Are you among the majority that are frustrated with the default editor that comes along with Wordpress? Although Wordpress is the best blogging platform invented by man yet, it leaves much to be desired when it comes to the default WYSIWYG editor. Luckily for us, there are a handful of third party editors available.
BlogDesk, a free stand-alone application, lets you comfortably write and effortlessly publish new entries to your blog. It features an ImageWizard that lets you crop, resize and rotate images. It also has a Technorati Tags Generator that lets you easily define and insert tags instead of retyping them over and over again.
Qumana is a free, easy-to-use stand-alone desktop blog editor, enabling you to write, edit and post to one or more blogs. You can use Qumana even when you are offline. Save your blog posts to your hard drive and upload whenever you like. Great for bloggers on the move.
TinyMCE Advanced adds 16 plugins to TinyMCE: Advanced hr, Advanced Image, Advanced Link, Context Menu, Emotions (Smilies), Full Screen, IESpell, Layer, Media, Nonbreaking, Print, Search and Replace, Style, Table, Visual Characters and XHTML Extras. Its free and packs quite a punch when it comes to adding extra functions to the editor.
WP Super Edit is a free WordPress plugin designed to give some control over the visual / WYSIWYG editor and add some functionality without modifying the WordPress source code.
Monsters Editor for WP Super Edit brings the magic of Fckeditor back to TinyMCE. So if you prefer TinyMCE as its concision, but used to Fckeditor’s powerful functions, then MsE is your good choice. Please do note that this is a free addon plugin to WP Super Edit described above.
Windows Live Writer is a free desktop application that makes it easier to compose compelling blog posts. It includes a lot of features such as WYSIWYG Authoring, Photo Publishing, Map Publishing and a Writer SDK. The Writer is a great client for Windows Live Spaces but also works with other weblogs including Blogger, LiveJournal, TypePad, WordPress (and many others).
FCKEditor is a free, full featured web based WYSIWYG html editor, it’s lightweight and is compatible with most internet browsers which include: IE 5.5+ (Windows), Firefox 1.0+, Mozilla 1.3+ and Netscape 7+. Its strong points are the excellent interface and built-in File and Upload Managers.
Mudbomb’s free WYSIWYG Plugin for Wordpress gives you a lot of control over your images, letting you choose the thumbnail size, the compression quality, et al. It also supports emoticons and features dictionary support.
BlogJet is a Windows blog client for managing multiple blogs that supports file attachments among other regular features such as an Image Manager, Youtube and Flickr support. There are both free and paid versions of BlogJet available.
ScribeFire (previously Performancing for Firefox) is a full-featured free blog editor that integrates with your browser and lets you easily post to your blog. You can drag and drop formatted text from pages you are browsing, take notes, and post to your blog.
RocketPost is a paid WYSIWYG editor that lets you edit and upload multiple posts at the same time. It features built-in photo editing, instant photo albums, automatic linking to related posts, quote tracking, quick linking, drop caps, pull quotes and a running word count.
Advanced TinyMCE Editor is a free plugin that turns your existing WordPress editor into a WYSIWYG powerhouse.
If none of the above editors are to your liking, there’s one software that you are sure to be familiar with – Microsoft Word. Yes, unknown to many, Microsoft Word 2007 has native support for publishing posts to blogs running on WordPress, TypePad, Blogger and Live Spaces. Sahas explains how to setup your blog in Microsoft Word 2007 here.
79 comments ↓
Thanks, I actually never thought about using another editor. It makes sense that though we have a default editor with Wordpress, it is probably not the best we could be using.
Absolutely. Its a common trap to fall into – I was encouraged to look at other editors by a couple of my readers, so its thanks to Monika and Sumesh!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
This is a comprehensive list, I should say, though I’m very comfortable with the default WordPress editor (I don’t use the WYSIWYG editor).
@pelf
Yes, I’ve tried to include most of the popular editors, if I’ve missed anyone’s favourite editor, do let me know and I’ll include it.
WYSIWYG makes blogging easier for me to be honest, the code view mixes up the coding with the text and makes it difficult to proof-read the post IMHO. But I guess, ultimately, its a personal choice, but I’ve heard a lot of people mention that they use the Code Editor to write blog posts – I can only say, “Hats off to you!”
I’m also a bit surprised that the fact that Word 2007 supports Wordpress natively didn’t catch many off-guard – I expected a few surprised comments!
