An HTML and CSS code editor provides functionality like syntax highlighting, error flagging, and auto-completion that help you write code faster and easier. Even with limited coding skills, the right editor will help you efficiently build a website.
Below, I’ll cover what a code editor is and the key features you can expect. Then, I’ll look at code editors that range in functionality, price, and purpose so you can pick the one that best suits your experience, budget, and business. Let’s get started.
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Table of Contents
- Best HTML and CSS Editors
- Best HTML Editor With Live Preview
- What is an HTML code editor?
- WYSIWYG Code Editors vs. Text Editors
- HTML and CSS Editor Features
- Best CSS Editors
What is an HTML code editor?
An HTML code editor is software that web developers use to create and edit HTML code so they can build web applications faster and easier. There are two types of HTML editors: WYSIWYG (“What You See Is What You Get”) and text editors.
HTML code editors can be online or offline. The online editors are accessed through a web browser with an internet connection and tend to be free. I think they’re convenient because you don’t have to download software; you can just download your file once you’re finished coding. However, they tend to have fewer features and can be vulnerable to security threats.
Offline editors are software programs that you install on your computer. They are great because you can code when you don’t have an internet connection, and they tend to have more robust features and more security. However, they usually come with a price tag.
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WYSIWYG Code Editors vs. Text Editors
Choosing the right editor for your next HTML project starts with deciding whether you want a WYSIWYG editor or a text code editor. I’ll go over each type of editor and explain why you might want to use one over the other.
WYSIWYG Code Editors
WYSIWYG editors are exactly as they sound — they allow you to see what you’re editing as you’re editing it, as opposed to writing a line of HTML and CSS code and then previewing the result in another window.
Drag-and-drop page builders are a great example of WYSIWYG editors.
WYSIWYG HTML editors are great for beginner coders because they display what the website will look like on the front end to your visitors.
This type of editor often has a drag-and-drop interface, so you can add, delete, and modify headings, images, and other elements on the page without writing or editing a single line of code.
WYSIWYG editors may be standalone tools or integrated with your web host or CMS. For example, HubSpot's free CMS includes a drag-and-drop builder.
Text-Based Code Editors
Text editors are the exact opposite of WYSIWYG editors. Instead of allowing you to edit the page using live visual elements, you edit the page’s code directly first — and then you can preview it in a browser or the editor’s preview pane.
A text editor won’t show you what your website will look like on the front end but will offer greater flexibility and customizability. For instance, you can create classes, IDs, and so forth more easily without using a WYSIWYG editor’s potentially clunky CSS settings.
Text editors are a better fit for intermediate to advanced web designers and developers because they require you to write and edit code instead of dragging and dropping elements on the page.
If you’re frightened by the prospect of editing code directly, text editors offer useful features like autocompletion and error detection to help you write code better and faster. Some have even started building in AI coding tools.
In this post, I’ll be covering text-based editors only. But if you are a beginner or would rather not have to code, you can always opt for a WYSIWYG drag-and-drop page builder.
Now, let's examine the key features I look for when evaluating HTML and CSS editors.
HTML and CSS Editor Features
Every HTML and CSS editor is unique, but most share common features that make coding web applications easier and faster. Let's take a closer look at these features.
Autocompletion
One of the best features of HTML and CSS editors is autocompletion. With autocompletion, the code editor automatically suggests how to complete a line of code as you write.
These suggestions are based on language semantics and your existing code. The suggestions for possible completions of the line of code will narrow down as you type.
Syntax Highlighting
A code editor uses syntax highlighting to display code in different colors and styles to make it easier to read.
For example, if you’re writing a text file in JavaScript, the code editor will highlight keywords, strings, and comments in different colors to help you quickly identify them.
Error Detection
Some code editors will automatically scan for, detect, and highlight syntax errors or spelling and punctuation errors in your code. This will help you catch and fix any mistakes before you run your code.
Search and Replace
To find and replace a particular piece of code, you don't need to manually go through every single line of code you’ve already written.
That’s where the search and replace feature comes in. With this feature, you can find and replace a variable or another piece of code all at once.
Split-Screen View
When writing code, you may want to edit and view multiple files at once or multiple parts of the same file. You can do this with a code editor that offers a split-screen view, like Notepad++.
