HTML & CSS Editors
Even the most basic WordPress users inevitably with they knew some HTML. Adobe Dreamweaver (formerly a Macromedia product) has long been the industry standard for web design. But, unless you’re already a fighter pilot, you probably don’t need a fighter jet to go across town. Sure, it can get you there fast and do some crazy stuff along the way, but 1) you have to learn how to fly it, and 2) you probably don’t want to pay for it. In the end, 99% of all non-professional users who do shell out the big bucks end up spending way more time and energy figuring out how to fly, when they could (and probably should) just ride a bicycle or take a bus. Believe it or not, there are some pretty nice bikes and busses out there, too.
The search begins! Because you’re not already a fighter pilot, finding a good product with all the things that you don’t know you need yet can be a very time consuming and overwhelming job. The following are a few of our tired & true favorites:
CoffeeCup – Fresh software. Warm people.
(Mac & PC)
The fine folks at CoffeeCup have been producing great software for a long time. They have also grown by leaps & bounds since I originally tried their HTML editor. There are 2 versions of their HTML editor, but the “trimmed down” free version lacks many of the regularly needed features. The HTML Editor 2009 ($49). In a nutshell, the full version is everything most people need, and intuitive enough for novice users.
MacRabbit – Espresso & CSS Edit
(Mac only)
What is it with coffee? MacRabbit web authoring tools have stood the test of time and thousands of users for years. They don’t make much, but what they do make simply rocks. Espresso ($79.95) is a feature-packed development application that’s both intuitive and light weight. CSSEdit ($39.95), in my humble opinion, is nothing short of God’s gift to CSS editing. Out of all the CSS tools I’ve used, it is hands-down the best. Bundle both products for a discount.
