HTML Editors

PhotoImpact does a fair job of creating basic web pages, but at some point in time you will want or need to tweak your code so it will display properly and the way you intended it to. HTML editors do just that. Once your page is complete in PI, you can open it for further enhancement in an editor. Also, PI does not come with FTP ability so getting your pages to your host server will require a separate program.

Editors come in two flavors, text or WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).

Text editors simply display HTML as text and require the user has knowledge of HTML tags and language to create a working web page. You have a text editor on your computer already...Notepad. This is the most basic of text editors and a lot of hardcore web designers use it exclusively. Other text-based editors come with features such as smart tags that allow the user to pick a tag and place it in the workspace and preview features that let you see how your page will look without saving first and then opening it in your browser.

WYSIWYG editors display and generate HTML as it would appear in a browser. Most work and look very similar to word processing program. Features such as drag and drop images, typing text and creating tables are displayed as you do them. Some WYSIWYG editors feature a code view that allows you to see what HTML lies beneath the surface.
These editors are great for the beginner as they can create a web page without knowing HTML.

Free text-based HTML editors are abundant on the Web and come with a lot of features.
WYSIWYG editors are harder to come by for free, but I've found a couple promising candidates.

Text Based Editors

First Page 2000 : This, by far is the most feature laden, free editor in the field. FP 2K contains so many features it's hard to believe it's free. The program comes with 4 different interfaces, from a beginner workspace to advanced and contains a preview pane as well as a script editor, FTP functionality, color palette, and over 450 Java and DHTML (Dynamic HTML) scripts that are easily added to your page. All this plus two easy to use reference guides for quick research or help with HTML tags. This is a powerful program that helps you write, edit and improve your HTML. Most web builders don't realize the time they are losing by relying on traditional based text editors like Notepad.

Arachnophilia : A long time favorite, this freeware editor now includes an "instant view" feature so you can preview your page as you create. Supports development of frames, Java, JavaScript, CGI and more. A built in FTP agent makes getting your site to it's home easy. The program also includes step-by-step tutorials on HTML, JavaScript and frames.

E-Z HTML : Here's an editor that makes web development easier. It's simple format and design make it unexpectedly easy to learn and use. Fast button and menu shortcuts provide easy, automatic tag creation and editing. A simple preview function loads the html straight from the editor into a browser which lets you check your work visually. EZ-HTML also supports printing functions. You can even fetch the HTML source from any world-wide-web site with a click of the mouse!

Coffee Cup Free HTML : Another free and feature packed program that's easy to use.

WYSIWYG Editors

Web Plus 1 : This is probably the most impressive free WYSIWYG editor currently available. You can type your text just as you would in a word processor, drag and drop images, preview your pages anytime in your fave browser, and enter links and other elements with easy to use wizards. The program also includes a a logo creator that allows you to create logos from predefined shapes and customize them with text and colors. When all is ready, the built in site uploader will assist you in getting your pages to your server. Add -on packs are also available.

Amaya : This editor was created by the W3C, the current consortium that sets the standards for HTML and web protocol. The program will generate XHTML, CSS style sheets all in an easy to understand environment.

Netscape Composer : Did you know you have an editor already if you use the Netscape browser?