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Easily edit in cross-platform style with this editor that's based on the Gecko rendering engine

Easily edit in cross-platform style with this editor that's based on the Gecko rendering engine

Vote: (6 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: BlueGriffon

Version: 3.0.1

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(6 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

BlueGriffon

3.0.1

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • User-friendly WYSIWYG interface
  • Fully compliant with the latest web standards
  • Caters to both beginners and advanced users
  • Based on the reliable Gecko rendering engine
  • Extensible via add-ons

Cons

  • Limited documentation and support
  • Some useful add-ons are not free
  • A work in progress with some minor bugs

An innovative web editor with WYSIWYG functionality based on Gecko.

Introduction to BlueGriffon

BlueGriffon stands out as a contemporary, open-source WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that is designed to meet the needs of both novices and experienced web developers. It is built on the Gecko rendering engine, which is famously known for powering Mozilla Firefox. This shared core with a popular web browser ensures high compatibility and accurate page rendering.

User Experience and Interface

With its user-friendly interface, BlueGriffon allows users to create web content efficiently without the need to delve deep into code. Novices can particularly benefit from this visual editor as it requires minimal technical knowledge to start constructing web pages. The interface is intuitive with a streamlined design, which will be comfortable for users familiar with word processors or other WYSIWYG editors.

Compliance with Standards

One of the strongest selling points of BlueGriffon is its adherence to the latest web standards. The software fully supports HTML5, various CSS standards including CSS 2.1, portions of CSS 3, and media queries. Other supported technologies include MathML for mathematical notations, and SVG for scalable vector graphics. Such a broad compliance range ensures that web pages created with BlueGriffon will be future-proof and compatible across different browsers and devices.

Advanced Features and Code View

For more experienced coders preferring to have control over the exact markup, BlueGriffon offers a switch to a Source View mode. This is ideal for users wanting to hand-code parts of the web page and for those who want to fine-tune the generated code. It presents a flexible platform catering to users across the experience spectrum.

Extensibility and Add-ons

In its default form, BlueGriffon is a robust tool, but it also supports further expansion through add-ons. These add-ons can enhance functionality but note that they can vary in ease of installation and not all are free. This extensible nature allows users to customize their experience according to their specific needs.

Support and Documentation

One observable drawback of BlueGriffon is the lack of comprehensive documentation and help resources, which may present a hurdle for some users. Much of the learning process may involve trial and error or seeking help from external communities. This can be somewhat mitigated by the intuitive nature of the software, but it remains an area with room for improvement.

Performance and Reliability

BlueGriffon is still evolving and has undergone significant refactoring and updates to enhance its performance. Recent changes have addressed issues such as caret movement, character set preservation in source view, and a myriad of user interface adjustments for a smoother experience. In particular, the tool has improved its handling of CSS properties, making design work more efficient and less error-prone.

In summary, BlueGriffon is a compelling choice for a broad spectrum of users looking for a web content editor that combines the ease of WYSIWYG editing with robust standards compliance. It's particularly well-suited for crafting content destined for Firefox users but is built with the versatility to cater to all web audiences.

Pros

  • User-friendly WYSIWYG interface
  • Fully compliant with the latest web standards
  • Caters to both beginners and advanced users
  • Based on the reliable Gecko rendering engine
  • Extensible via add-ons

Cons

  • Limited documentation and support
  • Some useful add-ons are not free
  • A work in progress with some minor bugs