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Void Editor (2026): What It Was, Why It Stopped and the Best Alternatives
Void was an open-source AI code editor built as a fork of VS Code, often described as an open-source alternative to Cursor (Agentdex profile). It let you use any model, including local ones, and sent your prompts straight to the provider instead of through its own servers. As of October 2026, the project is no longer active: its GitHub repository was archived on June 2, 2026, and the README says Void is deprecated. This guide explains what Void did, what that means if you use it, and which tools to look at instead. Facts were checked against the Void repository and website on October 24, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Void is deprecated. The voideditor/void repository was archived on June 2, 2026. The last release listed is v1.3.4 from April 15, 2025.
- It was open source under the Apache 2.0 license and built on VS Code, so VS Code users could move their settings across in one click.
- Its main features were Quick Edit, chat with Agent and Gather modes, checkpoints and support for any model, including local models.
- Existing installs may still run, but there will be no security fixes or updates. Do not rely on it for important work.
- Alternatives: Zed (Agentdex profile) and VS Code with an open-source agent such as Cline (Agentdex profile), Roo Code (Agentdex profile) or Kilo Code; Cursor if you want a maintained commercial AI editor.
What Void was
Void's repository was created in September 2024. Version 1.0.0 shipped in January 2025 and the project reached about 28,700 stars on GitHub. Because Void was a fork of VS Code, it looked and worked like VS Code, and most extensions and themes carried over.
The features that made it popular:
- Quick Edit: select code and ask for a change inline.
- Chat with three modes: normal chat, Agent Mode for multi-step edits across files, and Gather Mode for reading and searching the codebase without changing it.
- Checkpoints: save and roll back the state of your code around AI changes.
- Any model: connect hosted providers or run local models.
- Direct connections: messages went straight to your chosen provider with no private Void backend in the middle, which appealed to privacy-minded developers.
What happened to Void
Before it was archived, Void's README said the team had paused work on the editor to explore new ideas. The repository was then archived on June 2, 2026, and now describes Void as deprecated. Archived repositories are read-only: no new issues, pull requests or releases.
A community-maintained list of Void forks includes NeuralInverse, CortexIDE, OPIDE, A-Coder, Kodia, Loophole and Lumina. These are independent projects, not affiliated with the original Void team. Most are small, so check how actively each is maintained, and who maintains it, before you trust it with your code.
Should you still use Void?
Probably not for anything important. An editor handles your source code, your terminal and often your API keys, so missing security updates matter. Void is also based on a VS Code version that will keep falling behind upstream VS Code, and extension compatibility will slowly get worse.
If you still have Void installed, moving is simple. Your projects are ordinary files, and any VS Code-based editor will open them. Export your extension list and settings, install the new editor, and bring them across.
The best Void alternatives
| Tool | Type | Open source | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS Code + Cline | Editor + agent extension | Yes | Closest to Void's bring-your-own-model approach, on a maintained editor |
| VS Code + Roo Code | Editor + agent extension | Yes | Multiple modes and fine control over the agent |
| VS Code + Kilo Code | Editor + agent extension | Yes | 500+ models, local models, CLI and desktop app |
| Zed | Standalone editor | Yes | Fast native editor with built-in AI features |
| Cursor | AI editor (VS Code fork) | No | The most direct commercial equivalent, actively developed |
| GitHub Copilot (Agentdex profile) | Assistant in many editors | No | Works in VS Code and most major IDEs, with a free plan |
For Void's open-source, any-model approach, the closest match is stock VS Code with an open-source agent. Cline, Roo Code and Kilo Code all let you bring your own API keys or run local models through tools like Ollama and LM Studio. See our Cline guide, Roo Code guide and Kilo Code guide.
For a standalone open-source editor, Zed is fast and actively maintained, with AI features built in. It is not VS Code, so expect a short adjustment period.
For the smoothest experience, Cursor is the commercial editor Void was usually compared with. It is not open source and its best features need a paid plan; see Cursor pricing and Cursor vs VS Code.
How to choose
- If privacy and local models matter most, use VS Code with Cline, Roo Code or Kilo Code and a local model.
- If you want an all-in-one AI editor, try Cursor on its free plan first.
- If you want speed and a native app, try Zed.
- Whatever you choose, keep your project rules in a file the agent reads. The free Vibe Coder Starter Kit includes ready-made rules files.
FAQ
Is Void Editor still maintained?
No. The voideditor/void repository was archived on June 2, 2026, and the README says Void is deprecated. The last release listed on GitHub is v1.3.4 from April 15, 2025.
Was Void free?
Yes. Void was free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license. You paid only for any hosted models you connected.
Is Void a fork of VS Code?
Yes. Void was built on VS Code, which is why it could import VS Code settings and supported most VS Code extensions.
What is the best open-source alternative to Void?
VS Code with an open-source agent such as Cline, Roo Code or Kilo Code is the closest match, because you keep a maintained editor and still choose your own models. Zed is a good option if you want a standalone open-source editor.
Are the Void forks safe to use?
They are independent community projects, not official successors, and most are small. Check recent activity, the maintainers and the license before using one with sensitive code.
Written by Agentdex Editorial. Agentdex is an independent directory reviewing AI coding tools; we are not affiliated with the companies mentioned. Prices and features are as of October 24, 2026, from official sources linked above. Always confirm on the vendor's site.