Live Previews
Being able to see a live preview of your code results can be really handy when you're working on a website or some other project. For example, you can immediately see the effect that a certain code tweak has on what your website will look like, rather than needing to open the file in your web browser.
Because of how useful this feature is, I've created a dedicated section covering the best HTML editors with live preview tools.
In this example screenshot from CodePen, you can see how CodePen automatically renders the actual HTML/CSS in the preview at the bottom. In this case, that preview shows off a bunch of different button styles.
AI Coding Tools
With the rise of AI coding tools, some code and HTML editors have started building AI code generation into their workflows.
You typically won‘t find this type of functionality in basic text editors. But if you’re looking for a more robust development environment, you might want to search out one that offers AI coding tools so that you can speed up your workflows.
I think AI code generation can be really helpful, especially for a jumping-off point. You can have the AI generate the code and then tweak and adjust it as needed.
If you're still learning HTML, I also think that AI code generation can be a useful resource. Of course, you‘ll only get what you put in. If you just use the AI code output without thinking about it, you’re not going to learn anything. But if you put in the time to actually analyze why the AI code tool generated that snippet and what everything means, I think it can really accelerate your learning.
Here's an example of an AI coding chatbot in Visual Studio, powered by GitHub Copilot (one of the best AI code tools).
Customizable Interface
Some code editors offer a customizable user interface you can tweak according to your preferences and workflow. For example, you may opt for a ribbon menu or a simpler toolbar that shows your most commonly used features.
Integrated FTP Capabilities
When using a code editor, you may need to make quick edits to a file on a server. In that case, you want a code editor with integrated FTP capabilities. That way, you can work with remote files and interact with servers from a single application.
Best HTML and CSS Editors
- NoteTab
- Notepad++
- Sublime Text
- TextPad
- BBEdit
- Edit+
The best HTML and CSS editors will provide the functionality you need to write code correctly — and to write it faster, thanks to auto-completion. Ideally, this type of editor will provide a clean interface, give you the features you need, and work in your preferred operating system.
HubSpot’s Content Hub provides a very nice WYSIWYG editor built right into the software, eliminating the need to find an external editor. However, many editors are available online, all of which boast a large number of features.
1. NoteTab: Best for Bootstrap CSS Editing on Windows
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
NoteTab gives you complete control over your HTML code and speeds up the creation process. As I was testing out this editor, I could insert tags and other HTML code from a toolbar, drag and drop code snippets from a list to my document, or insert them using a keyboard.
I could also use the auto-complete feature to insert tags as I type. There’s also a multilingual spell checker and a customized input controller for syntax highlighting.
What sets NoteTab apart is that it’s the only HTML editor offering support for Bootstrap CSS. This will enable you to build a Bootstrap site faster with NoteTab than with any other editor. NoteTab is also capable of handling large files efficiently due to a handy built-in FTP client.
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And maybe the best part is that the tool also works as a plain text editor, which can be convenient if you’re looking for a versatile tool with two potential uses. That means it’s simpler than other options, so I recommend it if you’re looking for an effective, frills-free option.
One drawback is that NoteTab does not support Git. It also currently only offers syntax highlighting for HTML, XML, and CSS files, so it is not for you if you’re working with JavaScript, PHP, or other programming languages. When I was using it with large code files, I also found that it crashed sometimes — a problem that can be resolved by constant saving.
Features
- Dual text and HTML editor. NoteTab is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a text editor in addition to an HTML editor. It is simple enough to edit text but complex enough to handle complicated HTML files.
- Built-in FTP. NoteTab includes a built-in FTP client that allows you to transfer large files safely and quickly from cPanel or another tool.
- Bootstrap code library. Using the Bootstrap CSS framework can save time, but only if you’re already well-acquainted with the language and syntax. NoteTab includes a code library, allowing you to easily build a Bootstrap-based website.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts. One unique feature I think could be useful to experienced web developers is the ability to create custom shortcuts for streamlined editing.
Pros
- Flexible enough to support the needs of a range of developers.
- Large extension library for further customization.
- Clipbook feature for saving, reusing, and organizing frequently used code snippets.
- Supports the Bootstrap CSS framework.
Cons
- Only highlights HTML, XMS, and CSS syntax.
- No Git integration.
Operating Systems
- Windows
Price
NoteTab is available as a free light version and as a paid version, which retails for $39.95.
