Uncovering the Best elRTE Alternative: Top WYSIWYG Editors and Beyond
elRTE, an open-source WYSIWYG HTML editor built with jQuery UI, has long been a go-to for developers seeking rich text editing, customizable appearance, and robust HTML management. Its features, including advanced CSS control, lightweight design, i18n support, and integration with file managers like elFinder, have made it a popular choice for both commercial and non-commercial projects. However, as web development evolves, so does the demand for more specialized or updated tools. This article explores the top elRTE alternative options available, helping you find the perfect fit for your next project.
Top elRTE Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a simpler approach, more advanced features, or a different licensing model, there's an elRTE alternative out there for you. Let's dive into some of the best choices that can enhance your web development workflow.
Markdown
Markdown is a text-to-HTML conversion tool that offers a vastly different approach from elRTE. Instead of a WYSIWYG interface, Markdown allows you to write using an easy-to-read, plain text format that's then converted to HTML. As a free and open-source solution available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's an excellent elRTE alternative for those who prefer writing in a clean, code-focused environment with features like text formatting and MarkDown support.
TinyMCE
TinyMCE is a powerful, platform-independent web-based JavaScript HTML WYSIWYG editor, released as open-source under LGPL. It's a direct competitor and strong elRTE alternative for rich text editing, offering extensive plugin support and a robust WYSIWYG experience. Available as Freemium, open-source, web-based, self-hosted, and with WordPress integration, it provides flexibility for various project sizes and budgets.
CKEditor
CKEditor is another popular open-source JavaScript WYSIWYG rich text editor that serves as an excellent elRTE alternative. It's easy to implement in any web browser and offers a wide array of features, including browser-based editing, colored text, extensive customizability, drag-and-drop functionality, plugin extensibility, real-time collaboration, and ReactJS support. Available in both commercial and open-source versions, and deployable as web-based or self-hosted, it caters to diverse needs.
WebsiteBaker
WebsiteBaker is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS) that assists in creating websites with ease. While not a direct WYSIWYG editor like elRTE, it offers a comprehensive website builder solution. As a web-based platform, it simplifies content management and site creation, making it an interesting elRTE alternative for those looking for an all-in-one web development environment rather than just an editor.
CLEditor
CLEditor is a lightweight, full-featured, cross-browser, and extensible WYSIWYG HTML editor provided as an open-source jQuery plugin. Its ease of integration into any web project makes it a solid elRTE alternative, especially for developers prioritizing performance and simplicity. As a free, open-source, and web-based solution, it offers a streamlined editing experience.
SCEditor
SCEditor is a lightweight WYSIWYG BBCode & HTML editor, making it an excellent elRTE alternative for projects that require a compact yet functional editor. Being free, open-source, and web-based, it emphasizes minimal overhead while still providing essential WYSIWYG support, ideal for forums or lightweight content management systems.
MarkMyWords
MarkMyWords is a minimal Markdown editor designed with the eOS aesthetic. While focusing on Markdown rather than direct HTML WYSIWYG like elRTE, it provides a clean and focused writing experience. As a free, open-source tool available on Linux and built with Vala, it's a niche elRTE alternative for users deeply invested in the Markdown workflow.
WebsitePainter
WebsitePainter is a commercial web editor that allows users to create professional-looking websites without HTML knowledge or programming. It functions as a comprehensive website builder with WYSIWYG support, making it an appealing elRTE alternative for those who need a full design tool rather than just an embeddable editor. Available on Mac and Windows, it simplifies the entire website creation process.
WYMeditor
WYMeditor is a web-based WYSIWYM (What You See Is What You Mean) XHTML editor. Unlike WYSIWYG editors like elRTE, WYMeditor focuses on the semantic structure of the document rather than its visual representation. As a free, open-source, and web-based tool, it's an excellent elRTE alternative for developers who prioritize clean, semantically correct XHTML output and robust WYSIWYG support.
Aloha Editor
Aloha Editor is an HTML5 WYSIWYG Editor that promises a new editing experience, boasting speed and advanced capabilities. As a free, open-source, and web-based solution, it stands as a strong elRTE alternative, offering unprecedented features and a modern approach to inline content editing with comprehensive WYSIWYG support.
With a diverse range of options from lightweight Markdown editors to feature-rich WYSIWYG solutions and full-fledged website builders, the perfect elRTE alternative is out there. Consider your project's specific requirements, your team's familiarity with different interfaces, and the desired level of control over your HTML output to make the best choice. Explore these alternatives to find the one that truly empowers your web development.