HTML Dos Text Editor
Works on ANY Computer!
Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook - doesn't matter! This text editor runs in any web browser, so it works on literally any device with internet access (and then runs offline after setup).
What You'll Get
A lightweight, browser-based text editor that works completely offline. No downloads, no installations, no accounts needed - just copy, paste, and go!
How to Set Up Your Simple DOS Text Editor
Works on ANY Computer!
Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook - doesn't matter! This text editor runs in any web browser, so it works on literally any device. Once set up, it runs completely offline.
What You'll Get
A lightweight, browser-based DOS-style text editor that works completely offline. No downloads, no installations, no accounts needed - just download, extract, and go!
Step-by-Step Setup (Takes 2 minutes)
Step 1: Download the File
Scroll down and find the attached file below this post
Click the download button to save the text-editor.cbz file to your computer
Why is it a .cbz file? Substack only allows certain file types to be attached to posts. CBZ (comic book) files are supported, so I've packaged the text editor as a CBZ file. Don't worry - it's just a ZIP file with a different name!
Step 2: Extract the HTML File
Simple method (works on any computer):
Right-click the downloaded text-editor.cbz file
Select "Rename"
Change text-editor.cbz to text-editor.zip
If prompted about changing the file extension, click "Yes"
Now right-click the ZIP file and select "Extract All" (Windows) or double-click it (Mac)
You'll see a file called text-editor.html inside
Copy this HTML file to wherever you want (Desktop, Documents, etc.)
Alternative (if you have extraction software like 7-Zip or WinRAR):
Right-click the CBZ file directly and choose your extraction program
Some advanced extraction tools can handle CBZ files without renaming
Step 3: Open Your Text Editor
Find your text-editor.html file
Double-click it - it will open in your default web browser
Your DOS text editor is now ready to use!
How to Use Your Text Editor
Start typing - it works just like any text editor with a retro DOS look
File menu: New, Open, Save, Save As
Edit menu: Undo, Redo, Find, Replace
View menu: Change text size, fullscreen mode
Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+S (save), Ctrl+O (open), Ctrl+Z (undo), and more
Works offline: No internet needed once it's set up!
Auto word count: See your progress in the status bar
Pro Tips
✅ Bookmark it: Add the page to your browser bookmarks for quick access
✅ Desktop shortcut: Right-click the HTML file → "Create shortcut" (Windows) or drag to dock (Mac)
✅ Multiple copies: Make copies of the HTML file for different projects
✅ Backup your work: Use the "Save" or "Save As" functions to download your text files
✅ Zoom with mouse: Hold Ctrl and scroll mouse wheel to change text size
Troubleshooting
Downloaded file won't extract?
Try renaming text-editor.cbz to text-editor.zip and extract normally
Make sure you have extraction software (built into Windows/Mac)
HTML file won't open in browser?
Try right-clicking the file and selecting "Open with" → Chrome/Firefox/Safari
Make sure the file extension is .html (not .txt)
Editor looks weird or buttons don't work?
Make sure you extracted the complete HTML file
Try refreshing the page (F5)
Check that JavaScript is enabled in your browser
Want the classic blue background?
Click "Options" → "Toggle Dark Theme" to switch between blue and black backgrounds
That's it! You now have your own personal DOS-style text editor that runs entirely in your browser. Perfect for distraction-free writing, quick notes, or when you want that retro computing vibe.
Why I Built This Text Editor
I created this simple DOS-style text editor because I was tired of fighting with bloated software when all I wanted was somewhere to put words on a screen.
Modern text editors have become digital Swiss Army knives - packed with features, toolbars, sidebars, notifications, AI assistants, cloud sync, collaboration tools, and endless distractions. But sometimes you don't need a Swiss Army knife. Sometimes you just need a good, sharp knife.
There's something beautifully pure about the old DOS text editors. They had one job: let you write. No pop-ups asking you to upgrade. No autocorrect changing your words. No loading screens or update notifications. Just a cursor blinking on a screen, waiting for your thoughts.
I wanted something that could run anywhere - any computer, any browser, any operating system - without installing anything or creating accounts. Something that would work the same way in 10 years as it does today. Something that respected the simple elegance of focused tools that do one thing exceptionally well.
DOS had it right: sometimes more is too much. Sometimes the best software is the software that gets out of your way and lets you think.
This editor is my small rebellion against the complexity creep that's infected modern computing. It's proof that useful software doesn't need to be complicated software.
Now go write something. The cursor is waiting.
Why I Built This Text Editor
I got tired of over-bloated software when all I wanted was something to put text into. Something distraction-free, simple, and that just does the job. Something that can be opened on any computer, anywhere.
Modern word processors have become these massive applications loaded with features I'll never use. Templates, themes, collaboration tools, AI assistants, cloud sync, auto-formatting - the list goes on. But when I'm trying to write, all that stuff just gets in the way. I don't need my software to think for me; I need it to get out of my way.
There's a simple elegance to DOS that's missing from today's computing. Those old text editors had one purpose: let you write. No distractions, no bloat, just you and the words. Sometimes more is too much.
That's why I made this. It runs in any browser, on any computer, without installing anything. It's the same every time you open it. No updates breaking your workflow, no subscription reminders, no features you didn't ask for.
How I Use It
Press F11 for fullscreen mode - this is key. Hide everything except your words. No browser tabs, no desktop icons, no notifications. Just text on a screen.
Perfect for first drafts - use this to get your thoughts down without overthinking formatting or structure. Don't worry about making it pretty; just write.
Then move to advanced tools - once you have your draft the way you like it, take it into a more advanced editor for polishing, formatting, and final touches.
Keep copies handy - save the HTML file to your desktop, USB drive, or cloud storage. Having a simple text editor available anywhere is surprisingly liberating.
Sometimes the best tool is the one that doesn't try to be everything to everyone. This editor has one job: let you write. Nothing more, nothing less.
Now go make something.