2. Notepad++: Best for Beginner Web Programmers Using Windows
G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Notepad++ is a free, open-source code editor specifically designed for novice programmers. Like other code editors, it offers syntax highlighting and autocorrect. What sets Notepad++ apart is its support for many languages, the number of files you can load and work on simultaneously, and its lightweight nature.
In addition to HTML and CSS, Notepad++ supports 75 other programming languages. You can open files in these languages simultaneously and make edits without worrying about using a lot of CPU power or causing slow load times.
For a free tool, I found Notepad++ to be a mighty beast. It includes everything you need for web development, though I’d hesitate to use it for more demanding programming projects due to its limits on log file size.
One thing I loved is its multi-tab editing feature and macro recorder, which allowed me to automate cumbersome tasks. This feature is more common in expensive tools, so it’s excellent to find it for free.
Some limitations make this editor less than ideal for some users. First, Notepad++ only works for Microsoft Windows. If you’re working on any other operating system, like macOS, for example, then you’ll have to use another editor.
Second, Notepad++ does not offer support for Git. If you want to push code to a repository directly from your editor, you’ll be better off using an alternative such as UltraEdit.
I also found the UI a little plain and outdated for my tastes, but functionality is more important in a code editor than looks.
Features
- Open-source. NotePad++ is open-source software, meaning you can edit its program code for personal or commercial purposes.
- Built-in FTP. NotePad++ includes a built-in FTP client that allows you to edit code live and transfer large files safely.
- Macro recorder. If you find yourself doing certain tasks repeatedly, NotePad++ includes a macro recorder that allows you to record your actions and then re-run them later.
- Lightweight. NotePad++ is a lightweight tool compared to other options on this list. If you’re concerned about the toll on your CPU, it's the tool for you — just remember that it’s not ideal for projects bigger than 20GB.
Pros
- Free and open-source.
- Lightweight and fast.
- Supports a wide range of programming languages.
- Completely customizable UI.
Cons
- Somewhat outdated interface.
- No Git integration.
Operating Systems
- Windows
Price
Notepad++ is free.
3. Sublime Text: Best for Experienced Web Programmers Using macOS
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sublime Text is like the Notepad++ for macOS users with sophisticated needs. It’s compatible with various programming languages like Notepad++, including C, Java, Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
It offers the standard features that Notepad++ offers and so much more, including cross-platform support, split editing, and multiple-selection editing. In exchange for this power and flexibility, you’ll have a steeper learning curve, though.
For example, you can use a variety of keyboard shortcuts to quickly execute tasks in Sublime Text. You can customize virtually everything in the editor, from key bindings to menus to snippets and more, as long as you have the time.
As I was testing this tool, I noticed that the interface was fairly limited at first. This can lengthen the learning curve because you have to decide slowly what you’d like to hide and view in your workspace. However, once I started customizing my editing environment, I found the interface fairly intuitive.
All of these features are included in the free version of Sublime, but this version eventually starts displaying pop-ups, prompting you to purchase a premium license.
If you want to try out AI code generation, there's also an unofficial GitHub Copilot plugin for Sublime Text, which I think is really cool.
Features
- Split view. Sublime Text allows you to edit multiple tabs of code side-by-side in the same window. This is a fantastic time-saver for editing different types of files and will enable you to find definitions, references, or anything else you might need without navigating away from your original code.
- Macro recorder. If you find yourself doing certain tasks repeatedly, Sublime Text includes a macro recorder that allows you to record your actions and then re-run them later. It also includes pre-made macros for deleting and adding lines of code.
- Multi-caret editing. Working on a large website or project can sometimes take time and effort, especially if you have similar lines to edit repeatedly. Multi-caret or multi-cursor editing allows you to make bulk changes without editing individual elements.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts. One unique feature that could be useful to experienced web developers is the ability to create custom shortcuts for streamlined editing.
- Third-party plugins. These can add new features beyond those that are in the core Sublime Text software.
Pros
- Sleek, simple, user-friendly interface with customizable color coding.
- Split-screen editing and multiple-selection editing.
- Built-in file organizer for easy navigating and locating.
- Third-party plugins can add lots of helpful features.
Cons
- The paid version is pricey.
- There is no built-in package manager for installing third-party plugins.
