While any text editor can work when creating a Hypertext Markup Language document, some HTML editors are optimized for the syntax of HTML. Based on customizability, features, and functionality, we've identified nine of the best free editors for Windows.
Notepad++ is the most popular free note-taking app and editor. By default, this is a more powerful version of the NotePad software available in Windows.
Notepad++ includes features such as line numbering, color coding, hints, and other useful tools not found in standard NotePad applications. These new additions make it ideal for web designers and front-end developers.
There are two versions of Komodo: Komodo Edit and Komodo IDE. Edit is open-source and free**. This is a lite version of the IDE.
Komodo Edit includes a number of powerful features for HTML and CSS development. In addition, it allows you to add extensions for more language support or other useful features like special characters.
Komodo isn't the best HTML editor. Still, it's pretty good, especially if you're building with XML, and it's really excellent.
Aptana Studio 3 offers an interesting perspective on web development. It doesn't focus on HTML, but on j**ascript and other elements that allow you to create rich internet applications.
Aptana Studio 3 may not be the best fit for simple web design needs. However, if you're more inclined to web app development, its toolset might be a good fit.
Apache NetBeans provides a J**A IDE that can help you build robust web applications.
Like most IDEs, Apache NetBeans has a steep learning curve because it works differently than other web editors. However, once you get used to it, you'll find it very useful.
The IDE's version control and developer collaboration features are handy for people working in large development environments. It's a great tool if you're writing j**a and web pages.
Microsoft Visual Studio Community is a visual IDE that helps web developers and other programmers create applications for the web, mobile devices, and desktops. You may have used it before, but Visual Studio Community is the latest version of the software.
Microsoft offers free** and paid versions (including free trials) for both professional and business users.
Microsoft Visual Studio Code is a free, coding-only application that is part of the Visual Studio suite, but it's self-contained. It's an excellent standalone editor for dozens of coding and scripting languages.
Bluegriffon is the latest in a series of web editors, starting with NVU, growing to Kompozer, and now peaking at BlueGriffn. Gecko is Firefox's rendering engine, and it provides it with great features, so it's a good example of how rendering works in standards-compliant browsers.
It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as various languages.
This is the only true WYSIWYG editor on this list. As a result, it's more appealing to beginners and small business owners who want to work in a visual way rather than a **-centric interface.
Bluefish is a full-featured HTML editor for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Notable features include sensitive spell checking, autocomplete in multiple languages (HTML, PHP, CSS, etc.), snippets, project management, and auto-save.
Bluefish is primarily an editor, not a dedicated web editor. This means that it has flexibility for web developers who write in languages other than HTML. However, if you're a designer who wants a more web-centric or WYSIWYG interface, Bluefish might not be for you.
Eclipse is a complex development environment that is ideal for people who do a lot of coding on a variety of platforms and languages. It's built in plugin design, so if you need to edit something, find the right plugin and get to work.
If you're creating complex web applications, Eclipse has a number of features that can make your project easier to build. It offers j**a, j**ascript, and php plugins, as well as a plugin for mobile developers.
The CoffeeCup HTML editor has a free version and a paid full version. The free product is a good one, but many of the platform's best features require you to purchase the full version.
CoffeeCup also offers an upgrade called "Responsive Design 2" that supports responsive web design. This version can be added to the package along with the full version of the editor.
Many list it as a WYSIWYG editor for free. However, when we tested it, it required the purchase of the Coffeecup Visual Editor to support WYSIWYG. The free version is just a very good text editor.
This editor scores as high as Eclipse and Komodo Edit among web designers, but not as high as among web developers. However, if you're a beginner in web design and development, or you're a small business owner, then this tool has more features for you than Komodo Edit or Eclipse.
Premium short** plan