A visual editor is software that allows the user to create web pages without using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML) code. The visual editor typically resembles word processing software. The user can add and edit both text and images by typing in a word processing window. The software then creates the corresponding HTML or XML code for this information. A user can usually switch views within the software, to see and edit the code as needed.
Sometimes, knowing how to change the code may be faster than using an editor to make a simple change. For example, to change a headline from red to blue in an editor, the user can — highlight the headline, open the color window, then click on the desired color. If the user knew the code for the color, it may be faster to open the code page and change a few numbers of code to change the color.
Using a visual editor, the user can see the images and text exactly as they would appear on a web page. This type of editor is known as WYSIWYG, or what you see is what you get. WYSIWYG editors can have flaws. For instance, sometimes the code is published but the user must still make additional changes in the editor to get the text and images in the correct place.
This type of software has made it faster and easier to create web sites and web pages. While it is helpful for the user to know how to write HTML or XML code, it is not necessary. With a visual editor, a user can add pages, add and revise text, change the style, font and color of text, and insert and move images.
Sometimes called a visual HTML editor or visual text editor, a program like this can also be used for blogs. This has opened up the world of blogging to almost anyone. Bloggers can easily publish entries, as well as add images and video using a visual editor.
These editors can help people to save money, since a user can make many changes to web pages without requiring a code or graphic design expert. Some editors include web page templates. In this case, an entire site can be built using the editor without the assistance of a professional web site designer.
For a more customized look, the user can hire a designer to create a website. A visual editor can still be used to save money when small changes need to be made. This will save time as well, since the user will not have to send a such an update or change to a vendor and wait for it to be completed.