- The free version occasionally prompts you with pop-ups to purchase the pro version.
Operating Systems
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
Price
Sublime Text is available as a free version, or you can purchase a license for $99.
4. TextPad: Best for Clutter-Free Text and Basic HTML Editing on Windows
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
TextPad is a simple and intuitive editor for Windows that’s ideal for plain text files. It could also be used for basic programming projects due to its ability to handle large files and record macros. I think its interface can seem austere compared to others, but that’s purposeful. It’s designed to be so simple that you can use it right away.
TextPad allows you to edit multiple files simultaneously, drag and drop text between files, indent blocks of text, split or join lines, insert whole files, and undo and redo any changes down to the very first change you made on your document.
TextPad also has a customizable toolbar and built-in file manager, so you can easily copy, rename, or delete files. I also found it easy to compare two files.
I would recommend it for more basic coding projects despite its ability to handle file sizes up to your machine’s limits. It offers syntax highlighting, but I think other options on this list are better due to TextPad’s limited color palette.
It’s just not as user-friendly, especially if you prefer dark mode. Another challenging aspect is that if you record a macro, you can’t edit or trim it after the fact.
Lastly, it’s not updated as often as other editors on this list, which can make the product feel more stagnant.
Features
- Dual text and HTML editor. If you’re looking for a text editor in addition to an HTML editor, TextPad is an excellent choice. It is simple enough to edit text but complex enough to handle HTML files. However, I would caution against using it for complicated projects.
- Macro recorder. If you find yourself doing certain tasks repeatedly, TextPad includes a macro recorder that allows you to record your actions and then re-run them later.
- Ability to handle large files. One of TextPad’s most distinctive features is its ability to open large files without crashing. If you constantly work with extensive log files, for instance, TextPad can easily open them for you.
- Search and replace. Like some of the other options on this list, TextPad allows you to search and replace with regular expressions (regex), allowing you to find what you need quickly.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive for both new and savvy programmers.
- Capable of simultaneously editing multiple files and dragging code between them.
- Offers user interface in nine languages.
Cons
- Infrequent updates.
- Somewhat antiquated interface.
Operating Systems
- Windows
Price
TextPad is $16.50 for one license. However, TextPad also lets users download beta versions for free to test them.
5. BBEdit: Best for Clutter-Free Text and Basic HTML Editing on macOS
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
BBEdit (short for “BareBones Edit”) is a code editor for macOS that offers a free and premium version. It makes it easy to create, import, and edit files and to search for and replace text across multiple documents. With this editor, you can also compare two text files and analyze them to find any missing, extra, or similar text between them.
Though this tool is simple at a surface level, it has a built-in FTP client that allows you to import large files. It also supports a wide variety of programming languages, with functional syntax highlighting.
While testing this tool, I noticed that it opens a plain document reminiscent of Microsoft Word, emphasizing its dual use case for both code and text editing.
I found it great for manipulating large blocks of text and building basic websites with beginner-friendly options I hadn’t encountered before. For instance, it includes a dialog-based process for adding a head to your HTML document and creating new CSS declarations.
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It’s ideal for developers looking for basic functionality or wanting to learn the ropes of coding before using a more advanced tool. For anything beyond that, like error checking and debugging, you’ll need a more advanced editor.
Features
- Dual text and HTML editor. If you’re looking for a text editor in addition to an HTML editor, BBEdit is an excellent choice for macOS users. It is simple enough to edit text but complex enough to handle programming files.
- Built-in FTP. BBEdit includes a built-in FTP client that allows you to edit code live and transfer large files safely.
- Markup dialog boxes. BBEdit allows you to insert entire declarations via dialog boxes instead of typing out lines of code. It even includes a color picker for color-based declarations in CSS.
- Search and replace. Like some of the other options on this list, BBEdit allows you to search and replace with regular expressions (regex), allowing you to find what you need quickly.
Pros
- Basic but capable user interface is ideal for those looking for a simple tool.
- Contextual text coloring.
- Handy file comparison feature.
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional performance issues.
Operating Systems
- Mac
Price
BBEdit is available as a free version and a paid version, which retails for $59.99.
