Introducing Solis Your code editor's best friend Solis for Mac is a Live Design Output that integrates seamlessly with your favourite code editor.Delivering real time, multi viewport previewing of HTML, CSS, SCSS and LESS as you write it. Figma is an interface design tool that enables multiple designers to collaborate in real-time. It’s available in the browser, or on Windows, Mac or Linux, and there are both free and paid versions depending on what you use it for. That may not make it the best fit for simple web design needs, but if you are looking more in the way of web application development, the tools offered in Aptana may be a great fit. One concern about Aptana is the lack of updates that the company has done over the past few years. Panic Coda is a shareware web development application for the Mac OS X operating system. It seeks to reduce the amount of applications (such as an FTP client, CSS editor, a version control system, etc.) you need to develop websites and to improve your team’s workflow. Create everything from mobile apps to websites with Framer X—the best tool for designing digital products from start to finish. Trusted by teams at Dropbox, Airbnb, Snap, and many others. Framer X is the best tool for creating digital products from start to finish.
This article has been updated as of September 2019 to ensure that all the HTML editors listed are still available for free download. Any new information on latest versions has been added to this list.
During the original testing process, over 100 HTML editors for Windows were evaluated against more than 40 different criteria relevant to both professional and beginning web designers and web developers, as well as small business owners. From that testing, ten HTML editors that stood above the rest were selected. Best of all, all of these editors also happen to be free!
NotePad ++
What We Like
Small download and program size.
Loads fast, and runs light.
Auto-completion for words and functions.
Plugin options to extend functionality.
What We Don't Like
No Mac version available.
May be less useful for languages like Java.
Notepad++ is a favorite free note taking app and code editor. It is a more robust version of the Notepad software that you would find available in Windows by default. That being the case, this is a Windows-only option. It includes things like line number, color coding, hints, and other helpful tools that the standard Notepad application does not have. These additions make Notepad++ an ideal choice for web designers and front end developers.
Komodo Edit
What We Like
Extensible through plugins.
Customizable appearance.
Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
What We Don't Like
No WYSIWYG editor.
Not the best editor for beginners.
There are two versions of Komodo available, Komodo Edit and Komodo IDE.
is open source and free to download. It is a trimmed down counterpart to IDE.
Komodo Edit includes a lot of great features for HTML and CSS development. Additionally, you can get extensions to add language support or other helpful features, like special characters.
Komodo doesn't outshine as the best HTML editor, but it's great for for the price, especially if you build in XML where it truly excels. I use Komodo Edit every day for my work in XML, and I use it a lot for basic HTML editing as well. This is one editor I'd be lost without.
Eclipse
What We Like
Plugin design makes adding new languages simple.
Open source with large community makes problem solving easier.
Runs on multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac, and Linux
What We Don't Like
A large program that's not as light as other editors.
Consumes considerable system resources, especially on large projects.
Eclipse is a complex development environment that is perfect for people who do a lot of coding on various platforms and with different languages. It is structured as plug-ins, so if you need to edit something you just find the appropriate plug-in and go to work.
If you are creating complex web applications, Eclipse has a lot of features to help make your application easier to build. There are Java, JavaScript, and PHP plugins, as well as a plugin for mobile developers.
Aptana Studio 3
What We Like
Good for JavaScript.
Multiplatform support (Windows, Mac, Linux).
Plugins expand supported languages.
What We Don't Like
Lack of updates and announcements since 2014.
Bulkier and sometimes slower than some other editors.
Aptana Studio 3 offers an interesting take on webpage development. Instead of focusing on HTML, Aptana focuses on JavaScript and other elements that allow you to create rich internet applications. That may not make it the best fit for simple web design needs, but if you are looking more in the way of web application development, the tools offered in Aptana may be a great fit.
One concern about Aptana is the lack of updates that the company has done over the past few years. Their website, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages, announce the release of version 3.6.0 on July 31, 2014, but there have been no announcements since that time.
While the software itself tested great during initial research (and it was originally placed 2nd in this list), this lack of current updates must be taken into consideration.
NetBeans
What We Like
Version control functionality.
Customizable appearance.
Specialized for Java.
What We Don't Like
Takes some time to learn.
Consumes a lot of system resources while running.
Can be slow to execute commands.
NetBeans IDE is a Java IDE that can help you build robust web applications.
Like most IDEs, it has a steep learning curve because it doesn't often work in the same way that web editors work. Once you get used to it you’ll find it very useful, however.
The version control feature included in the IDE is especially useful for people working in large development environments, as is the developer collaboration features. If you write Java and webpages this is a great tool.
Microsoft Visual Studio Community
What We Like
Well supported with updates and the addition of new features.
Wide range of programming languages supported.
Nice design that is beginner-friendly.
What We Don't Like
Premium features come with high price tag.
Heavy program that consumes significant memory and processing power.
Bit of a learning curve for new users.
Microsoft Visual Studio Community is a visual IDE to help web developers and other programmers get started creating applications for the web, mobile devices and the desktop. Previously, you may have used Visual Studio Express, but this is the latest version of the software. They offer a free download, as well as paid versions (that include free trials) for Professional and Enterprise users.
