I'm looking for advice from experienced programmers regarding a suitable HTML editor with WYSIWYG mode for Windows, as Adobe Dreamweaver is too expensive for personal use.

I'm particularly interested in web design, including HTML, CSS, and related aspects. While I understand that it's unlikely to find a complete alternative to Dreamweaver, I don't need advanced features like integration with Photoshop.

What I do require is basic functionality such as visual mode, syntax highlighting, auto-formatting (like "Apply Formatting"), and other time-saving tools.

After exploring various options, I'm unable to determine which editors are currently relevant or actively developed. It's important that the chosen editor supports HTML5/CSS3 features.

I'm not keen on trying out every option available, so I would appreciate any suggestions and opinions on the following:

1. MS Expression Studio and Namo Web Editor (paid options)
2. KompoZer and BlueGriffon (free options), both of which are forks of NVu.

If you could provide a brief list of pros and cons for each, it would be greatly appreciated. I believe others might also benefit from such a comparison.

Within NetBeans, there is a plugin available for viewing style previews. It includes sufficient features such as autocomplete, syntax highlighting, and CSS/HTML validation. In terms of editors, there are plenty of good options available in this regard.

For those who prefer to view changes instantly after adjusting a property, it's easier to utilize the web inspector (available in Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and even IE) and make style edits directly within it. This method has become highly convenient today. An additional advantage is that you can immediately observe the behavior of the changes across different browsers.

Opt for the paid WebStorm if you're willing to invest. However, it's important to note that WebStorm does not offer a WYSIWYG mode. In such cases, a suitable alternative would be the free Aptana Studio, which also lacks a WYSIWYG mode.

For those specifically in need of a WYSIWYG mode, I suggest considering KompoZer. Nonetheless, let me emphasize that relying solely on a WYSIWYG mode for layout purposes is not recommended. It is often more effective to work with code directly.

I am currently using WeBuilder and I find it to be quite satisfactory. It offers a wide range of customizable settings. However, one downside is that it requires payment to access all its features.

It's worth noting that the license only permits usage on one computer and one laptop, which may be a limitation for some users.

Fortunately, there is a fully functional trial available for those who wish to try it out before making a decision.

Ultimately, the choice of an HTML editor depends on personal preferences.

Here's a detailed comparison of the options you've mentioned, along with some additional suggestions:

1. MS Expression Studio:
  Pros:
  - Robust HTML and CSS editing capabilities.
  - Built-in support for HTML5 and CSS3 features.
  - Visual mode for WYSIWYG editing.
  - Integration with Microsoft's suite of tools may be beneficial if you already use other Microsoft products.

  Cons:
  - The software is no longer actively developed or supported by Microsoft, which may lead to compatibility issues with newer technologies.
  - Limited community and online resources for troubleshooting and learning.

2. Namo Web Editor:
  Pros:
  - User-friendly interface with WYSIWYG editing.
  - Supports HTML5 and CSS3 features.
  - Includes a variety of time-saving tools for web design and development.

  Cons:
  - Relatively limited third-party extensions and plugins compared to other popular editors.
  - The software may not receive frequent updates to keep up with evolving web technologies.

3. KompoZer and BlueGriffon (both free options):
  Pros:
  - Both editors are open-source and actively maintained by the community.
  - Support for HTML5 and CSS3 standards.
  - User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.

  Cons:
  - Limited advanced features compared to paid alternatives.
  - The user base and available resources may be smaller compared to more widely used editors.

Additional Suggestions:
If you're open to exploring other options, here are a few more HTML editors worth considering:

1. Sublime Text: Although not strictly a WYSIWYG editor, Sublime Text offers powerful syntax highlighting, a wide range of plugins for HTML and CSS, and a vibrant community contributing to its development.

2. Atom: Developed by GitHub, Atom provides a customizable interface, extensive package support, and robust HTML and CSS editing capabilities.

3. Brackets: A modern, open-source text editor with live preview functionality and a strong focus on front-end web development.

The choice of HTML editor depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's essential to consider factors such as ease of use, support for modern web standards, and the availability of resources for learning and troubleshooting. I hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision, and I'm glad to provide further insights based on your specific requirements.

Quote from: hieronymusf01 on Apr 05, 2023, 03:51 AMI'm looking for advice from experienced programmers regarding a suitable HTML editor with WYSIWYG mode for Windows, as Adobe Dreamweaver is too expensive for personal use.

I'm particularly interested in web design, including HTML, CSS, and related aspects. While I understand that it's unlikely to find a complete alternative to Dreamweaver, I don't need advanced features like integration with Photoshop.

What I do require is basic functionality such as visual mode, syntax highlighting, auto-formatting (like "Apply Formatting"), and other time-saving tools.

After exploring various options, I'm unable to determine which editors are currently relevant or actively developed. It's important that the chosen editor supports HTML5/CSS3 features.

I'm not keen on trying out every option available, so I would appreciate any suggestions and opinions on the following:

1. MS Expression Studio and Namo Web Editor (paid options)
2. KompoZer and BlueGriffon (free options), both of which are forks of NVu.

If you could provide a brief list of pros and cons for each, it would be greatly appreciated. I believe others might also benefit from such a comparison.

Affordable paid option with WYSIWYG mode, syntax highlighting, and auto-formatting. Relatively lightweight compared to Dreamweaver.

KompoZer and BlueGriffon are decent alternatives, but they're not without their flaws. KompoZer is outdated, and BlueGriffon's free version lacks some essential features. MS Expression Studio is a relic of the past, and Namo Web Editor is a paid option that's not worth the investment.

If you're serious about web design, you might consider shelling out the cash for a more robust editor like Dreamweaver or Adobe XD. Otherwise, you're stuck with mediocre alternatives that will only frustrate you in the long run.