6. Edit+: Best for Beginner HTML Editing on Windows
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Edit+ is a premium code editor for Microsoft Windows. It supports syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Java, C/C++, ASP, Perl, VBScript, Python, and Ruby on Rails. While other editors offer out-of-the-box support for more languages, Edit+ can be extended for other programming languages by submitting a custom syntax file.
One thing I loved while testing out this tool was its HTML toolbar. The toolbar looks just like the editing toolbar of a word processor, but the difference is that it inserts those tags instead. You can easily bold, italicize, center, and otherwise format text with a click of a button instead of needing to type out the tags. You can also insert comments, special characters, tables, forms, divs, etc.
For that reason, I recommend it, especially if you’ll be editing a lot of HTML. Edit+ makes it much easier to draft code without needing to type anything manually — not even the start of a tag.
With Edit+, you can upload your local files to an FTP server or edit remote files directly. Other features include spell check, autocompletion, search and replace, customizable keyboard shortcuts, tabbed document interface, and window splitting.
Features
- Dual text and HTML editor. If you’re looking for a text editor in addition to an HTML editor, Edit+ will do the job. As with other tools, it’s simple enough to edit text but complex enough to handle programming files.
- Built-in FTP. Edit+ includes a built-in FTP client that allows you to edit code live and transfer large files safely.
- HTML toolbar. With Edit+’s built-in toolbar, you can build HTML-based websites like you would writing a plain text document.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts. One unique feature that could be useful is the ability to create custom shortcuts for streamlined editing. But with the HTML toolbar, you might not even need shortcuts.
Pros
- Syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, and a handful of common programming languages.
- Split-screen code editing.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts.
- FTP integration.
Cons
- No way to change the editor’s theme colors.
- Lacks extensive customization of other options.
Operating Systems
- Windows 10/11
Price
Edit+ is available as a free version and a paid version, which starts at $35. The exact price depends on the number of users that you need to buy a license for.
Best HTML Editor With Live Preview
- UltraEdit
- CodePen
- Komodo IDE
- Froala Editor
- CoffeeCup HTML Editor
- Visual Studio Code
1. UltraEdit: Best for Advanced Web Programmers
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
UltraEdit is designed to be an all-in-one solution. It solves every challenge a developer or IT professional faces: programming and project management, text data and record reformatting, data sorting, large file manipulation, remote file operations, advanced file searching, and more.
That means it’s ideal for advanced users working independently or in enterprise companies. It’s not for beginners or hobbyists, and the price reflects this. It also does not provide a starting point or a template with the basics already included, like a basic HTML document. For that reason, it would be best for experienced web developers.
As I was testing out this tool, I noticed that it can handle large files efficiently due to the built-in FTP. It also supports multiple programming languages with syntax highlighting (including JSON!) and offers advanced search and replace functionalities with regex options, which I found extremely helpful. I also appreciated its customizable interface, multi-caret editing, and extensive plugin support.
Features
- Custom themes and layouts. If you’d like your text editor to look a certain way, UltraEdit allows you to choose a different theme depending on your preferences.
- Built-in FTP. UltraEdit includes a built-in FTP client that allows you to transfer large files safely and quickly from cPanel or another tool.
- Multi-caret editing. Working on a large website or project can be cumbersome, especially if you have similar lines to edit repeatedly. Multi-caret or multi-cursor editing allows you to make bulk changes without editing individual elements.
- Column-editing mode. This is a unique feature I haven’t run across in other editors. UltraEdit allows you to edit code in columns, which I found useful for debugging and editing blocky code.
Pros
- A feature-rich, comprehensive solution for developers and IT professionals.
- Can easily handle large file edits without impacting performance.
- Effective search and organization functionality.
- Integrated FTP client.
- Supports Git integration.
- Live preview feature.
Cons
- High price point.
- Some users cite minor UI flaws.
Operating Systems
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
Price
UltraEdit is available as a subscription or a one-time purchase. Subscriptions are $79.95 and $99.95 annually. One-time purchases are $149.95 and $249.95.
2. CodePen: Best for Browser-Based Code Editing and Shareability
G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
CodePen is an online, browser-based code editor that offers an always-on live preview. You might‘ve seen it being used by people to share their code with others, but I think it can also make a great option if you’re looking for a browser-based HTML editor with live preview.
You can use it to add HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You‘ll then get a live preview on either the bottom or right side of the interface, depending on what types of code you’re working with.
