What FREE HTML Editor is best?

by itpro007ca

Posted: 14 years ago 60 replies

WEB DESIGN

Hi Warriors:

I am looking at Cnet Downloads and doing websearches for "best free html editors",but the various reviews I've read have me hesitating.

My html is intermediate.

I'm not into anything heavy yet,just need to make a Squeezepage and would like to do some tinkering and brush up and improve my webdesign skills,maybe even learn heavy stuff like Coldfusion down the road.

It seems some like HTML-KIt(I tried that a few years back),some don't.Some like Cofeecup,some don't some like Nvu,some don't,but I know,I was told once to stay from MS Frontpage.It mangles stuff.

Any recommendations?

If in the future,I go paid,I guess Dreamweaver is the way to go?

Thanks

#editor #free #html

DaWebmaster 14 years ago

I'm not 100% familiar with all the editors. However, you may try notepad++ it's a bit better than the traditional notepad (which has that plain black and white color). Notepad++ has color codes corresponding to tags and everything. But I assume you want a html editor that helps you to code. I'm not sure if Notepad++ assists you with that but I know dreamweaver certainly does. You can google html editors to see if that brings you any success.

- Hope I helped
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2964792].message }}
getsmartt 14 years ago

NVU is about the best free WYSIWYG editor out there.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stÃ¤rker
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2964809].message }}
- nuwav 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by getsmartt
  
  NVU is about the best free WYSIWYG editor out there.
  
  I agree, I use this tool alot to edit web pages its the best free web editor tool I have used.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  Spiritual Awakening | Christian T Shirts
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2965001].message }}
geoffco23 14 years ago

For lean code that loads fast, use Notepad and learn html and css. I've used WYSIWYG editors, but they make flabby code that sometimes won't look right in different browsers. I hate to admit it, because I'm essentially lazy, but you get the best results this way. The best book I've found is 'Teach yourself visually html and css' by Mike and Linda Wooldridge, ISBN 978-0-470-28588-6. You can also get loads of free tuition online. Just Google any html question you have. I've tried many different free html editors - NVU, Kompozer, Selida - but I've always ended up going back to writing code by hand, or using a WYSIWYG editor then stripping out the flab from the code it produces.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2968437].message }}
cyruskafaiwu 14 years ago

I use Notepad++ but I mainly use it for php, css, html and etc. It has a built in ftp which saves me some complications. And its free! =]
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2968450].message }}
kkoechel 14 years ago

gedit or jedit
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2968676].message }}
brandasaur 14 years ago

Notepad++ it's free and very easy to deal with
- Thanks
Signature
High Quality Landing Page Design, eCover Design, Banners, Logos etc. | Pinoy Web Designer
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2968886].message }}
alaltaieri 14 years ago

just use notepad. is the best tool if you know html
- Thanks
Signature
40% discount - Scrapebox Auto Approve Lists September 2014.Over 120k AA urls,High PR,Dofollow Edu&Gov included
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2968911].message }}

eallard.moore

14 years ago

HTML-Kit which began as a specialized html editor but now has so many plugins that it is a highly customizable and extensible development environment. The latest freeware release is build 292, and plug-ins continue to be developed and extended, keeping this software very up to date. HTML-Kit is compatible with Vista and is also portable.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2971330].message }}

getsmartt

14 years ago

Do you have a link for HTML-Kit?

Originally Posted by eallard.moore

Thanks

Signature

Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stÃ¤rker

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2972696].message }}

davidthomas35 14 years ago

I think Ultra editor is the best HTML editor but its not free.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2972727].message }}
DJL 14 years ago

I like the CoffeeCup Free HTML editor. You can Google it.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Elective Affinities (1809)
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2972743].message }}
- johnandle 14 years ago
  
  hello
  
  At this time dreamweaver is the best html editor. it provides us many service so go for dreamweaver.
  
  Thanks
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2978417].message }}
Tooschee 14 years ago

For advanced edition of webpages with HTML/CSS/PHP/PERL/JS there's only one choice:

Eclipse for PHP with Aptana Plugin
- Thanks
Signature

I'm available for work. See my Portfolio.
I'm also a member of Ke.mU Studio
Need great looking mini site? Visit Professional Landing Pages
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2985111].message }}
ninal 14 years ago

Notepad++for me too. I haven't touched dreamweaver for over a year.
- Thanks
Signature
Hello
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2986224].message }}
jokarl 14 years ago

I use PSPAD for everything. Its free and a really great tool.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2986504].message }}
jaxspotmedia 14 years ago

What is available to you right now:
-Notepad is literally in every windows that has already been installed to your computer.
-TextEdit is the "Notepad for mac".

For downloading ones (that is free):
-Windows: Notepad ++ (really really good)
-Mac: TextWrangler (I think that is called).. this is the non-paid (free) version to BBEdit
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2986576].message }}
jaxspotmedia 14 years ago

Forgot to add..

Paid Programs:

-Dreamweaver (from Adobe)
-Coda (for Mac)

Personally, I don't like Dreamweaver because it adds extra code that you really don't need if you use the pretemplates, etc. But if you're new to coding, etc. Using Dreamweavers templates would be good for you.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2986584].message }}
commerce cat 14 years ago

Another vote for Notepad++ on Windows - it's so usable and elegant.

