HTML editors

Updated: 10/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Adobe Dreamweaver an HTML editor

Alternatively called a web content editor, and HTML editor is a software application that allows a user to create, view, edit, and make changes to a web page. Below is a listing of some popular and commonly used HTML editors available today. Many of these programs have free trials that allow you to try them before you buy, and some also are free editors.

List of HTML editors

  • Amaya - An open-source HTML editor from the W3C with WYSIWYG editing.
  • Arachnophilia Editor - Free HTML editor that lets you do almost everything including frames, drag-and-drop, CGI, Java, and more.
  • BBEdit - Innovative HTML editor for Apple users.
  • Bluefish - An open-source HTML editor, mainly designed for programmers and developers, with support for numerous programming languages.
  • BlueGriffon - Successor to the NVU editor, BlueGriffon is an open source web editing and ePUB editor based on the rendering engine of Mozilla Firefox.
  • CoffeeCup HTML editor - Free HTML editor with option for $49 full version.
  • Dreamweaver - Excellent and widely used HTML editor from the company Adobe.
  • HTML Kit - An HTML editor to create web pages, and edit other types of text files.
  • Microsoft Expression Web - An easy and now free to use program that lets you do everything within a WYSIWYG interface. Expression Web includes SEO (search engine optimization) tools and the ability to preview in multiple web browsers.
  • RapidWeaver - Apple Mac all-in-one web design software.
  • SiteSpinner Cloud - A good free WYSIWYG HTML editor.
  • Wordpad or Notepad - Included with Windows, these programs or any text editor can create web pages using HTML and saving the file as a .htm or .html file. While this may be harder initially it is free and does not require any download.

I want to be a web designer, which of the above programs should I use?

For most companies, having a strong understanding of HTML and how to write the code with and without an editor is more than enough. However, today most companies are also using the Adobe Dreamweaver editor as their primary editor. So, learning and knowing Dreamweaver is only going to put you ahead of anyone else competing for the same job.

Also, realize that most companies want you to know more than basic HTML. Having a good understanding of AJAX, CSS, JavaScript, and a server-side scripting language are also a plus.