You can also easily share your code with other people. In fact, the default behavior of the free version is to make all of your “pens” public and searchable. If you want to create private pens, you'll need to pay for the premium version.
The only downside is that you‘ll need to be connected to the internet to use CodePen. So, if you’re looking for desktop software that you can use offline, I recommend choosing a different code editor.
Features
- Easy code editing. You get separate text boxes for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Live preview. You can see exactly what your finished code looks like, including interactive JavaScript.
- Shareability. Because everything is hosted online, you can easily share your code snippets with other people.
- Code snippet library. You can also browse 1.8+ million code snippets for inspiration or help.
- Asset hosting. With paid plans, you can host assets at CodePen to easily use them in your code.
- Collaboration mode. The paid plans also give you collaboration tools, which is great if you're coding as part of a team.
Pros
- Always-on live preview.
- Easy to share code snippets and previews.
- Collaboration features to let multiple team members work on code.
- Asset hosting.
Cons
- Browser-based, which some people might not like.
- Code is public by default — you need to pay to make it private.
Operating Systems
- Any - it's browser-based rather than software-based.
Price
CodePen has a free plan that should work fine for most people. CodePen Pro starts at $8 per month and adds features like private pens and asset hosting.
3. Komodo IDE: Best for Advanced Python and JavaScript Programmers
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Komodo IDE is a unique code editor because it also serves as an integrated development environment (or IDE for short).
This editor improves your workflow because it is a two-in-one editor and debugger. Python, PHP, Perl, Go, Ruby, Node.js, and JavaScript are all supported languages in Komodo IDE. Of course, you can use it for HTML and CSS as well, but its development support for other languages is a huge plus.
Live previews are one of the many benefits of this code editor. Instead of flipping back and forth between tabs, you can edit and test everything on one screen. With automatic saving, you'll never have to wait before reviewing a preview of your work.
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- And more!
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I seriously loved the side-by-side previewing option; other tools on this list opened the preview in another window. Seeing it all at once allowed me to make changes and see the change instantly, which could be helpful for beginner programmers. That said, due to the complicated user interface and steep learning curve, I’d recommend this tool only to advanced developers.
Komodo IDE is merged with ActiveState, which also provides language distributions like ActivePerl and ActivePython. That can be helpful if you need an enterprise coding solution.
Features
- Split view. Komodo IDE allows you to edit multiple tabs of code side-by-side in the same window. Not only is this a fantastic time-saver for editing different types of files, but it also allows you to find definitions, references, or anything else you might need without navigating away from your code.
- Open-source. Komodo IDE is open-source software, meaning that you could edit its program code for personal or commercial reasons.
- Extensively customizable. Unlike other tools on this list, Komodo IDE allows you to customize the interface down to the syntax highlighting colors.
- Git integration. With Komodo IDE, you can easily add, remove, and compare files from a Git repository. The tool also supports other Source Code Control systems such as Mercurial, Bazaar, CVS, Subversion, and Perforce.
Pros
- Offers an integrated development environment, not just a code editor.
- Live previews of the results of your code.
- Autosaves your work.
- Efficient debugging mode.
- Ability to customize colors and syntax highlighting.
Cons
- It is not ideal for those looking for a lightweight editor without an IDE component.
- Resource-intensive to operate.
Operating Systems
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
Price
Komodo IDE is free for individual or personal use.
4. Froala Editor: Best for Live Preview and WYSIWYG
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Froala Editor is a developer-friendly WYSIWYG HTML editor with powerful features designed to help you effectively improve your work and ship projects faster.
Given that it is a WYSIWYG editor, the interface is user-friendly for beginners and easily customizable.
I like that Froala works well with most of the tools that you already use. That way, you can easily integrate it with your tech stack. Froala integrates seamlessly with JavaScript, React, Django, Vue, WordPress, and others.
In addition to text editing, Froala works with design and visual elements, and that is why I recommend it to anyone who wants to get an excellent preview of their work. You can see your project taking shape right before your eyes.
You can create a live preview of your code or content (icons, images, etc).
Other features include inline editing, pop-ups, advanced styling, and image resizing.
Features
- Lightweight. You don’t need to compromise on loading speed, as Froala’s gzipped core is only 50KB.
- Image resizing. With Froala, you can resize images on mobile devices and web applications.