I also like Notetab - it has a free and paid versions for Windows.

I mainly work on a Mac now so Text Wrangler as mentioned above is a good free option. I have Dreamweaver but I don't really like working with it.

My preference for the Mac is Espresso as it is a happy medium - it has some good coding tools and gives you an instant preview of your work. Coda works in a similar fashion.

Also check out Lifehacker's top 5 text editors
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

Cat @ Product Creation Blog
Join the free 30 Day Product Creation Challenge and create your ebook in a month with support
Twitter: www.twitter.com/productcreate
Facebook: www.twitter.com/productcreation
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2987199].message }}
- CPA_OFFICER 14 years ago
  
  Notepad ++ is great because it's simple. It's not ideal for someone who has limited experience in HTML but for most of us it's great. It has yet to crash on me!
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  Cheap Amsterdam Accommodation
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2987287].message }}
  
  BradRich 14 years ago
  
  As a newbie myself, I like NVU. Its free and there are lots of videos on how to use it. You can also download sales page templates for it. Although I have been reading that you can do alot with wordpress, but I haven't experienced that yet.
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  Learn Easy Guitar Songs
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2987338].message }}
  
  badwolf 14 years ago
  
  +1 for notepad++ - just wish it had a linux version
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  www.videocardroundup.com -- news/views/tutorials for all things related to PC video/graphics cards
  www.peonyplants.net -- the gorgeous world of peonies
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2988509].message }}
aldoital 14 years ago

Arachnophilia is good, but with an interface that takes getting used to.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2988884].message }}
keon.gray23 14 years ago

I have found NVU to be the easiest to use for me.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2989001].message }}
Bob Phantom 14 years ago

Kompozer, or aptana if you do not need a WYSIWYG
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3327027].message }}
ronc0011 14 years ago

The absolute best editor you can get at any price is Microsoft's Visual Studio Express edition.
It's FREE and it's better than Dreamweaver or anything else you will find.
And it's FREE

Microsoft Express Downloads - Visual Studio Express and SQL Server Express
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3328382].message }}
- sixpack01 14 years ago
  
  Komodo Edit is hands down the best free XML editor available. It includes a lot of great features for HTML and CSS development. Plus, if that isn't enough, you can get extensions for it to add on languages or other helpful features (like special characters). It's not the best HTML editor, but it's great for for the price, especially if you build in XML. I use Komodo Edit every day for my work in XML and I use it a lot for basic HTML editing as well. This is one editor I'd be lost without.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3571340].message }}
Revenant45 14 years ago

Another vote for Notepad++. Dreamweaver is very robust but not very beginner friendly IMO. In order to get the most out of a product like Dreamweaver, you have to learn it fully... AND already be proficient in HTML/CSS/Javascript/PHP. If you are already good at these languages then DW can really speed up the process and organization of site building.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3571561].message }}
yourmobisite 14 years ago

Hello..

Macromedia HomeSite is the most powerful and flexible HTML editor for building, testing, and deploying Web content for Windows.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3573451].message }}
kumarpyasa 14 years ago

Hello Dear
notepad ++ is the best html editor.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3573574].message }}
jibin 14 years ago

Aptana Studio 3 is the best free html, css, jaascript, php editor
it has features like syntax highlighting and code suggestions.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3573888].message }}
signity2 14 years ago

for best result search on google
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3575222].message }}
romanrapido 14 years ago

my vote goes to notepad. and yes, please stay away from frontpage.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

LANDING PAGES, MINI SITES and BANNERS THAT CONVERT || HIGH QUALITY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3577114].message }}
- Karen Blundell 14 years ago
  
  notepad++ is excellent! I love it.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  ---------------
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3577440].message }}
jamesg371 14 years ago

Notepad ++ is really cool. You can get plugins and addons for it to make it do all kinds of cool things. I love iot personally. Also - try out firebug in your FireFox browser to use a text editor on the fly rigjht in your browser. this will allow you to edit code and see the changes on the page in real time without actually "REALLY" rewriting the code for real. its pretty cool.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3578902].message }}
aokiji1 14 years ago

Notepad++ or dreamweaver
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3579984].message }}
subashini 14 years ago
My top choice for experienced users goes to net beans . It started life as a Java Editor but with recent releases has developed into a powerful text editor for web scripting. It is Vista and Windows 7 compatible.
Net beans supports:
- HTML and XHTML
- CSS
- PHP (Version 6.5 and later)
- Java SE, JavaFX
- Web & Java EE
- Java ME
- Ruby
- C/C++
- and more...
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3585586].message }}
MaryWeaver 14 years ago

There is a trick, just search in Google with the term free html editors and first few are really good sites.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3586193].message }}
- Brad Swinehart 14 years ago
  
  We love Seamonkey Composer. Really simple straightforward WYSIWYG editor also makes changes a breeze. And it is FREE!
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3587576].message }}
seophalanx4u 13 years ago

I prefer dreamweaver which is best free html editor
Here more tools are available to customize the page
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5844427].message }}
BlackWar Banned 13 years ago