BlueGriffon
What We Like
Multiplatform support (Windows, Mac, Linux).
WYSIWYG editor with previews.
Good for beginners
What We Don't Like
Can suffer lag during use.
Lots of options may bewilder new users.
BlueGriffon is the latest in the series of webpage editors that started with Nvu, progressed to Kompozer and now culminates in BlueGriffon. It is powered by Gecko, the rending engine of Firefox, so it does a great job of showing how work would be rendered in that standards-compliant browser.
BlueGriffon is available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux and in a variety of languages.
This is the only true WYSIWYG editor that made this list, and as such it will be more appealing for many beginners and small business owners who want a more visual way to work as opposed to a purely code-focused interface.
Bluefish
What We Like
A fast and lightweight program.
Multiplatform support (Windows, Mac, Linux).
What We Don't Like
Primarily a code editor without a WYSIWYG interface.
Lacks an easy FTP upload feature.
Bluefish is a full-featured HTML editor that runs on a variety of platforms, including Linux, MacOS-X, Windows, and more.
The latest release (which is 2.2.10 or 2.2.10-2 for High Sierra) fixed some of the bugs found in previous versions.
Noteworthy features that have been in place since the 2.0 version are code-sensitive spell check, auto complete of many different languages (HTML, PHP, CSS, etc.), snippets, project management and autosave.
Bluefish is primarily a code editor, not specifically a web editor. This means that it has a lot of flexibility for web developers writing in more than just HTML, however, if you’re a designer by nature and you want more of a web-focused or a WYSIWYG interface, Bluefish may not be for you.
GNU Emacs Profile
What We Like
Included with most Linux systems.
Powerful with plenty of features.
What We Don't Like
More complicated than other editors.
Not the best choice for beginners.
GNU Emacs is found on most Linux systems and makes it easy for you to edit a page even if you don't have your standard software.
Emacs is a lot more complicated some other editors, and so offers more features, but I find it harder to use.
Feature highlights: XML support, scripting support, advanced CSS support and a built-in validator, as well as color coded HTML editing.
This editor, whose latest version is 26.1 which was released in May 2018, can be intimidating to anyone who isn't comfortable writing plain HTML in a text editor, but if you are and your host offers Emacs, it is a very powerful tool.
When it comes to the best website builders, knowing which one to pick from a plethora of options can be tricky. But if you're ready to get started with a new site, we're here to help.
For a start you'll be looking for a website builder that can create your website in the latest version of HTML. And secondly, you'll want a tool that simplifies the process of web design and enables you to create a great site without needing a lot of programming or coding knowledge.
We've scoured the web to find you the best website builders – in no particular order – that fit these requirements and more. Or, if it's a hosting service you're after, take a look at our guide to best web hosting 2019.
Promoted: Wix
Originally based on Flash, Wix has now switched to HTML5. Its unique template designs stand apart, making it a great way to create eye-catching websites. Wix is primarily a paid service but does offer a limited number of features in its free version as well.
01. Wix
A clear UI and powerful features make this the best website builder right now
Wix Connect Domain
Wix is the best website builder right now. This popular service offers a range of plans to fit different needs. The biggest draw is how simple it is to use. The drag-and-drop editor is easy to get to grips with, while just about anything can be adjusted and tweaked once you've got the hang of things. There are over 500 templates to choose from, but if you're having trouble making a decision, you can type in your needs and Wix will make suggestions of templates for you.
Another draw is Wix Turbo, a recently-introduced feature that significantly increases the speed and performance of websites.
There is a free version of this website builder, which comes with limited bandwidth and storage space (500MB). Bump up to the Unlimited plan and you'll get an ad-free experience, unlimited bandwidth and 10GB storage, plus a free domain and Google Ad vouchers. For a little more again, the E-Commerce plan throws an online store into the mix.
02. Shopify
Basic ShopifyIf the website you need to build is an online store, Shopify is one of the best website builders around. This rapidly-growing service now powers over 800,000 online shops, and the pricing plans and features are flexible enough that it will work for you whether you have a tiny fledgling business or something much larger. There's also a free 14-day trial so you can make sure it's what you want.
There are loads of templates and themes so you can put your store together exactly as you want, and if you think you might need something more advanced in the future, it's easy to find an expert to help you.
03. Duda
Next on our list of the best website builders is Duda. Designed with online stores, business sites, blogs and one-pagers in mind, this quality responsive website builder has a stack of ready-made templates for you to choose from, and a drag-and-drop editor to make it easy to put your site together. It's optimised to provide the fastest and most efficient building experience, and features plenty of widgets to help turn visitors into paying customers. There's also integration with web-based solutions such as OpenTable, Disqus and PayPal, and also website personalisation tools that can trigger a variety of individualised actions that'll make your customers feel extra-special.
04. Jimdo
A quirky website builder aimed at beginners
Jimdo PROJimdo isn't as full-featured as some other website builders here, but it is still worth a look. This slightly quirky website builder offers a range of different plans to suit your needs, although it's best suited to novices. The free Play option gives you 500MB storage, 2GB bandwidth, up to five website pages, and HTTPS security. Step up to one of its paid services and you'll get a free domain for a year, SEO help, stats and more.
