10 Best Free and Premium HTML Editors

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  • HTML editors make it easy to write HTML code to design websites and web pages.
  • Some HTML editors utilize text only, while WYSIWYG editors utilize visuals as well.
  • Many companies offer free HTML editors that can help you get started writing code.
  • Premium editors, which require a purchase or subscription, offer more features.

Did you know that HTML is one of the best and easiest programming languages new coders can learn? It is! With HTML, you can design your own website without relying on templates. Learning HTML can also help you learn other coding languages.

Whether you're learning to write HTML by yourself or taking a class, you'll want to use an HTML editor to write your code. Just like using the right knives to chop your ingredients for a meal, or the right shoes for long-distance running, you want to use the right tools to write your code. The best HTML editors can make your HTML coding process easier and less prone to errors. This guide lists the best free HTML editors and the best premium HTML editors of 2022 and explains the different types.

What Is an HTML Editor?

An HTML editor is a program that edits HTML or the markup of a web page. HTML is a type of code written in plain text. So while this language can be edited in any text-based program or word processor, many HTML editors provide added functionality that helps when writing code. For example, they can auto-detect tags or complete lines of code for you.

Website designers, programmers, and students all use these editors. Whether you're learning the ropes of HTML or are a seasoned professional, you will most likely use an HTML editor to edit web pages and websites.

You can use some HTML editors straight in a web browser, such as Quackit. However, other editors require you to download them as apps or computer programs. Which one you prefer will depend on how you like to work and on your computer's functionality. It may also take using a few different editors to find the right one for you.

Text Editors WYSIWYG Editors

Text editors are similar to word processors, and working in one will feel familiar to beginners.

These also have more functionality than word processors because they can detect the opening of an HTML tag and will automatically insert the closing tag for you.

They can also easily detect errors and can reduce the amount of typing required overall, which can help beginners when starting to code.

This acronym stands for "What You See Is What You Get." These show how a web page looks to the viewer instead of as the text. You can use the program to edit the way the page looks without actually typing text, dragging and dropping elements instead.

You can also edit text with buttons similar to a word processor instead of using HTML tags.

Beginner programmers who want to ensure their web pages look professional may be more drawn to this option.

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6 Best Free HTML Editors

Atom

Atom is a text editor that allows users to collaborate on code together, similar to a Google Doc, through its Teletype feature. It is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Linux. Atom's smart auto-completion feature helps you write code faster.

Open-source packages also allow you to add functionality to the program. For example, the GitHub package allows you to work with Git and GitHub directly from Atom.


Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a source code editor that runs on the desktop, not in a browser. It is available for Windows, iOS, and Linux. In addition to HTML, you can use Visual Studio Code to edit JavaScript, TypeScript, and Node.js.

The program also has extensions to edit other languages, such as C# and Java. This text editor provides syntax highlighting, smart completions with IntelliSense, and customizable formatting. Smart completions help you write code faster with the help of autosuggestions.


Sublime

Sublime is a text editor for Windows, iOS, and Linux. The program features tabs and split views to effortlessly switch between codes. Context-aware autocomplete offers tag suggestions and auto-fills based on the existing code in a project.

A syntax highlighting feature also helps organize and color-code different elements of your code. The editor is also compatible with other languages, such as those in the JavaScript ecosystem. Note that you must purchase a license for "continued use," according to Sublime's website.


Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free text editor that runs in Windows. Its use is governed by GNU General Public License, which means it is free to change or alter. As a result, it is highly customizable to meet your individual needs. Notepad++ reduces carbon emissions by using less PC power due to its small program size and higher execution speed. The program is written in C++ and uses pure Win32 API and STL.


Brackets

Brackets is a self-described "modern" text editor. Lightweight but powerful, Brackets blends visual tools into the editor that provide help when you want it but stay out of your way when you don't. Made in JavaScript, Brackets is an open-source project made by web developers.

The editor features a live preview that lets you see changes you make to the HTML and CSS in a browser. Additionally, Brackets utilizes inline editors and windows instead of multiple tabs.


Komodo Edit

Komodo Edit is free as part of the ActiveState Platform. This multi-language code editor works in Python, Perl, Ruby, and JavaScript in addition to HTML. The program is available for Windows, iOS, and Linux.

Note that its sibling program Komodo IDE, which has more advanced features, is now available for free. This program includes unit testing, print debugging, live previewing, a project wizard, dependency detector, and more.

4 Best Premium Editors

CoffeeCup

CoffeeCup is an HTML text editor that features a live preview, which can be utilized either in a split-screen or a separate window. The live preview allows you to see what your web page will look like as you write your code.

The program also has a built-in FTP uploader that allows you to publish your website where you want. CoffeeCup also comes with customizable, responsive templates to help you get started. CoffeeCup costs $29 but offers a free trial.


Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Dreamweaver is the website designing software of the Adobe Suite. Dreamweaver allows you to quickly create and publish websites utilizing languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The software includes pre-made templates.

The Live View allows you to edit text and image properties and add classes directly in the live preview. Utilizing Dreamweaver requires a subscription to the Adobe Creative Suite, which starts at $20.99 per month.


Nova

Formerly called Coda, Nova is a Mac-only web editor. The HTML text editor features smart autocomplete, multiple cursors, a Minimap, and an editor overscroll. Nova supports numerous languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python.

The editor also helps you build and run tasks for your project with separate Build, Run, and Clean tasks. It also has a robust list of extensions to fit your needs. Nova requires a one-time purchase of $99.


Froala

In addition to a free online HTML text editor, Froala also offers a paid WYSIWYG downloadable editor. Written in JavaScript, it's easy to use and features a clean design. The editor features rich text editing capabilities for all your applications. It's easy to edit text and insert links, tables, and images.

The rich text editor comes with over 30 out-of-the-box plugins to use. Companies like Samsung, Amazon, eBay, Apple, and IBM all utilize Froala.

Frequently Asked Questions About HTML Editors

Which text editor is best for HTML?

There are many text editors available for writing HTML code. While you can utilize any text editor for writing HTML code, using an HTML text editor specifically designed with code in mind will make writing code much easier. Many of the best HTML editors are free.

Atom, Visual Studio Code, Sublime, Notepad++, Brackets, and Komodo Edit are some of the best free HTML editors. Paid options include IntelliJ IDEA, CoffeeCup, Adobe Dreamweaver, Nova, and Froala.

What careers use HTML?

Careers that use HTML include software developers and engineers, web designers and developers, full-stack developers, and information security analysts. Most careers in the computer science field require a working knowledge of HTML, which is one of the most basic types of code.

Where can I learn HTML?

You can learn HTML in a computer science program at a college or university. However, you don't need to enroll in a school to learn HTML. There are many ways to learn to code HTML online. In addition to teaching yourself from books and websites, you can use online training courses or apps to learn HTML.

For example, Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Dash General Assembly offer free online courses that teach HTML through lessons and projects. Learn-HTML.org and W3 Schools provide interactive tutorials to learn HTML.

Feature Image: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images