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Best HTML Editors
Coding becomes faster and easier thanks to HTML editors’ spell-checking, syntax highlighting, and auto-completion features, among others.
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Everybody makes mistakes.
Some big, some small, but some of them are downright annoying.
And one of the most notorious headache-causing mistakes you make is messing up your code.
Coding is everything when it comes to web development. So you simply have to get it right for better security and to avoid glitches in the future.
Luckily, there’s a very effective solution to ensure this.
Just like how Grammarly and Hemingway can improve your text by checking them for spelling errors and improving readability, web developers can use HTML editors to write and improve their code.
Even those who don’t have any coding knowledge can create websites and put them online.
Coding becomes faster and easier thanks to HTML editors’ spell-checking, syntax highlighting, and auto-completion features, among others.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best HTML editors available to take your websites to the next level without much effort and time on your part.
Excited? Let’s dig right in!
The Top 5 Options for Best HTML Editors:
- Atom – The Best for Advanced Customization
- Notepad + + – The Best for Front-End Developers and Web Designers
- Brackets – The Best for Beginners
- Sublime Text – The Best for Multi-Language Support
- Adobe Dreamweaver CC – The Best for Web Developers
How to Choose the Best HTML Editor for You
HTML editors–both free and paid–come with several cosmetic features. Based on your business needs, you’ll find some to be absolutely necessary, while others you may not need at all.
We’ve compiled a list of features that we think a good HTML editor should have. You may not need all of them, but here is what you should be looking for when choosing an HTML editor.
Color-Coding or Syntax Highlighting
HTML has a tag-based markup language. You need an HTML editor with syntax highlighting or color-coding features to light up these tags. Doing this will help you identify the tags quickly, which, in turn, will make working with blocks of code easier.
Autocomplete and Suggestions
The autocomplete and suggestions feature helps to quickly fill in longer code at the press of a button.
The editor gives you pop up suggestions based on your work–all you have to do is click on it, and the code will autocomplete. Think of how you type text messages on your phone or when you do a quick Google search.
You can also automate creating closing tabs through this feature.
Find and Replace
We highly recommend looking for code editors with the find and replace feature, as it allows you to locate certain strings and replace them with something else very quickly.
Plus, HTML is constantly changing and updating standards and deprecation of inefficient tags. So, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting this feature sometime in the future to update your website.
Version Control
Editors with version control enable you to see the previous versions of your code and rollback when needed. As a result, you can store all the copies without making separate documents, and we know how crucial this is when you’re working with other developers.
Multi-Cursor Functionality
The role of multi-cursors is simple: It allows you to write code in multiple places at once. In other words, you can edit code simultaneously. This is especially useful when you want to add duplicates of the same tag.
FTP Support and Error Detection
Getting HTML editors with FTP support lets you connect to WordPress and upload changes you want to make without any hassle. As a result, you won’t find yourself logging into FileZilla or your preferred FTP client every time we want to update anything.
Live error detection is equally important.
HTML is a markup language and not a programming language, which is why it doesn’t compile. It also means you can’t test your code. With live error detection, though, you’ll know immediately whenever you write something incorrectly.
In addition to these, there are several other features like code folding and autosave. We mentioned what we think is vital and can help increase productivity and accuracy. However, you have the flexibility to choose, depending on your requirements and preferences.
Note: If you’re looking for a code editor with advanced features and platform integration, you‘ll need an integrated development environment or IDE rather than a text editor. While IDEs are similar to HTML editors, they are more beefed up designed for advanced developers.
The Different Types of HTML Editors
HTML editors are of two types. Although the core values of both are kind of similar, they have different features. It’s why the target clientele for each category is slightly different.
Let’s discuss this in more detail.
HTML Text Editors
HTML text editors are basic programs. You can use it to write basic coding projects, do simple HTML editing, and check for errors on the go.
You’ll find several free versions of text editors available online that are downloadable on all major operating systems. What’s more, these programs are general-purpose and can be used for multiple computing languages.
Keep in mind that basic text editors require you to write all HTML code by hand. You have to perfect every piece of syntax manually, so be prepared for a bit of trial and error.
HTML text editors are great for learning HTML. But if saving time is a priority, the next editor type would be more suitable for you.
WYSIWYG
No, this isn’t gibberish or a typo.
WYSIWYG is an acronym for “What You See Is What You Get.” Developers pronounce it as “wis-ee-wig.”
It’s a type of HTML editor that views content in the live product exactly like the preview. This helps enhance accuracy when you’re building or making changes to a website.
Think of WYSIWYG as the halfway point between coding from scratch and an instant template builder like WordPress.
Being more advanced than standard text editors, WYSIWYG editors allow users to write code, edit directly from the page and insert paragraphs and headings–all the while generating HTML code automatically. Creating or updating the layout of a site is possible within seconds as well with this editor.
