What is a WYSIWYG editor and how does it work?

WYSIWYG stands for 'What You See Is What You Get'—the editor displays formatted text exactly as it will appear in the final output. Unlike plain text editors or raw HTML editing, WYSIWYG editors let you format text visually using buttons and menus (bold, italic, headings, lists) without writing code. Behind the scenes, the editor generates HTML markup as you format. For example, clicking 'Bold' wraps selected text in strong tags. This makes content creation accessible to non-technical users while still producing clean HTML. WYSIWYG editors are perfect for blog posts, email newsletters, documentation, and any content where formatting matters but coding knowledge isn't required.

How do I export my formatted text to HTML or Markdown?

Most rich text editors offer export options in the toolbar or settings menu. To export as HTML, click the 'Export' or 'Source' button—this shows the generated HTML code including all formatting tags (paragraph, strong, em, lists, links). Copy this HTML for use in websites, emails, or CMS platforms. For Markdown export, the editor converts visual formatting to Markdown syntax (asterisks for bold, hashes for headings, brackets for links). Markdown is great for GitHub, documentation, or platforms supporting Markdown. Some editors also support plain text export (strips all formatting) or rich text format (RTF) for word processors. Choose based on your target platform's requirements.

Can I paste content from Word or Google Docs?

Yes! WYSIWYG editors typically support pasting from word processors, though formatting may need adjustment. When pasting from Word or Google Docs, the editor attempts to preserve basic formatting (bold, italic, headings, lists, links) while stripping proprietary styles and metadata. However, complex formatting (custom fonts, colors, margins, page breaks) may not transfer perfectly. For best results: use 'Paste as Plain Text' option if available to remove all formatting, then reapply styles using the editor's tools. This prevents bloated HTML from word processor markup. If formatting is critical, manually recreate the document in the editor for cleaner, web-optimized HTML.

What's the difference between rich text and plain text?

Plain text contains only characters—no formatting, colors, fonts, or styles. It's universal and works everywhere (text files, code editors, terminals) but lacks visual presentation. Rich text adds formatting through markup (HTML tags, Markdown syntax, or proprietary formats like RTF). Rich text can include bold, italic, headings, colors, alignment, lists, links, images, and tables. Use plain text for code, logs, data files, or when formatting isn't needed. Use rich text for content meant for human reading—articles, emails, documentation—where formatting improves readability and comprehension. Rich text editors make creating formatted content easy without manual coding.

How do I add images to the rich text editor?

Most editors provide an 'Insert Image' button in the toolbar. You can typically add images three ways: upload from your device (image files stored as base64 encoded data or external URLs), paste image URLs (links to images hosted elsewhere), or drag-and-drop images directly into the editor. Uploaded images may be embedded as base64 data (increases HTML size but makes it self-contained) or you may need to host them separately and link. For web content, hosting images externally and linking is better for performance. After inserting, you can often resize images, add alt text for accessibility, or align them (left, center, right). Always optimize images before uploading to keep document size reasonable.

Can I create and format tables in the editor?

Many WYSIWYG editors support table creation and editing. Click 'Insert Table' and specify rows and columns. Once created, you can add/delete rows and columns, merge cells, set alignment, adjust column widths, and add borders. Tables are useful for organizing data, pricing comparisons, schedules, or structured information. The editor generates HTML table markup (table, tr, td, th tags) with inline styles or classes. For accessibility, use header rows (th tags) for column titles. Keep tables simple—complex tables with merged cells can be difficult to maintain. For very complex layouts, consider using multiple simpler tables or alternative formatting like definition lists.

How do I ensure my content is accessible?

Accessible content ensures everyone, including users with disabilities, can consume your content. Use proper heading hierarchy (H1 for main title, H2 for sections, H3 for subsections)—don't skip levels or use headings for styling. Add alt text to all images describing their content or purpose. Use descriptive link text (not 'click here'—instead 'read our pricing guide'). Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background. Use lists (ordered or unordered) for sequential or grouped items. Avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning. Use semantic HTML—strong for importance, em for emphasis. Many editors have accessibility checkers that highlight issues. Good accessibility benefits all users by improving content structure and clarity.

What are keyboard shortcuts for faster editing?

Common WYSIWYG editor shortcuts: Ctrl/Cmd+B for bold, Ctrl/Cmd+I for italic, Ctrl/Cmd+U for underline, Ctrl/Cmd+K for inserting links, Ctrl/Cmd+Z for undo, Ctrl/Cmd+Y or Shift+Z for redo, Ctrl/Cmd+C/V/X for copy/paste/cut, and Ctrl/Cmd+A to select all. Heading shortcuts often use Ctrl/Cmd+Alt+1 through 6 for H1-H6. List creation might be Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+7 (numbered) or 8 (bulleted). Tab key often increases list indentation while Shift+Tab decreases it. Some editors support Markdown shortcuts—typing hash space automatically creates headings. Check your specific editor's documentation for complete shortcuts. Learning shortcuts dramatically speeds up content creation, especially for frequent editors.

How do I prevent formatting inconsistencies?

Formatting inconsistencies arise from pasting content from multiple sources or manual formatting applied inconsistently. To prevent: use heading styles instead of manually increasing font size, apply styles through the toolbar (not manual formatting), paste as plain text then reformat to ensure consistency, use the editor's format painter or style copying features, define and use custom styles for repeated formatting needs, and periodically review the HTML source to catch redundant or conflicting styles. Many editors have 'Clear Formatting' buttons to strip styles and start fresh. Consistency improves readability and makes content easier to maintain. For team content, establish style guidelines for headings, lists, and emphasis.

Can I collaborate with others in real-time on the same document?

Real-time collaborative editing depends on the specific editor implementation. Some advanced WYSIWYG editors support real-time collaboration where multiple users edit simultaneously, seeing each other's changes instantly with colored cursors showing who's editing where. Others require manual save/refresh cycles. Browser-based editors can implement collaboration using WebSockets or operational transformation algorithms to merge changes. For simple collaboration without real-time features, use version control (save drafts, track changes manually) or sequential editing (one person edits at a time). Google Docs style real-time collaboration requires sophisticated conflict resolution. If collaboration is critical, choose editors specifically designed for it or use dedicated collaborative platforms.