You must have come across some of the most visually appealing and well-laid-out websites on the Internet. Ever wondered what goes on behind making such beautifully intricate ‘virtual pieces of work’? Here enters the wide range of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) editors. Think of a website as a delicious platter of various dishes garnished with extra features like auto-complete, syntax highlighting and error detection; an HTML editor is the most essential ingredient in arranging such a lavish platter. In simple terms, an HTML editor is a software designed to create and edit HTML code primarily for websites and various other web-based documents. This article consists of a comprehensive list of the best free and premium HTML Editors in 2021 for Windows, macOS, and LINUX.
Although writing HTML could simply mean typing out some markup on your run-of-the-mill Notepad and saving it as a .html file, one needs a sophisticated HTML editor for serious coding and web development along with a plethora of useful features and multi-language support. The market has an abundance array of some of the top-notch free HTML editors like Notepad++, Atom, and Komodo Edit among others to some of the most sought after premium ones such as Adobe Dreamweaver CC, CoffeeCup, and Froala. This article consists of a comprehensive list of the best free and premium HTML Editors in the year 2021 for Windows, macOS, and LINUX.
Types of HTML Editors
There are two prominent types of HTML Editors:
- Text-Based HTML Editors – Requiring a basic knowledge of HTML, the text-based HTML Editors are used for writing and compiling codes by developers who can also wish to use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript, and server-side scripting languages. In such a kind of HTML Editor, the code appears in the same way as you have written it. Text-based HTML Editors come with built-in functions like making a project, managing all web-related files, etc., as well as externally-integrated tools for features such as link checking and validation, spell checking, version control, code cleanup, and formatting and uploading by FTP or WebDAV. Examples of text-based HTML Editors include Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, and Sublime Text among many others.
- WYSIWYG Editors – Suitable for users lacking the knowledge of HTML, the acronym in WYSIWYG editor stands for “what you see is what you get” as they provide output preview of the source code (simply speaking, how it would appear on a web browser). It is primarily used for editing the HTML code as appearing in the corresponding website’s layout and converting all entries directly into HTML or CSS. WYSIWYG Editors not only have the easy-to-use drag and drop feature but also emphasize the presentation of the document by preserving the meaning of each element and displaying them appropriately in the browser such as paragraphs, page headers, etc. These kinds of editors are generally employed for Content Management systems and blog systems like WordPress or Joomla. Examples of WYSIWYG Editors include Amaya, Adobe Dreamweaver, and BlueGriffon among others.
Utility Of HTML Editors
Used for editing the markup of a web page, HTML editors are also utilized for managing communication with version control systems like Subversion or Git as well as with remote web servers via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and WebDAV. You might not need to download a dedicated HTML Editor if you are just changing code on your WordPress website every once in a while as WordPress has its own HTML interface analogous to code editing applications. However, in this case, you would not be able to code your own customized WordPress themes and plugins or create new HTML pages and elements.
Moreover, it is well known that even though many word processing and page layout software like MS Word and Quark XPress can be used as HTML Editors, web developers desire a more polished program, and thus, HTML Editors come into play. Usually a part of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), HTML Editors are an indispensable component of one’s web development kit as they even support other web languages like JavaScript, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), and CSS.
Things To Look Out For In An HTML Editor
The two major factors before finalizing an HTML Editor should be:
- Operating System: Developers have idiosyncratic styles so you must keep in mind what platform/environment you are working on as some HTML Editors are custom-made only for Windows, macOS, or LINUX while others work efficiently on all three. This point becomes extremely relevant when you are working on multiple computers with different operating systems.
- Active Development: One must choose an HTML editor that is under active development. Many editors that have not been updated over the years (and have no developers leading to more frequent instances of bugs) would eventually stop working correctly because HTML is known for its continuously evolving standards. Therefore, it is best to use HTML Editors that are under active development and maintenance.
How An HTML Editor Works
An HTML editor’s job is to either simply convert text and layout interface input into actual HTML code or enable users/developers to scan HTML code to examine proper syntax in design.
Moreover, what makes HTML Editors distinct from pure text editors is the wide range of additional functions they can perform such as:
- Auto-complete function
- Shortcuts for common tags
- Automatic detection of HTML tags
- Editing of HTML code directly in the web document’s layout
- Extended use for PHP
Best Free HTML Editors
- Notepad++ (Only Available on Windows and Can Be Used on LINUX)
Dubbed as the best HTML Editor for front-end developers and web designers, Notepad++ is a popular code editor other than being a favorite note-taking app. It is based on the Scintilla editing component with its program source code being C++. Notepad++ is a foolproof, extremely efficient, and time-tested HTML Editor due to which it is often the first tool many developers work on. This easy-to-use, open-code HTML Editor offering multi-language support for HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript among a dozen other languages is one of the most well-renowned HTML Editors used by millions of users across the globe. Chosen for its lightweight design and robust functionalities, Notepad++ was primarily designed for Windows-based machines but LINUX users can use it via Wine. This program comprises autosave, simultaneous editing, find and replace, split-screen view, and third-party plugin support. Notepad++ was basically a superior-quality replacement for Microsoft Notepad though it retained the original program’s simplicity even with a feature-rich interface.
