Zed

Zed is a high-performance, multiplayer code editor built in Rust, featuring native AI assistance and real-time collaboration.

Overview

Zed is a code editor designed for speed, written from scratch in Rust with a GPU-rendered interface that stays responsive on large codebases. Its multiplayer architecture enables real-time collaboration with shared cursors and voice channels, making pair programming effortless. Native AI integration supports inline predictions, agentic editing, and model choice including local models. Extensions bring language servers and themes, and it runs on macOS and Linux.

Zed proves that a code editor can still be radically faster: the Rust codebase and GPU rendering keep it responsive on repositories that slow other editors to a crawl. For developers who value focus and speed, that performance is the primary draw.

Collaboration is native rather than bolted on: shared workspaces, cursors, and voice make remote pairing feel immediate. AI assistance covers inline predictions and agent-driven edits, and since the editor is open source, teams can inspect, extend, and even self-host the collaboration server.

Common uses include large monorepo work where editor latency compounds daily, and remote pairing sessions where shared context beats screen sharing. Extensions cover most language servers, and settings sync keeps machines consistent.

Key Features

• GPU-accelerated rendering and instant startup on large repositories
• Real-time multiplayer editing with shared workspaces and calls
• AI assistant with inline predictions and agent-driven edits
• Language server protocol support and an extension registry
• Vim mode, customizable keymaps, and a growing theme ecosystem
• Open-source codebase available for self-hosting the collaboration server

Pricing

Zed is free and open source. AI features consume model usage billed by whichever provider you connect, with collaboration features included at no cost.

Who Is It For

Developers who value editor performance and built-in collaboration, and teams that pair program across locations.

Extensions cover most language servers, and settings sync keeps multiple machines consistent without manual configuration effort.

FAQ

Is Zed free to use?

Yes, the editor is free and open source; only model usage for AI features may incur provider costs.

Does Zed offer an API?

Zed is an editor rather than a service, but its extension system and LSP support provide deep integration points for tooling.

How does Zed compare to alternatives?

Zed is markedly faster than VS Code and offers built-in multiplayer where Cursor leads on AI depth. Developers who try it rarely go back once they have experienced the responsiveness on real production repositories.