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

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

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