Did this Notepad++ trick save you time? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more friendly tech guides!