With the internet and the information highway at our fingertips, the world is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of web apps, websites, and web content.
HTML is the accepted language of the web and one of the main ingredients that power it.
This makes all the tools and technologies for creating HTML content of utmost importance. This is where Javascript WYSIWYG editors come into the picture.
One straightforward method of creating an HTML web page is by typing out HTML directly in a text editor.
However, this is cumbersome and tedious, as it involves knowledge and memorization of tags and markups.
The development of a JavaScript-rich text editor has been a game changer for the web world.
These editors are now playing a significant role in developing web content and HTML pages. They are now considered an indispensable tool for all designers and developers alike.
In this blog, we have outlined some of the most critical features of WYSIWYG editors. Continue reading to discover their capabilities and importance in web development.
What is a JavaScript WYSIWYG Editor?
A JavaScript WYSIWYG HTML editor allows you to create and edit HTML documents in an easy-to-use word processing-like interface.
Just as the name What You See is What You Get suggests, the WYSIWYG HTML editor renders content precisely as you would see it in a browser window.
WYSIWYG HTML editors are easy to use, and you do not need any knowledge of HTML to create HTML documents.
Why Do You Need a JavaScript WYSIWYG Editor?
WYSIWYG means that anyone can directly edit and format a document without using any code or commands.
Any changes to the document are immediately reflected in real-time and show a user how the edits modify the look or rendering of the content.
This feature makes JavaScript WYSIWYG an absolute must for all web designers and developers.
Web designers and developers rely on WYSIWYG HTML editors when developing complex and lengthy web pages.
Given that a WYSIWYG editor facilitates a visual method of creating and editing a document, it speeds up the creation and design of content.
Users don’t have to memorize many HTML tags or markups to format the document.
Instead, they simply use the word-processor-like easy interface, which gives them all formatting capabilities at their fingertips.
What Are the Rich Text Editing Features of a JavaScript WYSIWYG editor?
A WYSIWYG HTML editor has the following rich text editing features:
- The WYSIWYG HTML editor allows you to perform basic text editing. For example, you can change the text to bold, italic, underline, or highlight. The editor also allows you to change the text’s font and size.
- The editor enables you to format blocks of text. For example, you can align or justify a paragraph and change its style.
- The WYSIWYG HTML editor allows you to embed images, videos, and other media content in your HTML document.
- You can add bulleted and numbered lists using the WYSIWYG HTML editor.
How Can I Extend the Functionality of a Standard WYSIWYG HTML Editor?
Most WYSIWYG HTML editors allow you to extend their standard rich text editing capabilities. This is made possible by the use of plugins.
Take, for example, the Froala WYSIWYG JavaScript editor. Developers of Froala improved its performance by making its design modular.
This way, users can stick to basic functionality and add only the required features. For example, some users may need Font Awesome for the web’s most famous icons.
Alternatively, others may require advanced image editing capabilities.
Do WYSIWYG HTML Editors Have Support for People Trained to Use Markdown?
Markdown syntax is simple and allows users to format documents by adding markups to the text.
This way, they can add formatting commands directly to the text without lifting their fingers to pick up the mouse and click the toolbar.
Most JavaScript WYSIWYG HTML editors support markdown. For example, you can see in the image below how Froala’s editor incorporates markdown by showing a split-screen view.
Users can type markdown in one window and see the corresponding WYSIWYG rendering in the other.
Can Academics and Scientists Create Specialized Content Containing Equations and Formulas With JavaScript WYSIWYG Editors?
The answer to this question depends on the WYSIWYG HTML editor. Most JavaScript WYSIWYG editors support third-party plugins, which extend their functionality.
Similarly, ChemType enables creating and editing of chemical formulas.
If the WYSIWYG HTML editor supports the integration of MathType and ChemType plugins, anyone can embed math equations and chemistry formulas in their content.
The MathType editor supports equations, math expressions, fractions, Greek math symbols, and more. Likewise, ChemType supports all types of chemistry formulas and symbols.
Is It Easy to Integrate a WYSIWYG HTML Editor on My Website or My Next Software App?
Some JavaScript WYSIWYG editors ship with their corresponding plugins that work for different environments. This is good news for all developers, as they can give their users the capability of creating rich text content right there in the software they are using.
This means they don’t have to open a new app or window for an editor. For example, Froala includes plugins for all frameworks and programming languages like WordPress, Django, Ember, Ruby, and more.
What are the Main Takeaways on WYSIWYG HTML Editors?
Summarizing our discussion on HTML editors, we highly recommend you use them for creating HTML pages.
They are ideal for novice programmers who are not yet seasoned in the world of HTML and web development.
Apart from beginners, they also benefit skilled programmers.
Expert developers can increase productivity and efficiency by automatically generating HTML code from the corresponding visual document.
The great thing about HTML editors is that they have features for extending their functionality.
For example, you can use them for advanced image editing, advanced text editing, creating scientific content with math formulas and equations, and even writing markdown.
The WYSIWYG editors keep the ball rolling for creating more and more HTML content as our network of the web grows.
Developers and designers will likely see more of these editors in all stages of the content designing and creation process.