Great list there, BlogDesk is my favourite. I like it because it’s extremely light and is simple to use.
WLW is a great editor, but the only problem I’m having with it is that it’s too hoggy and hangs often
Stumbled the post!
Hey Karthik,
That was a very good post about the different Blog editors. Consider yourself stumbled my friend! BTW, did you see that Google finally put all our minds to rest?
Yeahy
Monika
@Shankar
I’m sure your experience would be much valued by the other readers…I’ve had Sumesh complaining about WLW too, but you don’t want Monika reading this comment
Thanks a lot for the stumble, very much appreciated!
@Monika
Thanks for the appreciation Monika, and another for the stumble!
Yes, we’ve both landed a handsome PR4 haven’t we? Congratulations!
@Monika
Whoa – I could have sworn I saw a PR4 for both your main site and your blog earlier in the morning! That was the toolbar PR though, maybe they had a final swing in the end – I’m now seeing a PR3 and I just noticed your post about getting a PR3.
All the same, like you say, from zero to three overnight is a very good achievement!
Hi Karthik,
I had seen you on Monika’s blog a few times and finally had the chance to check out your site. Glad I did. You have some excellent info on here. I will have to mention you to my readers.
Congrats on the PR4.
Grizzly
Oh my! I also have a similar post researched and ready to go. Though I have some more stuff to add to the list.
Would you mind if I publish my blog editors list?
@Mohsin
Not at all, more is always welcome!
When you publish it, I’ll catch it from my Reader and add a link to the post here if you don’t mind!
@Grizzly
Thanks for the compliments Grizzly! I’m glad you like the blog
Sorry about the delay in the reply though – for some reason, Akismet seemed to think you were attacking me!
You have a very active blog too – and I really respect you for starting out as early as 2006!
Hope to see you around
Karthik,
I have been trying to use Windows Live Writer, but I don’t know what my remote access path is. Do you know where I can find this?
I like the default editor, but I hate the image formatting. Is there any WordPress plugin to help with images? This is my only problem with the default editor.
@Fred
Windows Live Writer asks for your weblog URL which would be the folder where your blog is situated. For instance, mine is http://www.iamkarthik.com, in your case, it would be http://newestonthenet.com
About the plugin, I doubt if you would find a plugin just to take care of the images, why don’t you consider one of the editors that comes as Wordpress plugins?
Hope that helps, and thanks for visiting!
Thanks Karthik. I will try windows live writer, a few friends also recommended it to me.
@Ge
You’re welcome! Glad you liked the article – thanks for visiting!
Very nice list karthik! Posted this at http://www.charchaa.com/12_wor dpress_editors_you_can_choose
Hey Karthik,
I have used a few of these, and so far I prefer Blog Desk, although I don’t use it all the time. I also like ScribeFire because of the fact that it’s right there in your browser.
Great post, I’ll have to check some of these out, as my editor gets a bit wonky at times in that it will leave everything bolded or not put spaces where I want them, which really makes it look shoddy. Got to hate that. Came here via Stumbleupon and also stumbled you.
I’ve just dugg this article.
I didn’t know about MS Word 2007’s blogging feature. Maybe because I’m not a MS Word user.
Anyway, this article is very helpful and certainly deserves more promotion.
@Steven
I thought BlogDesk was pretty good too, I’m using Windows Live Writer since Monika gave me glowing reviews of it. Although there are a few things I’d like to see improved in it, its anyday better than the default editor!
@Karen
Thanks a lot for the Digg, I’ve put the Digg button so its easier for others. I didn’t know about MS Word too – I don’t use it either (I use Word 2002) but it came as a pleasant surprise – Microsoft seems to be doing a lot to get on the good side of Bloggers, the Writer, Word, what not!
@All
Thank you all for visiting, Stumbling, Digging and Sphinning!
@tambram
Thanks for the link!
@Adam
Glad you liked the post and thanks a lot for Stumbling it!
Do let us know if you particularly liked any of the editors after you try it out!
thanks for this excellent list, I am trying blogdesk now.
thumbs up!
Glad you like it Andy, thanks for commenting!
Hope to see you around…
Great list there. I used to use the WordPress editor for a long time, but since swapping to Windows Live Writer, I haven’t looked back. Being able to write directly onto my blog’s design is just such a fantastic feature. I can’t imagine blogging without it now.
[...] 12 WordPress Editors You Can Choose from Karthik. [...]