05. BigCommerce
Another dedicated ecommerce website builder
BigCommerce StandardGot something to sell? BigCommerce is aimed at small businesses that want to grow. There are three plans, Standard, Plus and Pro, and a custom Enterprise version, none of which charge additional transaction fees. All three plans enable you to connect your online store to other sales channels, including eBay and Amazon, and offer real time shipping quotes, and site-wide HTTPS security. Its storefront editor enables you to change your site's look without coding, while you can also go completely custom using HTML, CSS and other code libraries.
Prices are higher than you'd expect from a standard website builder, but roughly in line with what Shopify, its ecommerce competitor, charges. Annoyingly, most of the information about this website builder only becomes available once you've started your free trial, making it tricky to compare it with other services.
06. Webflow
California-based website building company Webflow is an astonishingly simple platform that gives everyone the power to build their perfect site across a range of devices. Suited to designers, creative professionals and entrepreneurs, Webflow is a web design tool, CMS and hosting platform all in one, and enables you to create your dream site and update it personally without having to touch a single line of backend code. Webflow is frequently adding new features – most recently, dedicated ecommerce functionality.
07. Silex
This free website builder is great if you have some coding knowledge
Free and open source, Silex can be used entirely within the browser and works with you, whatever your skill level. There's a friendly WYSWIG editor, and drag and drop interface that you can use to put everything together, with all your changes visible immediately. If you're comfortable with CSS and JavaScript, then you'll find integrated editors that enable you to get down and dirty with code in order to add styles and interactivity to your elements.
There are plenty of templates – both free and paid – and widgets to choose from, plus built-in SEO. Bear in mind, though, that Silex won't host your site – for that, take a look at our guide to the best web hosting services.
08. IM Creator
This website builder is free for students, artists and nonprofits
The IM Creator was introduced in 2011 and it quickly became one of the top HTML5 website builders online. It features a huge library of website templates in a long list of categories ranging from sports and medicine to business and academics; simply use one of these templates or start off with a blank page and create your own design.
Students, artists and non-profits can apply for a free account, with unlimited hosting, no ads, and ecommerce capabilities. If you don't fall into one of those categories, you can opt for a Premium account, which does the same thing for a small monthly fee. There's also a higher-level option for those with more demanding needs.
09. SquareSpace
A popular website builder aimed specifically at creatives
PersonalSquareSpace is a popular web-based website builder that will help you create beautiful sites in a matter of minutes. It offers a massive range of ready-made website designs tailored for different occasions and industries, and if you're comfortable with code then you'll be able to customise your site or create a completely new design.
All SquareSpaces's templates are compatible with mobile devices as well, and contain high-resolution images and graphics to add further colour to your website. SquareSpace is a paid application but you can also use its free trial with limited options.
10. PrestaShop
Best Web Builder App For Mac
French startup PrestaShop has released version 1.6 of its eponymous open-source ecommerce website builder with a revamped front end experience plus a back end overhaul that focuses on the business intelligence side of things.
The most impressive thing about PrestaShop is its default theme, which is comfortably one of the best around – slick and easily customisable thanks to Sass Compass built-in. The back office is no less well-presented despite the huge depth of analytics that it contains, and both are fully responsive.
11. Dunked
A website builder for online portfolios
Dunked provides responsive designs that are Retina-ready and allow you to create an online portfolio without any coding difficulties. You can choose from a growing collection of professionally designed templates, which are pixel-perfect, customisable and easy to use.
Each template is fully responsive and will adapt itself to any mobile device – iPad, iPhone or Android. Adjust layout, colours and typography using a selection of preset options; there's also advanced CSS editing for those familiar with website markup.
12. Mobirise
With a mobile-first approach and easy drag-n-drop interface, Mobirise has become one of the most popular offline website builders. Mobirise is available to download for Windows and Mac, and comes with over 1,800 assorted website blocks, as well as over 20,000 hi-res images and 6,000 icons.
Mobirise Builder is free for commercial and non-profit use, and once you've built your site you get the option of publishing it to any hosting service, local drive or free Github page.
13. Strikingly
Strikingly LimitedAs the name might suggest, you can use Strikingly to create beautiful websites, and do it quickly, too. It's promised that you can create a site in under 30 minutes, with no coding or design skills required.
Strikingly's templates are not only eye-catching but are also completely responsive and compatible with major mobile platforms. Everything is optimised for SEO, with extremely quick load times, and Strikingly also offers in-depth analytics for every site you build with it.
15. Weebly
A popular website builder that also caters for online stores
Weebly StarterBest Web Builder For Mac
Weebly is one of the pioneers in creating HTML5-based websites and templates. It's an entirely online website builder with lots of goodies for designers. Its designs are immaculate and its features are mind-blowing. Every template and website design created using Weebly is compatible with mobile devices and works smoothly on all major platforms. You can create websites with Weebly using either your own domain name or a Weebly subdomain.
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