Choose an HTML Editor
You've tried coding HTML and failed. Maybe you are tired of coding, or just want to have an effect on your page you don't know how to do. Well, HTML editors can come in handy. If you're exploring different programs, but can't decide which one is for you, continue on!
Steps
- Determine how much you are willing to pay. This is important to consider. Some people prefer a free HTML editor. Some good free editors are Microsoft Visual Web Developer, Kompozer and SeaMonkey. Microsoft Expression Web is now available for free, too, but it has been abandoned and is no longer supported by Microsoft. Dreamweaver is preferred by many people and is often used in larger corporate environments who are willing to spend a few hundred dollars per license.
- Think about what features and style you want. Ask yourself: "What do I really need in my HTML editor? What kind of site am I building?" Make a list of features you need. For instance, if you use flash a lot in your site, get an HTML editor that allows you to put flash on your websites. If you need a simple site, get a simple HTML editor. You might say "But...the other one has more features!" It might. But if there are thousands of features you don't need, you might not be able to access the ones you need as quickly. One more thing: look for HTML editor that has HTML mode. This is where you get to view the source of the HTML, edit it, etc. Most HTML editors have this, but you may come across one or two that don't.
- What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) capabilities, auto-insertion (meaning that the program automatically inserts closing tags and brackets), and the ability to publish directly to the server are great to have, regardless of what type of website you're building.
- Search for editors. To get some ideas, look at the search results for "best html editors". Read the opinions on which editors are best. You can also go to download sites such as Download.com and type in 'HTML editors'. You should see hundreds of editors. Go through the pages. It may take a long time, but it can be worth it. While you are doing all this, this make notes about editors you really like (and that you can afford). Remember, if you see an HTML editor that is way above your price range, don't get it. Chances are there is one out there you can afford that will suit your needs.
- Look at the system requirements of any editor. What operating systems is it compatible with? Do you have enough RAM to accommodate the program? How much space does it require on the hard drive?
- Read what ordinary users have to say about it on the reviews. Is it glitchy, hard to navigate, and memory consuming (some programs lie, despite what they say the system requirements are). Is it smooth and easy to navigate?
- Narrow the list down by price, features etc. This is where that list from Step 1 comes in handy. Choose editors with the most needed features and the lowest price (if it is not free). Cut your list down to four or five HTML editors. Cut it down to a number from between one and three.
- Choose an editor from the last items you have on your list.
- Download and install the program. Most modern programs have an easy installation wizard to guide you. Some programs, like Kompozer, don't require installation at all.
Tips
- Just because a program is free does not mean that it is bad. Also, do not assume that a program is good just because it costs money.
- Learn some HTML. At times, you will find your HTML editor might not be able to do certain things, as many things can only be done with HTML.
- Most modern computers have sufficient RAM, so you shouldn't worry about this too much.
- Trust your gut. If there is no documentation on the program and something about it makes you uncomfortable, don't download the program!
Warnings
- Make sure that the download site you use is well trusted. Preferably, you should get the program straight from the creator's site. If this is not possible, verify the cleanliness and authenticity of the download site.
- For safe measure, you might consider running an anti-virus scan after installing the program. This is good practice for all programs. However, this is probably unnecessary if the program is well-known and downloaded directly from the creator's site.
- Don't download cracked copies of paid programs! This is illegal and they are also notorious for being computer worm and virus playgrounds.
Things You'll Need
- A computer
