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I have set up a simple web page for a family member and now they want to be able to edit the page themselves.

My primary web authoring tool is gvim which is obviously out of the question for a non techie.

Does anyone have any recomendations for a simple effective WYSWYG html editor

There are no requirments for javascript, forms, or any fancy stuff -- just pure presentation!

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On which platform? –  Philip Morton Nov 26 '08 at 13:13

9 Answers 9

up vote 2 down vote accepted

KompoZer (http://kompozer.net/), free, useful and simple.

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Kompozer may be a good option.

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Nvu is pretty nice and lets you quickly switch between HTML source and view screens. It also supports FTP upload which might be useful for your family member (assuming this is how they will need to publish their updated pages), though I'm guessing you'll need to set it up for them first.

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Nvu is no longer maintained, Kompozer is the self-proclaimed continuation of Nvu. –  ARKBAN Nov 26 '08 at 13:53

I think kompozer is a good option. I gave it to my 10 years old sister, and whe could use it without problems. But problems started when she started to see the actual code. And kompozer messes up a lot when you code directly...

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I've found Mozilla Composer to be very effective at editing basic HTML. Its output is mostly sane.

However, have you considered setting up a CMS for them? Much easier in the long run.

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If it's an online application, take a look at the YUI Rich Text Editor. It's pretty and doesn't give you a zillion unlabeled tiny buttons like many other online HTML editors.

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Have you tried Contribute (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Contribute | http://www.adobe.com/products/contribute/.

It is really easy to use but not free.

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Just gonna throw it out there - MS Visual Web Developer Express is free and can be used for basic HTML editing.

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I think that's what our UI designer uses for HTML. –  Powerlord Nov 26 '08 at 13:32

Microsoft Word! Save as HTML ;)

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Notepad you mean:) –  Julius A Nov 26 '08 at 14:02
I have a friend who does this. I won't embarrass him by linking to his site. :) –  Bill the Lizard Nov 28 '08 at 12:39
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. –  Mario Nov 16 '12 at 23:15
@Mario I disagree, while the answer is outrageously awful, it's still an answer. –  toniedzwiedz Nov 17 '12 at 0:30
@Tom, apparently I've been hoist with my own petard! –  Benjol Nov 19 '12 at 6:36

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