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HTML editors and testing tools allow developers to efficiently write, edit, and test HTML code through an online interface. These online tools provide features like code completion, error checking, live previews, collaboration, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the top 10 online HTML editors and testers available in 2023. We will explore the key features of each tool, pros and cons, and examples of how they can be used for your web development needs.
Introduction to Online HTML Editors and Testers
HTML editors make it fast and easy to write and edit HTML code without needing to use a basic text editor. The editor handles things like automatically closing tags and syntax highlighting to reduce errors.
Online HTML testers allow you to quickly test HTML code in multiple browsers. They render the code in a live preview window and let you adjust it on the fly to see how changes appear.
Together, online HTML editors and testers boost productivity for web developers by speeding up coding and testing.
Here are some key benefits of online HTML editors/testers:
- Write HTML faster with code completion and syntax highlighting
- Instant previews let you view changes as you type
- Support editing HTML, CSS, JS on the same screen
- Browser testing across desktop and mobile
- Access the tools from any device through the browser
- Work collaboratively with other developers
- Most feature a simple, clean interface for usability
In the rest of this guide we‘ll explore the top tools in this category for 2023 based on features, reliability, and ease of use.
Top 10 Online HTML Editors and Testers
1. CodePen
CodePen is one of the most popular online editor and tester tools for front-end developers. It‘s packed with excellent features while still being simple and intuitive to use.
With CodePen you get a powerful online code editor supporting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development. Changes render instantly in the live preview window. You can create multiple pens for testing different code ideas.
Some key features include:
- Live Preview – Make changes and see them rendered instantly side-by-side.
- Supports HTML, CSS, JS – Use preprocessor and compile to test sites.
- Cross-Browser Testing – View site renderings across browsers and devices.
- Snippets – Save common code blocks for reuse.
- Templates – Use starter templates for common projects like portfolios.
- Collaboration – Work together with other developers in real-time.
Overall, CodePen makes for an excellent online HTML editor and tester for quickly building and iterating on front-end code.
Pros
- Excellent live preview feature
- Great collaboration options
- Good community and snippets available
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Advanced features require paid plan
2. JS Bin
JS Bin provides a lean and fast HTML editor and tester focused specifically on web code. It strips out unnecessary features and bloat to give you a speedy editor.
It supports real-time rendering of HTML, CSS, and JS code changes. You can also save bins to reuse code snippets or share with other developers.
Some noteworthy features of JS Bin:
- Fast Editing – Simple, uncluttered interface for efficiency.
- Instant Renders – See changes happen live as you type.
- Console output – Inspect errors and debug code issues.
- GitHub Integration – Push/pull bins directly to a repo.
- CodeCasts – Record coding sessions to share online.
For those wanting a straightforward HTML editor and tester, JS Bin delivers excellent performance with all key features.
Pros
- Very fast editor
- Console helps debug code
- Easy to share bins
Cons
- Less features than some tools
- No templates or assets
3. JSFiddle
JSFiddle operates much like JS Bin providing a fast HTML editor with instant preview. It‘s another top choice for testing out web code quickly either individually or with teams.
Some useful features in JSFiddle include:
- Selectable Frameworks – Choose jQuery, MooTools, Prototype, etc.
- Layout Options – Arrange editor, output panels as desired.
- Code Completion – Finish tags and reference API faster.
- Collaboration – Real-time coding with other users.
- Import/Export – Get code in and out easily.
JSFiddle makes iteratively building and testing sites efficient. The panels adjust to give you only what you need.
Pros
- Active community for help
- Several layout options
- Easy to embed fiddles
Cons
- Dated interface
- Limited templates/assets
4. CSSDesk
For hardcore web developers wanting maximum customization, CSSDesk delivers. It offers a huge range of configurations for the perfect HTML editing and testing environment.
You can tweak everything in the UI like font sizes, themes, layouts, shortcuts, etc. It‘s also fast and responsive like the other top tools here.
Some useful capabilities include:
- Complete UI Customization – Tailor interface shortcuts, theme, fonts, etc.
- Split View – See both code and render side-by-side.
- Master Password – Add extra layer of security for bins.
- Download Code – Get HTML, CSS, JS files straight from bins.
- Gallery – Show off site creations and test on multiple screens.
For those wanting complete control over their HTML testing environment, CSSDesk is a top choice.
Pros
- Fully customizable interface
- Excellent security features
- Gallery to show off sites
Cons
- Dated look and feel
- Steeper learning curve
5. Glitch
In addition to a great online code editor, Glitch also provides free hosting for web projects. You can quickly mock up sites, iterate on them, and even publish out live pages.
It‘s coded editor is streamlined and fast while allowing HTML, CSS, JS editing with instant preview. It‘s great for fast prototyping or building full sites.
Some useful Glitch features:
- Host Sites for Free – Instantly publish pages out to share.
- Import from GitHub – Pull in repositories to work on.
- Add Assets – Upload images, fonts, etc. for sites.