- Various formatting options. Froala offers more than basic formatting options. It has options like font size, font family, styling, markdown support, and more.
- 508 compliant. Froala Editor is accessible as it complies with Section 508 Accessibility Program.
Pros
- Easy to use and integrate with other tools.
- Intuitive user design and experience.
- Secure against XSS attacks.
Cons
- Limited support.
Operating Systems
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
Price
The professional plan costs $719 per year, while the Enterprise plan costs $1,599 per year.
5. CoffeeCup HTML Editor: Best for Lightweight HTML Editing With Live Preview
G2 Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
CoffeeCup HTML Editor is a lightweight HTML editor that includes an easy-to-use live preview feature.
While it doesn't offer as much advanced functionality as something like Visual Studio Code (below), it does a really great job when it comes to basic editing and live preview.
One of the things that I really like is that you can actually select elements on the live preview. For example, if you click on a certain element in the live preview, it will jump you straight to the relevant code in the code editor. I find this really handy because it eliminates the need to manually find the code if I want to make a tweak.
Beyond that, it includes all the essentials that you'd want in an HTML editor, including tag highlighting, file organization, and more.
However, I think one big downside of CoffeeCup is that it's not good at working with JavaScript, which could be an issue for people looking to build more interactive websites.
Features
- Visual preview. You can easily see a visual preview of your code to check how it looks.
- Visual element selector. Rather than needing to locate an element in the code, you can just select it in the preview to jump straight to the relevant code.
- FTP integration. You can connect to your server via FTP for easy file management.
- Component and template libraries. If you don't want to code everything from scratch, CoffeeCup includes its own libraries of pre-made components and templates.
- Productivity features. You can speed up your coding thanks to code completion tools and tag highlighting.
Pros
- Affordable one-time pricing.
- Strong visual preview tools.
- Includes free, importable HTML templates.
- Visual code selector can help less technical people still work with HTML.
Cons
- Interface can feel a little dated.
- Focused on HTML and CSS, so it‘s not a good option if you’re using a lot of JavaScript.
- No Mac version.
Operating Systems
- Windows (version 7 or higher)
Price
There's a free trial version, and the paid version costs just $29.
6. Visual Studio Code: Best for Advanced Web and Software Development
G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Visual Studio Code is a powerful, open-source, cross-platform editor from Microsoft. Rather than the standard syntax highlighting and autocomplete, VS Code offers IntelliSense, which provides smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules.
This makes it a powerful solution for debugging code, especially for software developers. VS Code also integrates with Git, so you can push code to or pull from any hosted SCM service.
If you want even more functionality, VS Code offers plenty of extensions. You can add new languages, themes, and debuggers and connect to additional services.
One downside, though, is that you need to use these extensions to access a live preview. The Live Preview extension does come from Microsoft itself, though, so I don‘t think it’s too far off having a built-in live preview feature.
When I was testing out VSCode, I was wowed by the built-in Emmet functionality. Essentially, all I had to do was type a few lines of shorthand, and it would expand it into an entire HTML element I could then customize.
Visual Studio also now supports GitHub Copilot, which lets you generate code snippets via an AI chat interface. If you want to use AI to speed up your coding workflows, I think that could be a big reason to consider Visual Studio.
Visual Studio Code is the only full-service code editor that offers a web-based version. If you need to quickly edit code, don’t want to download a new program, or simply want to test whether VSCode is for you, using the web version is a great way to test it out. This is especially a good option if you’re worried about the resources this tool would need to run on your machine; it’s famously resource-intensive.
Features
- Emmet snippets. VSCode includes Emmet snippets right in the editor, allowing you to write the right code more quickly. For instance, you can use shorthand to create an entire HTML element, such as a table, that would have taken minutes to write manually.
- Open-source. Visual Studio Code is open-source software, meaning that you can edit its program code for personal or commercial reasons.
- Extensively customizable. VSCode has an entire marketplace dedicated to it, allowing you to freely install various plugins and extensions. This includes a Live Preview extension from the Microsoft team.
- Built-in Git. With Visual Studio Code, you can easily add, remove, and compare files from a Git repository. You can also import GitHub files from a URL.
- AI coding tools. You can access an AI code assistant chatbot via the GitHub Copilot integration, which is something that most other editors don't offer.
