Zed

Zed is a fast code editor for programmers. It is written in Rust and uses your computer's graphics chip to draw the screen. This makes it start in a flash and scroll smoothly. Built-in AI helps you write code, and teams can edit the same file together in real time. The editor itself is open source and free. Zed Industries made it. They are the same team that built the Atom editor. Check the official site for the latest pricing and details.

Key Features

1. Very fast startup

Zed is built in Rust and draws the screen with your graphics chip. It opens fast and stays smooth. Heavy work runs in the background.

2. Free and open source

The editor code is open under the GPL-3.0 license. It is free to use forever, and anyone can read or build the code.

3. Built-in AI agent panel

AI agent threads and terminal threads run in a side panel. Use your own API keys, local models, or Zed's hosted models.

4. Real-time collaboration

Several people can edit the same file at once, like Google Docs. Channels and voice chat are built in, with no plugins needed.

5. Runs on all major systems

Zed works on macOS, Linux, and Windows. The Mac and Linux versions came first, so they are the most polished.

6. Extensions for more languages

Extensions add language support and extra tools. The library is smaller than the VS Code marketplace but grows every week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does Zed cost?

The editor is free and open source. Paid plans only cover hosted AI. The Personal plan is free with 2,000 accepted AI edit predictions per month. Pro costs $10 per month, and Business costs $30 per seat per month. Prices can change, so check zed.dev for current details.

Who made Zed?

Zed Industries made Zed. The company was founded in 2019 by Nathan Sobo, Max Brunsfeld, and Antonio Scandurra, the team behind the Atom editor. It is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Does Zed work on Windows and Linux?

Yes. Zed runs on macOS, Linux (since July 2024), and Windows (since October 2025). The Mac version is the most mature, and Windows support is newer.

Can I use my own AI API keys?

Yes. You can connect your own API keys for models like Claude, GPT, and Gemini, or run local models through tools like Ollama. Using your own keys means unlimited editor use without paying for Zed's hosted AI.

How is Zed different from VS Code or Cursor?

Zed is a native Rust app with its own graphics engine, not an Electron app, so it starts much faster. Real-time collaboration is built in. The trade-off is a smaller extension library than VS Code's.

Conclusion

Zed is a code editor for people who want speed first. It starts fast, scrolls smoothly, and stays responsive. The free open-source editor suits most developers. Paid plans only matter if you want Zed's hosted AI. It fits coders who value a fast editor over a huge extension store. Download it from the site to try it free.