PSPad editor is a freeware text editor and source editor intended for use by programmers...
wiki info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSPad
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5846007].message }}
deejayundoo 13 years ago

I use Komodo for all codes.
- Thanks
Signature

What do you need ? HTML, CSS, PHP, Wordpress, Facebook App, Desktop App ?
Full time programming team for only $497/month
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5846858].message }}
iuditg 13 years ago

Use Notepad++ It's liteweight and it's deadly awesome. All plugins are free and you can pretty do anything.
- Thanks
Signature

Say goodbye to empty pipelines, and hello to daily conversions
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5848741].message }}
affordableweb 13 years ago

NVU is one of the best free WYSIWYG editors out there but I use Notepad++ but I mainly.
- Thanks
Signature
{One Sweet Deal WSO} $5 SMS Text Message Marketing Account
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6128299].message }}
copilu0 13 years ago

For me Notepad++ works fine.
- Thanks
Signature
Snow Blower Garage
Electric Toothbrush Reviews
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6128401].message }}
JuneCelo 13 years ago

FREE - Notepad++
PAID - Dreamweaver
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6129529].message }}
pinterest01 13 years ago

Agree with JuneCelo...
I use dreamweaver a lot to do website design, very helping, sometimes i use microsoft expression too.

Notepad++ is a good tools too, but i don't like it very much, since i can't see the "Design" tab..
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6129739].message }}
dagnyjbarber 13 years ago

Dreamweaver is best way.
- Thanks
- 2 replies
Signature
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6132134].message }}
- ronc0011 13 years ago
  
  My personal all time favorite is Microsoft's " Not only is it the best free editor it is the best editor at any price period. Way better than Dreamweaver.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6133445].message }}
- sadeeshbala 13 years ago
  
  Like you one year before i have used notepad++ free HTML editor. But now i bought Dreamweaver and its very good software for programming like php, css, jquery, html and java scripts. It will save lot of your time. Go for Dreamweaver.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6210862].message }}
wackiin 13 years ago

Dreamweaver is good but for free KompoZer is good also
it has the tabs to veiw code or design just like dreamweaver
- [ 1 ] Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6132186].message }}
- pinterest01 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by wackiin
  
  Dreamweaver is good but for free KompoZer is good also
  it has the tabs to veiw code or design just like dreamweaver
  
  really? i'll check it asap... 100% without hidding fee?
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6133384].message }}
VikkY1 13 years ago

For me Dreamweaver is the best editior.
- Thanks
Signature

eVanik - Online Business Suite | Payment Reconciliation of Snapdeal, Flipkart, Amazon & PayTM

✿ New website creation ✿
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6132441].message }}
arifur 13 years ago

Free
1. Komodo Edit.
2. Notepad ++
3. netbeans
4. eclipse

Paid:
Dreamweaver , the best there is
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6138835].message }}
- ronc0011 13 years ago
  
  I absolutely despise Dreamweaver. I used Dreamweaver for years mostly because I just didn't want to learn yet another piece of software. Dreamweaver used to just drive me nuts . It was always trying to reformat my code. I would have these rather extensive files and DW would just out of the blue format my code which I had already formatted it so I could find the different blocks or areas that I wanted to work on. This starts to be very important when your pages start to get big enough. And one of the things it would always do was to throw an ending tag way off to the right of the page , in fact completely off the page so all of a sudden half these opn tags but they aren't really open I just can' find the closing tag because it's somewhere like 3 feet off to the right of the page.. so then i start trying to fix this and finally I end up with a page that doesn't work. So I end up having to re create the entire page. Well I'm sure you can imagine about the second time this happens you are ready to throw the computer out into the street. From my personal experience I have to say DW sucks the big one.
  After this happened enough times I finally did commit to learning a new software and as it turned out I happened on Microsoft's visual studio which I paid for something like$300 for the academic version. It's like$3000 for the pro version. SO here's the catch VS doesn't support PHP but is instead designed from the ground up to support ASP, Visual Basic, C# C++. But of course it is a superbly robust HTML /CSS authoring environment, and what's more it doesn't find it necessary to reformat your code for you. Thank you very much. But here's the cool part, the "Express Edition is FREE and it does everything the $3000 pro version does except version control which is a feature you would use in a big shop where you have several programmers working on the same project at the same time. Also there is in fact an extension you can get that allows VS to work with PHP
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6139231].message }}
SocialMarketerX 13 years ago

HTML-Kit is compatible with Vista and is also portable
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6152868].message }}
Alice R 13 years ago

Dreamweaver is the best paid, but coffee cup s the best free. Lightweight and versatile. Good luck
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6154640].message }}
inazuman 13 years ago

Currently NVU is about the best free WYSIWYG editor.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6210352].message }}
KingJer 13 years ago

notepad ++ is a great simple editor.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6210738].message }}
candres79 13 years ago

I have a degree in webdesign and have always used Dreamweaver... so that is my pick for paid. If you are looking for free I usually use Kompozer... it's one of the best no cost editors you can find IMO

Thanks
- Thanks
Signature

Regards,
Candres
Powerful Internet MarketingPowerful Internet Maketing
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6211017].message }}