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Pros
- Smart code completion.
- Large extensions library for a custom solution.
- Can push to a repository directly from the editor.
- Large user base and developer community.
- GitHub Copilot integration for AI assistance.
Cons
- Interface and options may be intimidating for newer programmers.
- Need to install an extension to access live preview, while other code editors have it built-in.
- Reported performance issues occasionally.
Operating Systems
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
Price
Visual Studio Code is free.
Best CSS Editors
While most code editors offer CSS editing capabilities, I recommend using a specialized tool to create external and internal CSS stylesheets.
Specialized CSS editors provide added support or extended features for working with CSS styles. For instance, most code editors don’t include an in-app preview of CSS changes, but with the software options below, you can see your changes in real time.
With that, let’s review the best code editors for powering up your CSS editing.
1. Adobe Dreamweaver
G2 Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Adobe Dreamweaver is a web design software tool that allows you to edit HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in a live environment. You can see your changes as you make them in the tool’s preview pane and save them automatically as you go.
This is not just a powerful CSS editing tool but a great option for creating strong, responsive websites with visual helpers to guide you along the way.
Adobe Dreamweaver includes a quick editor to help you rapidly change the declarations of a CSS class without needing to search the entire CSS stylesheet. Here’s what that looks like in action.
Pros
- Preview pane where you can see your changes.
- Visual aids to help prevent errors.
- Quick editor lets you edit CSS classes in a live environment.
Cons
- Complicated graphical user interface — not recommended for beginners.
- Subscription-based.
Operating Systems
- Mac
- Windows
Price
Adobe Dreamweaver costs $22.99 per month for a single-app subscription or $59.99 with a Creative Cloud subscription (with this option, you get access to all other Adobe CC apps, as well).
2. Pinegrow Web Editor
G2 Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Pinegrow Web Editor is a visual website builder that allows you to edit CSS, SASS (a CSS-based language), Tailwind CSS, and Bootstrap CSS in a live environment.
If you’ve worked with drag-and-drop page builders in the past, you’ll find the Pinegrow Web Editor simple and easy to use, only with the added customization and flexibility options that come with being able to edit your own code.
Pinegrow Web Editor includes a powerful CSS editor that allows you to change active rules, inline styles, and CSS grids. You can also quickly create rules without needing to access the stylesheet directly.
Pros
- Preview pane where you can see your changes.
- Support for multiple CSS languages and frameworks (Bootstrap, Tailwind, SASS).
- The editor lets you edit CSS classes in a live environment.
Cons
- No JavaScript support.
Operating Systems
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
Price
Pinegrow Web Editor lets you choose between 3 payment options: a $99 yearly subscription, a $12 per month subscription, or a $149 one-time fee. Some features, such as the Tailwind Visual Editor, come at an additional fee.
3. Brackets
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Brackets is a code editor for Windows and Mac that’s free to install and familiar to use for experienced programmers. While it doesn’t offer a preview in the same pane as your CSS code, it still allows you to see your changes by connecting to your browser. Most importantly, it’s free and open-source.
I think Brackets is a top CSS editing tool because it allows you to edit existing rules and add new rules to any CSS class or element without needing to open your stylesheet. You can do it straight in your HTML code.
In addition to the Brackets software, the same developer also launched a browser-based HTML named Phoenix Code, which I think could also be worth considering.
Pros
- Ability to see your changes in a web browser.
- Free and open-source.
- The editor lets you edit CSS classes without opening your stylesheet.
Cons
- Not as beginner-friendly as other options.
Operating Systems
- Mac
- Windows
Price
Brackets is free.
Choosing Your Code Editor
In the end, I think that choosing a code editor is a very personal decision, which is why there are so many high-quality options out there with all different kinds of feature sets. Instead of deciding on the “best” HTML and CSS editor, pick the one with features and extensions that align with your needs.
Whether you need a basic editor with syntax highlighting and live preview options or a more sophisticated editor with an advanced find-and-replace tool and AI coding tools, I hope you‘ll find the perfect fit among the editors that I've listed above.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
50 Free Coding Templates
Free code snippet templates for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript -- Plus access to GitHub.
- Navigation Menus & Breadcrumbs Templates
- Button Transition Templates
- CSS Effects Templates
- And more!
Download Free
All fields are required.
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