CoffeeCup HTML Editor

About CoffeeCup HTML Editor

As more people seek to establish a presence on the Internet, the demand for a simple and easy to understand web page editor is high.

Most people resolve to establishing a simple blog, resigned to a premade template and a common design that everyone else is using. However, thanks to HTML editing tools like the CoffeeCup HTML editor, even the casual web surfer is capable of designing a stylish and highly functional web page.

Why the CoffeeCup Editor Is Unique

The CoffeeCup editor is very easy to use, but it is also powerful enough to meet the needs of even intermediate webmasters who are already experienced creating web pages. What makes CoffeeCup unique is its dual editing function: The software includes both a visual editor and a code editor. Amateur web page designers can use the visual editor, which is a standard WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) editor. This visual editor provides all of the usual drag-and-drop functionality of any of the best visual HTML editors on the market. Create tables, insert images, and create links with a simple click of the mouse.

Additionally, the CoffeeCup editor also offers a code editor, which allows experienced web programmers to directly edit HTML and CSS script. The code editor even includes a "code completion" feature which automatically provides a list of available codes, and automatically closes tags for the programmer.

Pros: The Best Software Features

In addition to providing the dual editing ability, the CoffeeCup editor offers webmasters some additional powerful features that make website design fast and easy.

• Offers prepackaged DHTML and Javascripts
• Features a DHTML menu wizard
• A library of almost 4,000 graphics and icons
• A collection of 40 pre-made CSS/XHTML layouts
• Built-in FTP feature that easily uploads the entire page to your web host
• Includes table, frame, font, and form design wizards
• Split screen preview to view your page as you design it
• Includes project management features
• SiteMapper Creator that creates your critical sitemap for you
• Free support and upgrades; buy once and upgrade for life

Cons: CoffeeCup HTML Editor Limitations

Few software packages are perfect, and the CoffeeCup HTML Editor also has a few drawbacks. The following issues were drawn from numerous reviews throughout the internet.

• Making changes to existing pages is sometimes difficult.
• The software prompts the user to save the page every time the user switches from the visual editor to the code editor.
• Editing existing links is not intuitive without deleting it and then recreating it again.
• Some of the included scripts such as Javascript and CSS are not very advanced.
• The visual editor makes some minor errors in code.

How to Use CoffeeCup HTML Editor

The CoffeeCup HTML Editor remains one of the most advanced and easy to learn WYSIWYG programs. It is not quite as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other editors, but in terms of functionality, layout, and value, CoffeeCup is at the top.

Downloading and Installing the Software

The first recommended step for anyone planning on using any new HTML editor is to download the free trial version first. Make sure you like the look and feel of the software before purchasing the full version for $49.

Configuring the CoffeeCup Editor

After downloading the CoffeeHTML2008.exe file, run it and complete the setup utility. Once it's completed the software launches and defaults into code editor mode.

The following are some quick tips when you initially set up the software.

1. Make sure to deselect the "Show Tip of the Day at Startup", as they can be very annoying.
2. The file browser defaults to C:\program files\CoffeeCup Software\Working. If you want to save your web page files in a different directory, make sure to set the defaults by going to Tools->Preferences->Directories tab. Set all of the default directories to whatever you prefer, otherwise you will need to navigate to your directory every time you save a file, which can get very tedious.
3. Take time to explore the Preferences configuration under "Tools". There are a large number of settings under each tab that allow you to set up the software to look and behave exactly how you like. many people don't bother exploring this area and assume that the software lacks certain functionality, when it simply needs to be configured correctly.

Using the Editor and Getting Help

Getting help with the free version of the editor involves simply clicking on the "Help" menu item and explore the HTML Editor help files. These pages are fairly exhaustive and contain a great deal of information.

Once you purchase the full version of the software you also receive free access to the CoffeeCup customer support center which includes email, IM, or in-person customer support, free upgrades for the software, access to the online knowledgebase, and access to a user forum where you can ask questions. CoffeeCup has come a long way in terms of customer support and the customer care center reflects this.

The Best of Both Worlds

For intermediate webmasters, the debugging and color-coded autocomplete features of the code editor will ensure that fewer bugs make it into the web page html and scripting. For beginners, the need to tweak some of the resulting code from the visual editor and the ease of switching from visual to code editing promotes a very quick HTML learning environment for beginners.

In terms of overall quality and price of HTML editors currently on the market, the CoffeeCup HTML editor is easily one of the top performers and an excellent value.