Web Page and HTML Editors

The first point of confusion is in understanding the difference between an HTML editor and a Web Page Editor.

An XHTML/HTML editor lets you create a web page by inserting XHTML/HTML tags. Whereas a web page editor lets you create a web page by simply typing in the text and and selecting the formatting from a toolbar.

 With a web page editor you don't normally see the HTML tags unless you want to, whereas with the HTML editor, you not only see them, you have to insert them yourself.

Using an HTML editor

In order to use an HTML editor you need to understand HTML (see starting HTML).

I do not recommend this option for beginners except for those who want to practice coding XHTML/HTML and checking for correct  formatting.

There are many XHTML/HTML editors (mostly free) available for download on the Internet the ones I've used are:

• Trellian code Pad - Excellent simply and easy to use yet powerful ideal for beginners.
• CSE XHTML/HTML validator Lite - Incredibly powerful XHTML/HTML Editor and XHTML/HTML validator.
• Note Tab Lite --Very powerful Notepad replacement I use this for creating articles it also has XHTML/HTML editing and checking .

However I must confess I have never created a page with any of these editors and probably never will. Instead I use a WYSIWYG web page editor.

You can use notepad as a simple alternative, and is more than adequate for practising. See creating web pages with notepad.

WYSIWYG Web Page Editors

The only web Page editors I recommend are WYSIWYG ( what you see is what you get) editors. These editors make creating a web page as easy as writing a letter. In order to use these editors you don't need any knowledge of HTML.

 There are two types of editors ( my distinction) Web Page Editors like Trellian webpage and Web site editors like Microsoft FrontPage and Dreamweaver.

Using A web Page Editor

These editors are inexpensive (most are free), easy to use, and incorporate most of the features of programs like FrontPage, but they only let you edit a single page at a time.

Features like find and replace text over several web pages are not supported. If you rename a page you will manually have to change the links in other pages etc.

These editors are highly suitable for beginners and for simple edits of single web pages. As your website grows ( more than 20 pages) you will probably outgrow this type of editor.

The editor I recommend is Trellian WebPage which like Code Pad is available for free.

Web Site Editors

These programs are designed not just for making web pages but also for site management. They allow you to create site themes and to find and replace text across multiple web pages etc.

They are much more powerful than the simple web page editors but are generally also more difficult to use for beginners.

 I would recommend you use a very basic WYSIWYG (What you see is what you Get) web page editor like Trellian at the start and then progress to using a web site editor later as your web site expands.

• Microsoft FrontPage --Very powerful editor and simple to use especially for anyone already familiar with other Microsoft products like Word. I currently use this one. It is easy to get going with and powerful enough for most applications. (see Starting with FrontPage). Now replaced with Expression Web
• DreamWeaver-- Undoubtedly the editor of choice for most Web designers. More powerful than FrontPage and produces much cleaner XHTML/HTML than FrontPage. -Much More expensive though and more difficult to get started with.
   I would only recommend this for experienced web designers or those who are going to be producing commercial web sites.
• XsitePro - Billed as the novice users answer to Dreamweaver this is designed for non techie web designers it lets you build very professional looking seo friendly websites easily.

Online Web Page Creation

Many hosts offer on line graphical creation pages where you can create your web page using a browser. For the most part they are simple to use but they usually require a particular browser version.

They come with professional templates and although it tends to be easier to create web pages ,changes, especially to multiple pages can be difficult. Generally they have page limitations, so are only suitable for small personal or hobby websites.

The major exception to this however is the site Build-it package which is a complete web site building, management and promotion package.

I have personally used this package for one of my websites and would recommend you consider this, if your plan is to build an online business not just a web site. 

Notes:

I've used Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Trellian WebPage and NVU. With all editors I have had need at one time or another to edit the actual code. This isn't difficult and just requires understanding the basics.

 So if you haven't quite got round to it, I would urge you to take a look at starting HTML.

Related Articles and resources:

• How to Make a web page using web page editors
• How to make your own web page in HTML
• Starting with FrontPage