Some other aspects which make Notepad++ remarkable are as follows:
- Notepad++ allows multi-view, syntax highlighting, syntax folding, multi-document interface, document map, bookmarks, a fully customizable Graphical User Interface (GUI), and auto-completion.
- Notepad++ also boasts of numerous features like color coding, hints, line numbering, and other highly helpful tools due to which it is the go-to HTML Editor for web designers and front-end developers alike.
- Notepad++ has programs that run on less CPU power as a measure to reduce carbon emissions making it a favorite among environmentalists.
- Atom (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Atom is one of the leading, modernized WYSIWYG HTML editors which is popular for advanced customization. It was developed by the largest web-based version-control and collaboration platform for software developers on the Internet- GitHub due to which it comes loaded with Git/Github support for version control and real-time code collaboration for working on a unified project. A favorite among tech newbies and veteran professionals alike, Atom functions on all major operating systems like Windows, macOS, and LINUX with a premium feel yet customization flexibility. Atom supports third-party plugins, themes and even allows coding your own customized changes to the web interface with HTML and CSS.
Some other aspects make it a top-notch HTML Editor:
- It is packed with features like smart auto-completion for faster generation of results, minimalist file browsing system, easy-to-use find and replace option, multiple panes option for smooth file comparison, and an easy-to-navigate interface.
- Atom is extensible, power-packed, feature-rich, and streamlined with noteworthy components such as project management, syntax correction, and Teletype (using which users can do a real-time collaboration with other developers).
- Atom offers a hackable text editor using which its users can indulge in editing, changing, sharing, and extending the program source code as well as designing their own customized packages to improve and enhance Atom.
- Komodo Edit (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Developed by ActiveState, Komodo Edit is known as one of the best open-source WYSIWYG HTML editors in the industry. Komodo Edit is basically an integrated development environment packed with sophisticated features such as debugging and cross-platform integration. It works on most environments such as Windows, macOS, and LINUX. Komodo Edit users can fully custom-make the appearance of this multi-language coding text editor with some of the finest features for working with HTML, PHP, and CSS. It is a no-nonsense tool specifically designed for sleek functionality.
The following aspects make it a popular HTML Editor among developers worldwide:
- Komodo Edit has numerous features like multi-selection, auto-complete, and the option to change tracking features.
- This sturdy HTML editing tool is equipped with several advanced features like helpful tutorials, live previewing, visual debugging capabilities, and a project wizard.
- It even allows the users to add extensions for more language support or adding special characters.
- MS Visual Studio Code (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Crafted by Microsoft, Visual Studio Code is known to be one of the most sought-after text-based HTML Editors for those who are just getting started with application creation. It is essentially an advanced multi-code, multi-platform, and multi-language editing tool that works with HTML, Python, and other prominent programming languages.
Moreover, VSCode is a component of Microsoft Visual Studio Community that is a visual Integrated Development Environment designed for aiding web developers and other programmers to write and enhance desktop, mobile, and web-based applications. With the easy availability of numerous extensions, VSCode’s free program is compatible with Microsoft Azure for easy deployment.
Some of the following notable features make Visual Studio Code stand apart from its competition:
- It is abundant with blue-chip features such as smart auto-complete with adaptive responses and intelligent syntax highlighting.
- Visual Studio Code even comes with Git built-in which permits easy commands as well as SCM provider compatibility.
- Microsoft offers both free and paid versions for Professional and Enterprise users.
- Brackets (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
The ‘B’ in Brackets unofficially stands for ‘Built for Beginners’. Brackets is an open-source robust HTML editor with numerous practical features. Compatible with different environments like Windows, macOS, and LINUX, Brackets is a hassle-free yet simplistic tool that boasts of remarkable options but refrains from overdoing the interface lest user experience is hampered. Bracket’s integrated file system browser allows you to access the files within your PC.
This HTML text-based editor comes with a pleasant interface that takes pride in its built-in package manager that enables the users to search and install any supported packages of their choice. Many programmers also prefer Brackets for its helpful tools such as live preview using which they can conveniently change the layout or format the style of the web page to make it more engaging and interactive.
A few other elements of Brackets make it a top contender among free HTML Editors:
- It is highly recommended for beginners thanks to its smart auto-completion feature that makes coding an unbelievably efficient and accurate process.
- Bracket’s coding user interface can be split into multiple panes due to which writing and comparing codes between different files becomes extremely hassle-free and precise.
- Netbeans (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
You would know why it is called the most customizable HTML Editor when you would lay your hands on NetBeans which is a Java IDE made for building and improving robust web-based applications. Although it is a bit difficult to understand at the beginning like other IDEs, you are most likely to get hooked to it thanks to its user-friendly GUI.
NetBeans is fundamentally an open-source IDE employed by developers for designing developing software applications. With an intuitive user interface for macOS 10.14 users, it supports texts in many languages like HTML. PHP and C++ among a few more. It supports Git and offers customized key-bindings as well as easy management of source codes. Another crucial feature of NetBeans is the version control of the IDE that is extremely beneficial for professionals working in large development environments involved in writing Java and web pages.
