In an ever-changing digital world, WYSIWYG editors have simplified the process of creating and editing online content. WYSIWYG, short for “What You See Is What You Get”., allows you to view the final result of your document or web page during the creation process.
This article looks at the concept of WYSIWYG editors, their benefits, their different types and how to choose the one that best suits your needs. It's a comprehensive guide to understanding WYSIWYG editors and the benefits they bring.
Whether you're a blogger, a corporate website manager or the owner of an e-commerce shop, learning WYSIWYG editors can enhance your digital content creation experience.
WYSIWYG: definition
WYSIWYG is a acronym that stands for “What You See Is What You Get”.. This term is used in computing to describe a system in which the content displayed during editing looks very similar to the final output, which may be a printed document, a web page or a slide presentation.
A WYSIWYG editor or program lets you format text and graphics on-screen, and the on-screen layout closely matches the printed layout or the way it would appear on a web page.
Unlike more traditional text editors, where you type in text with formatting tags (as in HTML), you don't see the final layout until you render or print it.
This approach is user-friendly, particularly for people with no programming or coding skills. It is commonly found in word processors such as Microsoft Word, as well as in web development software and certain e-mail platforms.
With WYSIWYG users don't need to learn different markup languages or acquire coding skills to format text or design a web page, which makes the content creation and publishing more accessible to a greater number of people.
Why use a WYSIWYG?
- Friendly WYSIWYG editors: WYSIWYG editors are generally easy to use, even for people with limited technical skills. In fact, they offer a user interface that resembles a word processor, making them more intuitive and less intimidating than raw code editors.
- Real-time preview These editors allow you to see exactly how your content or web page will appear as you create it. There's no need to switch constantly between code and preview mode, making the design process more efficient.
- No coding skills required With a WYSIWYG editor, you can format text, add images and even design entire web pages without knowing how to code. This opens up website design and content creation to a wider audience.
- Time saving Because you don't have to write the code manually, you can create and modify content more quickly. This can be a considerable time-saver, especially for large-scale projects.
- Customisation WYSIWYG editors: Many WYSIWYG editors offer customisation options that allow you to modify the appearance and functionality of your content or website to suit your needs.
- Coherence WYSIWYG editors are often supplied with templates or styles to ensure the consistency of your content or website. This is particularly useful for companies or brands that need to maintain a consistent visual identity.
- Accessibility WYSIWYG editors: Because they don't require users to write code, WYSIWYG editors make content creation and website design more accessible to people with disabilities.
Different types of WYSIWYG editor
- Web-based WYSIWYG editors These editors, often called «online rich text editors», are used in web content management systems, where users can write and format their content directly in their browser, seeing the results in real time.
TinyMCE and CKEditor are just a few examples.
- Desktop WYSIWYG editors These are stand-alone applications installed on your computer. They are often more robust and offer more functionality than their web-based counterparts. Adobe Dreamweaver and Microsoft Expression Web.
- WYSIWYG website builders These tools allow you to create entire websites using a WYSIWYG interface. They often include drag-and-drop functionality and predefined templates for ease of use. Wix, Weebly and Squarespace are well-known website builders.
- WYSIWYG blog editors Blog platforms: These are specially designed for bloggers, making it easy to create and edit blog posts. Some blogging platforms, such as WordPress have built-in WYSIWYG editors for creating articles.
- WYSIWYG email editors Email templates: These are used in email marketing platforms to create email templates and campaigns. Emails can be designed and viewed in the editor before being sent. MailChimp is an example of a platform with an integrated WYSIWYG e-mail editor.
- WYSIWYG editors for mobile applications Editors: These editors are used in mobile application development to design and organise user interface elements. They allow developers to see what the application will look like as they build it.
- Open source WYSIWYG editors They are free to use and modify, making them highly customisable. They are popular with developers and organisations that require a high degree of flexibility or have specialist needs. TinyMCE and CKEditor are just a few examples.
How do you choose the right one?
Choosing the WYSIWYG editor best suited to your needs can be a little complicated, given the many options available. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Define your needs You need to understand your specific needs. Are you building a blog, a corporate website or an e-commerce site? The type of editor that suits one may not suit the other.
- User interface (UI) Choose an editor for a intuitive, user-friendly interface. The whole point of using a WYSIWYG editor is to make the process of creating web content easier; a complicated user interface would run counter to this objective.
- Functionality Find an editor that offers the features you need. These may include formatting text, uploading images, creating hyperlinks and adding multimedia content such as videos. Some editors even offer more advanced functions, such as code editing, for more experienced users.
- Compatibility The editor must be compatible with different operating systems, browsers and devices. It must also integrate well with your existing systems or platforms, such as your content management system (SGC).
- Reactivity Make sure that the content created with the editor is responsive, i.e. that it adapts well to different screen sizes and devices. This is essential given the increasing use of mobile devices for web browsing.
- Customisation The ability to customise the appearance and functions of the editor can be important, particularly for more complex websites. Some WYSIWYG editors offer customisation options, including the ability to add or remove buttons from the toolbar.
- Support and updates Check that the editor is regularly updated and that the developers offer good support. This is particularly important if you are considering opting for an open source editor. Frequent updates mean that the tool is actively maintained, and good support means that you can get help when you need it.
- Rates Some publishers are free, others require a subscription. Take your budget into account, as well as the features offered, the support and the specific needs of your project.
Remember that there is no such thing as a universal editor. The best WYSIWYG editor for you will depend on your needs and your situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WYSIWYG editors have revolutionised the way we create and edit digital content. By offering a user-friendly interface and a real-time preview of the end result, they make website design and content creation more accessible and efficient.
Whether it's a simple blog or a complex corporate website, choosing the right WYSIWYG editor based on your specific needs and preferences is a crucial step towards successful digital content creation.
Now that you've optimised your WYSIWYG, learn how to generate leads for your website in this article.
Need more advice on building the right WYSIWYG? Contact our experts to guide you through the process.
