Top 14 Rich Text Editors (RTE) for Streamlined Content Creation

avatar of Rob Duncan

Are you looking to streamline your content creation? Below is a collection of 12 rich text editors. From the basic Wysiwyg editor to the advanced HTML5 and js-based, these editors offer a range of features and capabilities to enhance your writing experience, including spell-checking, formatting options, image insertion, collaboration tools, and more.

Good to know...

What features should I look for in a rich text editor?

When choosing a rich text editor, you should look for the following features:

  1. Formatting options: Look for an editor that provides a variety of formatting options such as bold, italic, underline, font size and color, headings, and bullet points.
  2. Image and media insertion: Check if the editor allows you to insert images, videos, and other multimedia files.
  3. Spell-check and grammar check: Make sure the editor has a built-in spell-check and grammar check feature to help you avoid mistakes.
  4. Collaboration features: If you are working on a document with others, choose an editor that allows you to collaborate in real-time and track changes.
  5. Customization options: Look for an editor that offers customization options such as the ability to create custom templates or to adjust the appearance of the editor to match your brand.
  6. Mobile responsiveness: If you need to use the editor on the go, make sure it is mobile responsive and can be used on a smartphone or tablet.
  7. Accessibility: Choose an editor that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, by providing support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other accessibility features.
  8. Compatibility: Ensure that the editor is compatible with the platforms and browsers you use regularly.
  9. Integration: Look for an editor that can be easily integrated into your existing workflow or application.
  10. Cost: Consider the cost of the editor and whether it fits within your budget.

 

Are there any free rich text editors available?

Yes, there are many free rich text editors available that offer a range of features and capabilities. Almost all of them on this list are free.

 

How do I integrate a rich text editor into my website or application?

Depending on the editor you choose and the technology you are using. Here are some general steps you can follow:

  1. Choose a rich text editor: Research different rich text editors to find one that meets your needs and is compatible with your platform or technology stack.
  2. Install the editor: Follow the installation instructions provided by the editor to install it on your website or application.
  3. Configure the editor: Many editors offer configuration options that allow you to customize their appearance and behavior. Review the documentation for the editor to learn how to configure it to meet your needs.
  4. Integrate the editor: Depending on the editor you choose, you may need to write some code to integrate it into your website or application. This may involve adding JavaScript or other code to your site or application to enable the editor to function properly.
  5. Test the editor: Once you have integrated the editor into your website or application, test it thoroughly to ensure it is working as expected. Test it on different devices and browsers to ensure it is fully compatible.
  6. Provide documentation: If you are integrating the editor into a larger application or system, provide documentation for users that explains how to use the editor and any configuration or integration details they need to know.

Overall, the process of integrating a rich text editor can be complex, but most editors come with detailed documentation and support resources to help you through the process.

 

Can I customize the appearance of a rich text editor to match my brand?

Yes, many rich text editors allow you to customize their appearance to match your brand or website. This can be an important consideration if you want your content to look consistent and professional.

Here are some of the ways you can customize the appearance of a rich text editor:

  • Themes: Many editors come with built-in themes that you can choose from. These themes typically include different color schemes, fonts, and other visual elements.
  • CSS: Some editors allow you to modify the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) that control the appearance of the editor. This can give you fine-grained control over the look and feel of the editor.
  • Plugins: Some editors offer plugins that allow you to add additional features or modify the appearance of the editor. These plugins may be free or paid, depending on the editor.
  • Branding: Some editors allow you to add your own branding, such as a logo or custom color scheme. This can help ensure that the editor matches the rest of your website or application.

It's worth noting that the level of customization available may vary depending on the editor you choose. Some editors may be more customizable than others, so it's important to do your research and choose an editor that meets your needs.

 

What type of applications use a rich text editor?

Rich text editors can be used in a variety of applications that involve content creation and editing. Here are some examples of applications that commonly use rich text editors:

  1. Content management systems (CMS): CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla use rich text editors to allow users to create and edit website content, including blog posts, articles, and pages.
  2. Email marketing platforms: Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Constant Contact use rich text editors to create and format email campaigns.
  3. Online forums and communities: Online forums and community platforms like Discourse and phpBB use rich text editors to allow users to create and format posts and messages.
  4. E-commerce platforms: E-commerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce use rich text editors to create and edit product descriptions, blog posts, and other website content.
  5. Collaboration and productivity tools: Collaboration and productivity tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office Online use rich text editors to allow users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  6. Education and e-learning platforms: Education and e-learning platforms like Moodle and Canvas use rich text editors to create and edit course content, including quizzes, assignments, and lecture notes.

Overall, rich text editors are a versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of applications to enable content creation and editing.

 

React and Angular are popular frameworks that need Rich Text Editors. Can I use an RTE?

React and Angular are both popular JavaScript frameworks that can be used to build web applications, including those that incorporate rich text editors. Here's an overview of how to use a rich text editor with React and Angular:

Rich text editor with React:

  1. Choose a rich text editor library that supports React, such as Draft.js or Quill.
  2. Install the library and any required dependencies.
  3. Import the library into your React project.
  4. Create a component that contains the rich text editor.
  5. Configure the editor with any desired options, such as toolbars, plugins, or custom CSS styles.
  6. Bind the editor to a state variable or use a library like Redux to manage the editor's content.
  7. Add any necessary event handlers to handle user input and interactions with the editor.
  8. Style the editor using CSS or a styling library like Material UI.

Rich text editor with Angular:

  1. Choose a rich text editor library that supports Angular, such as ngx-quill or ng2-ckeditor.
  2. Install the library and any required dependencies.
  3. Import the library into your Angular project.
  4. Create a component that contains the rich text editor.
  5. Configure the editor with any desired options, such as toolbars, plugins, or custom CSS styles.
  6. Bind the editor to a property on your component's class.
  7. Add any necessary event handlers to handle user input and interactions with the editor.
  8. Style the editor using CSS or an Angular styling library like Angular Material

Overall, using a rich text editor with React or Angular requires some setup and configuration, but there are many libraries available that make it easier to integrate rich text editing into your web application.