- Video Chat – Talk live with collaborators while coding.
- Great Documentation – Learn all features easily.
For those wanting free hosting plus a great editor, Glitch is a top pick.
Pros
- Free hosting included
- Simple collaboration tools
- Easy for beginners
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Can feel restrictive for larger sites
6. Komodo Edit
Komodo Edit provides a desktop-quality HTML editor available through the browser. It‘s extremely full-featured for coding websites backed by an active user community.
The editor comes loaded with tools like autocomplete, color picker, FTP browser, code snippets, and much more. You also get live previews as you code along with robust file management.
Some useful features include:
- Desktop-Level Functions – Robust tooling like full IDEs.
- Active User Community – Get help and share snippets.
- Customizable Interface – Tailor to your perfect workflow.
- Multi-Language Support – Use with PHP, Python, Perl, etc.
- Handsome Color Schemes – Work in multiple color themes.
For developers who prefer a desktop-style robust HTML editor, Komodo is a top choice.
Pros
- Very fully featured
- Helpful community
- Customize interface
Cons
- Dated look and feel
- Lots of features can overwhelm
7. Atom
Atom provides another desktop-inspired HTML editor but with a more modern, polished interface. It‘s open-source and maintained by an active community of developers.
You get robust coding features like autocomplete, file system browsing, find and replace, GitHub integration, and more. It also includes instant rendering of changes.
Some useful Atom capabilities:
- Modern, Refined Interface – Sleek dark or light theme options.
- Intuitive Layout – Fast access to all features.
- Community Packages – Download free addons.
- Customizable – Choose fonts, themes, shortcuts, etc.
- Cross-Platform – Use on Windows, Mac, Linux.
For those wanting a more modern open-source HTML editing and testing tool, Atom is a leading choice.
Pros
- Very polished interface
- Extensive customization
- Cross-platform support
Cons
- Can be resource intensive
- Slow preview refresh
8. Adobe Dreamweaver
Dreamweaver from Adobe has long been an industry standard HTML editor and site builder. The desktop application includes a full suite of expected features.
Robust coding tools handle everything from finding/replacing text to managing site-wide assets. You also get WYSIWYG design functionality for visually constructing pages.
Some key features of Dreamweaver include:
- Pixel Perfect Design – Visually tweak page elements.
- Asset Management – Maintain sites graphics, code snippets, etc.
- Git Integration – Work with code repositories.
- Compatibility Checkers – Validate code works across browsers.
- Extensive API Support – Reference docs for JavaScript, jQuery, etc.
For developers who prefer traditional desktop apps, Dreamweaver remains a top HTML editor and tester.
Pros
- Excellent visual design tools
- Great asset/site management
- Robust API documentation
Cons
- Expensive subscription fee
- Steep learning curve
9. Bootstrap Studio
Bootstrap Studio provides a slick HTML editor tailored specifically for web design frameworks like Bootstrap. It includes dozens of material design components to integrate without coding.
You can visually design full website interfaces by dragging and dropping elements like cards, navbars, alerts, etc onto a canvas and tweaking all styling in a GUI. Changes render instantly as you build.
Some useful features include:
- Huge Component Library – Modals, forms, carousels, etc. ready to add.
- Visual Design Tools – Click together site interfaces.
- Instant Prototyping – View creations as you build.
- Responsive Support – Test across device sizes.
- Design Handoff – Export production-ready HTML.
For designers preferring visual web design tools, Bootstrap Studio is a top pick.
Pros
- Massive library of components
- Excellent prototyping capabilities
- Great for non-coders
Cons
- Expensive subscription fee
- Limited code editing features
10. Edgy
Edgy provides a unique take on HTML testing by integrating directly into the browser via a persistent sidebar panel. You can quickly try out code and hit refresh to view edits.
The minimal interface removes unnecessary clutter allowing you to fully focus on testing snippets. You also get handy tools like exporting CSS/HTML and full-page overlays.
Some useful aspects of Edgy include:
- Browser-Based – Tool panel testing from any site.
- Clean Look – No interface distractions.
- Device Toggling – Test across device sizes.
- Inspector Access – Inspect and tweak live DOM elements.
- Heatmap – Page overlays to debug responsive issues.
For easy ad hoc HTML testing on the web, Edgy is a great choice.
Pros
- Simple persistent panel
- Easy responsive testing
- Great for quick experiments
Cons
- Very limited editor features
- No file management
Final Thoughts
Online HTML editors and testers supercharge front-end web development using the convenience of the browser. They allow efficiently writing, experimenting with, and testing code faster.
The tools we covered range from fully decked out IDE-style suites like Dreamweaver to nimble inline testing panels like Edgy. Consider which capabilities are priorities like live preview, collaboration, hosting, frameworks, interface customization, pricing, and learning curves.
Many developers find keeping 2-3 different HTML editors and testers on hand helps tackle all types of projects. Hopefully this guide covered some helpful new tools you may want to try taking your web coding productivity to the next level!