- Aptana Studio (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Any JavaScript developers in the house? If you are having a hard time looking for the most suitable HTML Editor for you, then Aptana Studio is your best bet. Supporting JavaScript, HTML, DOM, and CSS, Aptana Studio is a highly coveted open-source text and code editor based on Eclipse.
Relying on a couple of third-party products such as Git and Oracle, Aptana Studio along with being an HTML Editor, is also an open-source web development IDE. It not only allows excellent HTML editing but also focuses on JavaScript and other related elements for creating detailed and visually rich Internet applications. Its version 3 was redesigned to be much faster, customizable and productive. Other than HTML editing, Aptana Studio can be used for displaying matching tags and graphical contents in web browsers.
Some other unbelievable features depict the supremacy of Aptana Studio in the market:
- Thanks to its outline view feature, visualizing the Direct Object Model (DOM), making CSS and JavaScript development have become extremely easy and manageable than ever before.
- Aptana Studio has an integrated debugger and can perform code completion, outlining, code tracking, error and warning notification, and integrated documentation.
- Along with online hosting tools and collaboration services, Aptana Studio comprises options such as auto-indentation, theme-specific syntax coloring, syntax error annotations, code assist, hyperlinking to classes, FTP support, and code formatting.
- Amaya (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Although now it has been discontinued, Amaya is still considered to be one of the best free WYSIWYG HTML editors designed for basic go-to needs as well as some premium quality features. Accepted and adopted by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Amaya is a minimalist yet potent web editor that validates the HTML codes as you build your web page and arranges your web-based documents in a tree structure, making it really helpful for understanding the DOM.
Although Amaya boasts of an array of features such as unlimited designs for inserting objects, creating fonts, and changing colors, most web designers do not end up using many of its elements. However, it’s the sure-shot HTML editor to use if you wish that your web pages follow the W3C standards.
Best Premium HTML Editors
- Froala (Available on Windows, macOS, and LINUX)
Looking for a high-speed, streamlined, lightweight, and multi-faceted premium HTML Editor? Stop looking, because Froala is the solution to all your HTML editing and coding-related hassles. Despite being a front-end WYSIWYG HTML editor, Froala boasts rich text editor capabilities allowing users to add numerous appealing elements to their web pages like videos, emoticons, and table cells.
Not only compatible with Windows, macOS, and LINUX, Froala even runs on Android and iOS devices. It is packed with more than 30 plugins to make use of its extended functionality. Froala, unlike many other premia HTML Editors, enables code viewing for the users who prefer direct HTML editing. Using this, one has to just write the HTML code and the editor will automatically generate elements based on it.
Following features make Froala a crème de la crème HTML editing tool among its rivals:
- Froala is a super-fast and extremely lightweight software that initializes within 40 milliseconds and has a gzipped core of only 50KB.
- This power-packed tool is translated into a massive 34 languages and is built to automatically detect input from RTL or LTR keyboards.
- It provides smooth integration with Codox.io for performing real-time editing and efficient collaboration.
- Froala offers a premium and optimized interface as it is built on the HTML 5 standards and uses CSS 3.
- It offers three annual subscription plans with prices ranging from $239 to $3999.
- Adobe Dreamweaver CC (Only Available on Windows and macOS)
With multiple markup language support of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Adobe Dreamweaver CC is a robust HTML editing tool and IDE application permitting both back-end and front-end development. Although it offers a sophisticated Developer workspace for experienced web professionals aiming to create code with a real-time preview, beginners can try their hands at the easier and friendlier Standard workspace.
A rare feature among HTML editors worldwide, Adobe Dreamweaver CC gives its users the choice between text-based and WYSIWYG editor or to combine both of them. Moreover, it offers a one-of-its-kind web design toolkit so that website creation can become a near cakewalk for developers. Coming with Git support, Dreamweaver has fluid grid layouts that smoothly resize web page elements as per screen size automatically.
Several other features help Adobe Dreamweaver CC to outshine its competitors:
- With a wide variety of starter templates, users can get the basic structure of their web pages ranging from portfolios to blogs.
- Users also receive access to other Adobe programs which support Creative Cloud Libraries such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
- Dreamweaver allows users to create fully responsive sites using Bootstrap.
- Its built-in code hints and quick docs assist users in helping them write new code and actually comprehend what they are doing.
- Although Dreamweaver offers a seven-day trial period, one needs to select either of the payment plans starting from $20.99/month for monthly, annual, or prepaid license.
So, we can conclude that HTML Editors are a great set of tools for beginners and professionals alike who are engaged in coding, web development, and app development. They are extremely fruitful for incorporating other technologies including XML, JavaScript, PHP, CSS, etc. They offer a diverse range of seamless features for building, improving, and enhancing websites which can otherwise prove to be a cumbersome and fatiguing process. Thus, choosing the right and suitable HTML Editor (be it free or premium) is very crucial in having a user-friendly and aesthetic designing experience. The aforementioned comprehensive guide is therefore a sort of stepping stone for anyone exploring HTML editing options.