#1 – Atom – The Best for Advanced Customization
Atom is a free, open-source code editor developed by the GitHub team and maintained by the GitHub community. It comes with enough packages and theme collections, runs light, and loads super fast, making this HTML editor one of the best you can find.
It’s a modernized WYSIWYG HTML editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux and is built for collaboration. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced professional, Atom is everyone’s favorite with its premium feel and customization flexibility.
Think of it as an advanced text editor that has several features commonly limited to high-level coding programs.
It also comes with a hackable text editor! It’s a feature that enables developers to edit, extend, change, and share the program source code and design their own packages to improve Atom.
Multiple pane support is another feature we like. You can split the interface into as many windows as you need to compare and write code side-by-side.
Other features include syntax correction and highlighting, autocompletion, project management, and Teletype (users can collaborate with other developers in real-time).
Atom is entirely free of charge! So you don’t have to shell out any money to use this excellent editor.
#2 – Notepad + + – The Best for Front-End Developers and Web Designers
Fast working, time-tested, and foolproof, Notepad + + is one of the most popular HTML editors used by millions worldwide. It’s an open-code editor that offers multi-language support, which isn’t restricted to only HTML and CSS.
One of the primary reasons for Notepad + +‘s popularity is its feature-rich interface.
You get syntax folding, syntax highlighting, multi-view, document map, multi-document interface, auto-completion, bookmarks, and a fully customizable GUI. And even after this long list, there’s still more.
Notepad + + was developed for Windows-based machines, but Linux users can use it via Wine. As the name suggests, this editor is like an upgraded version of the Notepad software, which is already available in Windows by default. You also get its repository on GitHub.
A mobile version is also available if you fancy that.
Environmentalists would love Notepad + + as well. It has programs that run on less CPU power in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
Notepad + + is free for all! So no extra money or hidden costs for you to worry about.
#3 – Brackets – The Best for Beginners
Brackets is another widely popular HTML editor for programmers compatible with different operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. It comes with a built-in package manager that allows users to search and install any supported package they like.
We would highly recommend this open-source HTML editor for beginners due to its smart auto-completion feature that makes coding incredibly fast and accurate.
Bracket’s coding UI can be split into multiple panes, making writing and comparing codes between different files easy and precise. Its integrated file system browser enables you to access files within your PC.
Plus, it has a find and replaces feature that allows developers to fine-tune the code when appropriate. This can be useful for novices and experienced professionals to ensure their website stays up-to-date.
Styling and customization are super easy and simple, so coding won’t ever get boring with Brackets.
The pre-installed syntax themes feature dark and flashy bright colors. With no shortage of packages on the platform, you can add as many features as you want, based on your use-case and preference.
Brackets is completely free! You can download it directly from the official website.
#4 – Sublime Text – The Best for Multi-Language Support
Sublime Text is the advanced version of Notepad + +. It comes with the standard features of Notepad + +, along with more modern ones to suit the sophisticated needs of the more experienced users.
You get cross-platform support, split editing, multiple-selection editing, proprietary command palette, and syntax editing to make web development simpler. The editor is incredibly powerful and promises high performance. However, you have a steeper learning curve ahead of you in exchange for this flexibility and power.
One of the more advanced features of Sublime Text is “Goto Anything.” Using this, you can find and replace the code within a considerably shorter period. The distraction-free mode is another great feature that displays only the code by hiding other elements.
You can use keyboard shortcuts to execute tasks quickly–provided you can remember them. Everything is easily customizable in the editor as well, whether you want to personalize key bindings to snippets to menus.
Accessible on Windows, Mac, and Linux, Sublime Text also supports different languages like C, HTML, C++, C#, Java, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, and many more.
Sublime Text has a free version available that’s enough for beginners, but if you want access to all its features, you have to pay a one-time cost of $80.
#5 – Adobe Dreamweaver CC – The Best for Web Developers
Most of our other options work great for front-end development, but having an HTML editor that facilitates back-end development is also necessary, which is where Adobe Dreamweaver CC comes in.
Made by renowned company Adobe, this editor is hands down one of the most famous and influential options on the market. You get all sorts of plugins and premium features that you wouldn’t normally have access to with other HTML editors.
Whether it’s creating more responsive sites or editing the website code, Dreamweaver makes everything possible.
This editor is a closed source software, designed to work within the Adobe ecosystem. It supports both the textual and WYSIWYG methods, allowing you to choose between coding with a live visual presentation or take the traditional route. You can write code in any major programming language and enjoy access to creative cloud libraries.
Web developers would particularly love Adobe Dreamweaver CC. It automatically confirms the code and page accessibility, making it easier for developers to follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and even reviews the end product.
