Using text editors

With text editors, you're interacting directly with HTML code (you're a "raw coder"). This method lets you manipulate Web page elements with intricate precision. There are no graphical interfaces to help you along, so you'll need a solid foundation of HTML knowledge to take full advantage of this technique.

Unless you're using a computer with an arcane operating system, chances are it already has at least one text editor. Windows has Notepad and WordPad. Macintosh has Simpletext. These programs are no-frills pieces of software that are good for only one thing -- editing text.

Technically, Microsoft Word and other word processor programs are also text editors, but they're a lot more than that too. Simple text editors -- like Notepad and Simpletext -- don't let you change fonts or add page numbers. It's possible to assemble HTML documents with Word's HTML exporting feature, but this method inserts HTML tags behind the scenes, thereby preventing you from working directly with the code.

The simple text editor already installed on your system has all you'll need to get started, and it can take you quite far. But somewhere down the road you might do a lot of coding and you'll find Notepad and Simpletext to be lacking. If you reach this point, it's time to invest in a more robust text editor.

Two programs in particular have been embraced by Web publishers: BBEdit and HomeSite. Both of these editors offer clean, fast interfaces and lots of helpful tools. They simplify the coding and building process through shortcuts and they make extensive edits and additions a breeze with strong search functionality.

Unfortunately, there aren't many consumer options when choosing between these editors because BBEdit only works on Macintosh computers and HomeSite is a Windows-based program. The good news is that you can test drive both of these editors for free. BBEdit offers a scaled-down version called BBEdit Lite and HomeSite is available as a fully-functional trial version.

Text editor overview

Program	Platform	Notes
BBEdit	Macintosh	There are very few HTML editor alternatives for the Mac. Fortunately, BBEdit offers all the tools you'll need.
HomeSite	Windows	HomeSite is a robust and reliable editor.
Notetab Pro	Windows	This text editor isn't as widely used as BBEdit and HomeSite, but it has the same tools and functionality.
Arachnophilia	Windows	A slightly clunky editor with a big upside: It's free.
CoffeeCup HTML Editor	Windows	You can purchase a basic version of this software or enhance it by buying add-ons.
Got a recommendation? Send it to: editor@theindependentpublisher.com.