Creating and editing webpages seems to be the norm nowadays, with developers and laypeople coming up with hundreds of thousands of new websites every day. However, where web developing gurus might write lines and lines of code to get the exact design and elements they want, beginner-level developers and others looking for an easier and more accessible solution turn towards a free wysiwyg html editor. And while there are virtually countless options for these HTML editors available in the market, understanding the differences between them can be crucial to making the right decision.
In this article, we’ll see what WYSIWYG editors are, what makes one such editor better than others, and also go through our top picks for the 4 best WYSIWYG Editors.
What Are WYSIWYG Editors?
WYSIWYG stands for “What You See Is What You Get” and it defines a type of HTML editor that embodies that very fact. To elaborate, a WYSIWYG editor will have a visual display that lets you preview your webpage as you are creating and editing it, ensuring the changes you make are reflected in the final design of your web page. It may be built on various frameworks such as React, Vue.js, jQuery, or Bootstrap.
Benefits of Using WYSIWYG Editors
WYSIWYG editors differ from their code-based counterparts in that they do not require advanced-level coding knowledge to produce beautiful, professional, and effective web pages. They also usually feature a customizable toolbar with options for text formatting, media insertion, drag-and-drop, etc., which makes the experience personalized for each user.
You can also build applications on different frameworks with WYSIWYG editors. An angular WYSIWYG editor, for example, can be useful for developers building Angular applications, as they can integrate seamlessly with the Angular framework and provide a user-friendly interface for managing content within the application.
What Are the Best WYSIWYG Editors?
When choosing the right WYSIWYG editor for your purposes, it is important to know and understand what your options are. Let us take a look at the best free and premium WYSIWYG editors available for the picking.
1. Froala Editor
This is best for: Easy, effortless customization and setup
Froala is the WYSIWYG editor of choice. It features a stunning visual rich-text editor with a quick and easy setup. Lightweight and fast, this tool surpasses all expectations with its 40 ms initialization and real-time collaborative editing. Coding can be tedious and time-consuming, but Froala developers need never fear! Its detailed documentation makes coding simple for everyone, even those without any coding knowledge.
Features:
- Inline editing
- Image and video uploading
- Customizable toolbars
- Cross-browser compatibility
Price: Free online, 7-day free trial, Professional: $899/year, Enterprise: $1,999/year
2. CKEditor
This is best for: Easy setup and customizability
Boasting a clean and highly customizable user interface, CKEditor offers a well-rounded user experience. Since its launch two decades ago in 2003, it has only risen in popularity, and for good reason. It is best when used for collaboration and working online or remotely, as it brings all the functionality and advanced features to a browser-based environment.
Features:
- Flexibility and customizability
- Rich-text editing
- Assistive accessibility
- Built-in security features
Price: Free for up to 5 users, $37/month for up to 25 users, custom plans available
3. CoffeeCup
This is best for: Live previewing multiple edits
Making webpages has never been quicker and easier than it is with CoffeeCup. A feature-heavy tool with an extremely user-friendly interface, it makes it simple and easy to preview the changes you’re making in real-time. Its vast template library makes the process run faster, as you don’t have to start from scratch.
Features:
- Website template and components library
- Live preview and direct publish
- SEO integration
Price: 14-day free trial, Pro: €25 ($28), custom plans available
4. TinyMCE
This is best for: Full-featured, open-source access
One of the most robust and feature-packed editors out there, TinyMCE is a class apart. It provides a user-friendly design that is highly customizable and can be integrated into various content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. It also supports a range of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and offers a powerful API for developers to customize the editor according to their needs.
Features:
- Cloud-based security
- 50+ customizable plugins
- Various formatting options
Price: Free online, 14-day free trial, Essential: $37.5/month, Professional: $90/month
Factors in Choosing a WYSIWYG Editor
Even when you know what your options are, it is essential to understand the factors that go into picking the right WYSIWYG editor. Some questions you should ask yourself before making a choice are:
- What features does the editor provide? Is it too basic/ advanced for your requirements?
- Is it easy to use? Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate? Does the editor provide a good user experience?
- Does the editor allow for customization? Can you adjust the interface to your liking or add your own styles to the editor?
- How compatible is the editor with your website or application?
- How much is it priced at? Some WYSIWYG editors like Froala offer both free trials and affordable premium plans.
- Does the editor offer good support? Does the editor have a strong community of users who can help you with any questions or issues you may have? Does the editor offer support through email, phone, or chat?
Use Cases of WYSIWYG Editors
WYSIWYG editors have a wide range of use cases across different industries and purposes. Some examples include:
- Content Management Systems (CMS): WYSIWYG editors are commonly used in CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla to create and edit content for websites. This allows non-technical users to create and publish content without the need for coding or technical knowledge. This also allows users to preview their content while making edits in real-time.
- Email marketing: Designers, marketers, and email copywriters use WYSIWYG editors in email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Campaign Monitor to create visually appealing email campaigns. These editors enable marketers to design and create email content without any HTML or CSS knowledge. Formatting tools like in-line editing, nested tables, image management, and emojis enhance the impact of WYSIWYG-made emails and instant messaging responses.
- Education: Instructors use WYSIWYG editors in online Learning Management Systems (LMS) to create and edit course content, upload assignments, and manage course curricula. This allows them to create engaging and interactive learning materials without the need for advanced coding experience. Placeholders for student and instructor names in assignment headers, for example, make the learning experience personalized and engaging.
- Blogging: Both professional and new-to-the-trade bloggers use WYSIWYG editors to create and publish content on different platforms such as WordPress sites, Medium, Blogger, and Tumblr. This allows bloggers to easily format and style their content regardless of their technical expertise. Features like drag-and-drop, image upload and editing, and SEO integration allow bloggers to create captivating content that attracts and retains their target audiences.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salespeople and business development executives use WYSIWYG editors to communicate with their customers and cement their brand image. This allows them to focus on effectively managing customer queries, invoices, and billing and not have to worry about the backend malfunctioning due to faulty code. Cross-platform integration, mobile responsiveness, and spell-checker are just some of the features that aid businesses in gaining a strategic market advantage through their web content.
Conclusion
A WYSIWYG editor makes it easy for users with little to no coding experience to create and maintain web pages. While there are many free WYSIWYG editors available, a premium option might be worth investing in. It all depends on the editor’s features, ease of use, compatibility, pricing options, and available support, understanding which makes it easier to identify the right fit.
FAQs
- What Does a WYSIWYG Editor Do?
A WYSIWYG editor lets you visualize your web page as you’re creating or editing it.
- Is a WYSIWYG Editor Free?
There are numerous free WYSIWYG editors on the market, but it might be worth your while to invest in a premium option for advanced features.
- Is WYSIWYG Easy to Use?
WYSIWYG editors are known for their ease of use, especially because they require little to no coding knowledge to use.