Plus, the direct access to an abundant supply of assets in the Adobe ecosystem like graphics, layers, colors, words, characters, and much more, is another advantage.
Dreamweaver has a free version, but you can opt for premium plans as well. You have three options:
- Annual Plan, Payable Monthly – $25.99 per month
- Monthly Plan – $31.49 per month
- Annual Plan, Prepaid – $239.88 per year
Final Thoughts
HTML editors are a must for any web development and design toolkit. Not only can you create code faster, but it also simplifies the whole process by helping you avoid errors.
The only catch is to select an option that aligns with your needs.
You can select an option from our top picks or look for other alternatives in the market. Try to look for prospective editors that include syntax highlighting and live preview. If you want something more sophisticated, a find and replace feature will be a great asset.
The post Best HTML Editors appeared first on Neil Patel.
Source: neilpatel.com
Everything You Need to Know About Inserting and Editing Images in WordPress
Do you feel confident using images in your blog posts? While there’s no absolute rule that bloggers need to include images, most bloggers will include at least one eye-catching image in each post (normally at or very near the start).
However, it’s easy to make mistakes with images. We’ve already covered how to obtain images legally so you don’t accidentally infringe on someone’s copyright.
But in today’s post, I want to go through the process of uploading and inserting images.
Whether you’ve just started blogging or you’ve been blogging for years, I hope you’ll learn something new from today’s post.
We’re going to start off with the basics, and move on to some more advanced tips and tricks.
Here are the ten things we’re going to cover:
- How to download an image from the web
- How to upload an image to your blog
- How to insert an image into your post
- How to align your image within your post
- How to resize your image
- How to turn your image into a link
- How to add alt text to your image
- How to edit your image in WordPress itself
- How to keep your image file sizes low
- How to optimize images for retina screens
10 Things to Know About Inserting and Editing Images in WordPress
#1: How to Download an Image from the Web
Brand new bloggers might feel a bit stuck at the first hurdle: downloading their chosen image.
Once you’ve found an image you can legally use, you’ll need to download it to your computer.
(While it’s technically possible to insert it in your post using its existing URL on the web, this “hotlinking” is a bad idea. Many sites don’t like it, as it puts extra strain on their servers. And if the image file is removed from its current location, it’ll disappear from your post too.)
To download an image, right-click on it. You should see an option such as “Save image as…”. (It may be worded slightly differently depending on your browser.)
Click on “Save image as…”, and then select the folder on your computer where you want to save it.
On sites that act as a library of images (such as Pixabay and Flickr), you’ll normally be able to choose from different sizes for the image. Here’s how it looks on Pixabay.
The numbers on the left are the dimensions of each image in pixels (width by height). The numbers on the right are the size of each image file in kB/MB. As you can see, larger images equal much larger files.
It’s up to you what size you choose. (We’ll cover this in more detail in sections #9 and #10 on this list.) Note that on Pixabay you need to create a (free) account to download the largest images.
#2: How to Upload an Image to Your Blog
After you’ve selected and downloaded an image, you need to upload it to your blog.
On WordPress, log in to your dashboard, open up your chosen post (or start a new one), and click the “Add Media” button.
Then click the “Upload Files” tab. You can either drag and drop your chosen file to upload it to your blog, or click the “Select Files” button to browse through your computer folders for it.
(Note that whichever you choose, the original file will remain on your computer. Only a copy of it is uploaded.)
If you want to, you can upload several images at once.
#3: How to Insert an Image
First, position your cursor where you want to put the image within your post. (Click at the start or end of a line of text, or click on a blank line.)
Your uploaded images are available in your media library. Click “Add Media” then the “Media Library” tab (if it’s not already selected for you) and you’ll see them.
To insert an image, click on it and you’ll see this panel on the right-hand side of your screen.
You can set the alignment of the image, add a link, and choose the size you want it to be displayed. We’ll be covering all of these later on in this post. (You can edit your image to change any of these details after inserting it.)
Click “Insert into post” to place the image in your post where your cursor is.
#4: How to Align Your Image Within Your Post
If you inserted your image without changing the alignment setting, it may not appear exactly the way you wanted.
Perhaps you intended to have it above your text, centered, or at the start of your post. But instead, it’s right-aligned alongside the text.
(Dummy text generated by fillerama on “Doctor Who” mode.)
To re-align your image, click on it and then click the “align center” button on the mini-menu that pops up.
(You can also click the little pencil button to edit the image, where you can select the alignment, size, and more.)
Your image should now be aligned correctly in your post.
#5: How to Resize Your Image
If your image is too big, you can resize it by clicking on it and then clicking on the edit button in the mini-menu.
You’ll see details about the image. Click the dropdown menu next to “Size” and you’ll see a range of options.
