Although any text editor works for Hypertext Markup Language documents, some HTML editors optimize for the language's specific syntax. We identified nine of the best free editors for Windows, based on customizability, features, and functionality. Show
Best for Web Designers and Front-End Developers: Notepad ++What We Like
What We Don't Like
Notepad++ is a favorite free note-taking app and code editor. It's a more robust version of the Notepad software you find available in Windows by default. Notepad++ includes features such as line numbering, color coding, hints, and other helpful tools the standard Notepad application doesn't have. These additions make it an ideal choice for web designers and front-end developers. Download Notepad++ Best Open-Source, Free Editor: Komodo EditWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
There are two versions of Komodo: Komodo Edit and Komodo IDE. Edit is open source and free to download. It's a trimmed-down version of IDE. Komodo Edit includes many great features for HTML and CSS development. Additionally, it allows you to add extensions for more language support or other helpful features, such as special characters. Komodo doesn't shine as the best HTML editor. Still, it's great for the price, especially if you build in XML, where it truly excels. Download Komodo Edit Best for Web Application Development: Aptana Studio 3What We Like
What We Don't Like
Aptana Studio 3 offers an interesting take on web page development. Instead of focusing on HTML, it focuses on JavaScript and other elements that allow you to create rich internet applications. Aptana Studio 3 may not be the best fit for simple web design needs. But, if you're looking more toward web application development, its toolset may be a great fit. Download Aptana Studio 3 Best if You Write Java and Web Pages: Apache NetBeansWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Apache NetBeans features a Java IDE that can help you build robust web applications. Like most IDEs, Apache NetBeans has a steep learning curve because it doesn't often work in the same way as other web editors. Once you get used to it, however, you'll find it very useful. The IDE's version control feature and developer collaboration features are especially useful for people working in large development environments. If you write Java and web pages, this is a great tool. Download Apache NetBeans Best for Getting Started With Application Creation: Microsoft Visual Studio CommunityWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Microsoft Visual Studio Community is a visual IDE to help web developers and other programmers create applications for the web, mobile devices, and the desktop. You may have used it previously, but Visual Studio Community is the software's latest version. Microsoft offers a free download, as well as paid versions (that include free trials) for Professional and Enterprise users. Microsoft Visual Studio Code is a free coding-only app that's part of the Visual Studio suite but stands alone. It's an excellent standalone code editor for dozens of coding and scripting languages. Download Microsoft Visual Studio Community Best WYSIWYG Editor: BlueGriffonWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
BlueGriffon is the latest in the series of web page editors that started with Nvu, progressed to Kompozer, and now culminates in BlueGriffon. It's powered by Gecko, the Firefox rendering engine, so it does a great job of showing how work would be rendered in that standards-compliant browser. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and in a variety of languages. This is the only true WYSIWYG editor that made this list. As such, it's more appealing for beginners and small business owners who want a visual way to work, as opposed to a code-focused interface. Download BlueGriffon Best Full-Featured HTML Editor: BluefishWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Bluefish is a full-featured HTML editor that runs on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Noteworthy features include code-sensitive spell check, autocomplete of many languages (HTML, PHP, CSS, and more), snippets, project management, and autosave. Bluefish is primarily a code editor, not specifically a web editor. This means it has flexibility for web developers who write in more than HTML. However, if you're a designer and want more of a web-focused or a WYSIWYG interface, Bluefish may not be for you. Download Bluefish Best for Creating Complex Web Applications: EclipseWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Eclipse is a complex development environment that's perfect for people who do a lot of coding on various platforms and languages. It's structured in a plug-in design, so if you need to edit something, find the appropriate plug-in, and go to work. If you create complex web applications, Eclipse has many features to make your project easier to build. It offers Java, JavaScript, and PHP plug-ins, as well as a plug-in for mobile developers. Download Eclipse Best for Web Design Beginners: CoffeeCup Free HTML EditorWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
The CoffeeCup HTML editor has a free version as well as a paid, full version. The free offering is a good product, but be aware that many of this platform's best features require that you buy the full version. CoffeeCup also offers an upgrade called Responsive Site Design 2 that supports responsive web design. This version can be added to a bundle with the full version of the editor. Many sites list this as a free WYSIWYG editor. However, when we tested it, it required the purchase of CoffeeCup Visual Editor to enable WYSIWYG support. The free version is a very nice text editor only. This editor scored as well as Eclipse and Komodo Edit for web designers but didn't rate as high for web developers. However, if you're a beginner at web design and development, or you're a small business owner, this tool has more features appropriate to you than either Komodo Edit or Eclipse. Download CoffeeCup Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Where can I write my HTML code?Learn HTML Using Notepad or TextEdit
Web pages can be created and modified by using professional HTML editors. However, for learning HTML we recommend a simple text editor like Notepad (PC) or TextEdit (Mac).
What software can I use to code HTML?Text editors
If you prefer to code HTML by hand, you can use a simple text editor to create web pages. Brackets is an excellent free HTML editing application from Adobe available for both Windows and Mac. Common text editors for Windows include Notepad and WordPad; both programs are standard in Windows.
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