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zsh-patina vs zsh-syntax-highlighting: catalog facts
zsh-patina	zsh-syntax-highlighting

Best for: Zsh users who want fast syntax highlighting at the prompt	Best for: Zsh users who want live highlighting of what they type
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Free and open source.
Command line	macOS, Linux, Command line
Highlights the command line live while typing Built with a focus on speed Theme files for changing colours Actively maintained, with recent commits	Catches typos and unknown commands before running them Fish-like feedback while staying on Zsh Configurable highlighters
Only works with the Zsh shell No packaged GitHub releases; installation follows the README	Works only with Zsh Can slow down input on very long command lines
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License: BSD-3-Clause
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for zsh-patina github.com/michel-kraemer/zsh-patina Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for zsh-syntax-highlighting github.com/zsh-users/zsh-syntax-highlighting Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.