If one of the listed sizes works for you, select it. If not, click “Custom Size” and enter a width or height for your image in pixels.
Whichever you choose, the other dimension will be adjusted automatically.
Click the “Update” button at the bottom of the screen, and you’ll be returned to your post with the image updated to your chosen size.
Note that this process doesn’t change the size of your original uploaded image, so the file size will remain the same. (We’ll cover more on this later in this post.)
#6: How to Turn Your Image into a Link
At some point, you’ll almost certainly want to create an image that readers can click on to go to a different page.
For instance, you might want to create:
- A “start here” page showing the featured image from several posts, with each image linking to the appropriate post
- A page of book reviews, with the cover image for each book linking to the book on Amazon
- A custom “buy” button for your products, with each one linking to a PayPal or shopping cart page
To add a link to your image, click on the image and then click the little “edit” button that appears to get the Image Details screen.
Click the “Link To” dropdown and select “Custom URL”. You can then enter whatever URL you want the image to link to.
Make sure you click the “Update” button to save your changes to the image.
An even quicker way to add a link to an image is to copy your link, then click on the image and paste the link (press Ctrl+V on a PC or Command+V on a Mac). This will automatically add the link to the image.
#7: How to Add Alt Text to Your Image
Alt (alternative) text is normally used for accessibility. It provides a short description of your image that can be read to people using screen-reading software.
(It will also appear on the screen as text if the image fails to load.)
Note that this is different from a caption. If you enter a caption, it’ll be displayed immediately beneath the image in your post.
You can add alt text to your image when you’re editing it. Simply fill in the Alternative Text field with whatever text you want.
#8: How to Edit Your Image in WordPress Itself
It’s normally best to edit images before you upload them using software such as Photoshop (or if you want a free alternative, Gimp or Paint.NET).
But sometimes you might want to make adjustments to your original image within WordPress. You can do this by clicking the “Edit Original” button in the Image Details panel.
You’ll then see this screen.
You can then resize the image. (You can only scale down, not up.)
Note: it’s best to do this before making any other edits.
You can also rotate the image, or flip it from top to bottom or left to right, using the buttons immediately above it.
You can crop the image by clicking on it and dragging it to select your chosen area. Here’s the original image flipped left to right, with an area selected so it can be cropped.
To crop the image, you then need to click the “crop” button on the top left above the image.
Once you’re happy with your changes to your image, click “Save” beneath it, then “Update” on the next screen. You should now see your new image in the post itself.
If anything goes wrong, you can restore your original image using the “Restore Original Image” option.
#9: How to Keep Your Image File Sizes Low
The larger your image files, the longer they’ll take to load on your web page. And this can potentially affect your site’s performance. If your site is really slow to load, readers may simply give up and go elsewhere.
There are several ways you can keep file sizes down, including:
- Using .jpg images where possible. They’re compressed, so they aren’t as high quality as other file types. But for images in regular blog posts, they’ll probably look fine. Note that if you have transparent (or partially transparent) images, though, you can’t save them in .jpg format.
- Resizing your image before uploading it to WordPress. If you’ve taken a photo on your camera and it’s 4000px wide, don’t upload it unedited to your blog. Yes, you can scale it down in your post (see #5), but the image will still take a long time to load. Instead, use image-editing software to resize the photo before you upload it into your media library.
- Using the WordPress plugin Smush to resize and optimize images you’ve already uploaded in the past. This could make your site significantly faster.
- Using the TinyPNG service and/or Compress JPEG and PNG images plugin to reduce the size of your .png images. (If you have partially transparent images, they’re probably .png files. You should also use .png for any files with graphics in them.)
#10: How to Optimise Images for Retina Screens
The newest Apple products have Retina displays, which have a higher pixel-per-inch density than regular screens.
Retina has four times more pixels than standard screens. If you have a 400 x 300 image (120,000 pixels), you’d need to use an 800 x 600 alternative (480,000 pixels) to render it well on a high-density display.
This means that if you want a 500px by 330px image for your post, it would be best to upload it as a 1000px by 660px image. That way, it can be displayed crisply on the retina screen.
Your theme might automatically size and display the image correctly for each user (based on their device) if you simply insert it into the post at the larger size.
If it doesn’t, you can use the WP Retina 2x plugin (which is explained in detail by Barn2 Media) to create and show the retina images as appropriate.
I know there’s been a lot to take in with this post. Don’t worry: you don’t have to master everything at once.
If you’re new to blogging, you might simply want to get confident with the basics of downloading and uploading images to your blog, then inserting them into your post at the appropriate point.
But if you’ve been blogging for quite a while, you’ve hopefully picked up a new tip or trick today as well. How will you put it into practice this week?
The post Everything You Need to Know About Inserting and Editing Images in WordPress appeared first on ProBlogger.
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