@Michael, yup WLW is a very convenient editor to use – heaps better than the default!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
NICe one man!
Just tried out BlogDesk and Live Writer thanks to this. Im another person that didnt think of an offline solution so I am quite happy now. Live Writer seems the best so far but as with all MS products it seems a little buggy!
@techie
Glad you like the post, thanks for commenting!
@James
To be honest, I was informed of it by a reader just recently – that’s what made me look around…glad the post helped you.
Thanks for commenting!
[...] a Blog post from Karthik I decided to try out BlogDesk and also Windows Live Writer. I first tried out BlogDesk and while it [...]
[...] recent post on 12 Wordpress Editors that you can choose over the default WYSIWYG editor was one of the posts that took me the longest to write, simply [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose: Want to try something else besides the boring old Wordpress editor? I’m looking forward to getting some time to try some of these out. [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress editors for bloggers – from I am Karthik (Knowledge) [...]
[...] evaluates 12 desktop Wordpress editors. I prefer Live Writer and Blogdesk myslef. Which is your [...]
maybe you can add post2blog to this already nice list. mainly, i use blogdesk for my techmalaya.com blog. it is one of the easiest blog editor that i have ever used.
Post2Blog looks very similar to Windows Live Writer and looks rather promising, thanks for the heads up Syahid.
No sweat, I know you will like it!
[...] I first heard about Windows Live Writer by stumbling upon an article written by Karthik called “12 Wordpress Editors You Can Choose.” [...]
thanks for the GREAT post! Very useful…
Thanks for these, i’ll check them out as soon as i can. the TinyMCE editor is simply abysmal; it messes with your code constantly and cripples your ability to write/edit/modify posts significantly. I know it’s free, but now i know that the coders were also on drugs when they wrote TinyMCE. Thanks again!
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 WordPress Editors You Can Choose [...]
[...] 12 wordpress editors you can choose by karthik [...]
I had never given much thought to other WordPress editors. I was not even aware that so many existed. I will look into these further.
Hi Karthik,
thanks for these recommendations. I have been using the standards WP editor and agree that it’s time for me to look at something more friendly/powerful.
Thanks.
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik I’m a big fan of comprehensive resource posts. They take a great deal of effort and research to put together, but the end result, if done well, is always worth the trouble. This roundup of editors for WordPress blogs from Karthik is a prime example. [...]
I had no idea there were so many other editors. I use MS Word and for the most part it’s worked well for me!
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik -> What this article lacks in originality is compensated by its [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik – Leverage this post by starting a blog editor review series. Don’t simply write superficial reviews; go for in-depth analysis of features, hidden gems, advantages and limitations. Add several screenshots to your posts. Alternatively, make video reviews. [...]
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose by Karthik [...]
[...] playing in the background while I try out Microsoft Live Writer on this site. I’m exploring Wordpress Editors to recommend to others. Damn!!! Dwayne Bravo has just gone for 12. Makhaya Ntini and Herschelle [...]
Thanks guys, I actually discovered BlogDesk, over here, and really like it.
you are indeed correct when you say that wordpress is best blogging platform invented by man yet~~~~blogger sucks
nice list of editors. thanks
[...] in the day, I actually had been checking out Karthik’s 12 Wordpress Editors post, which I had commented on some time ago. Since reading it, I had been meaning to give some of [...]
Nice list, I’m using WLW and absolutely love it.
Hello Karthik
I have used the tiny mise editor and found it was not as flexible as i had hoped. Will have a look through your list of editors and give then a trail, many thanks for the list.
David RYWS
I’m quite happy with the default WordPress’ editor lol
Blog Desk is really userfull, I have over a year working without issues
I had been using Blogdesk, but it locked up on me a while ago, and I downloaded love writer and have been using that since that time.
[...] kaynak: http://www.iamkarthik.com/12-w ordpress-editors.html [...]
this is fun… Commenting on a blog using my iPod touch!
I have installed live writer but not used it yet.
Std WP editor is better than in old versions of wp, but still leaves much to be desired. Adding and formatting graphics is a weak area so will now try live, thanks to your reminder
Thanks for the great post.
Eran …
[...] 12 Wordpress Editors you can choose – eine tolle Zusammenstellung verschiedener Editoren für Wordpress. engl. [...]
Nice list. I will try some of them, when I get a little more time.
Before I saw this post, I didn’t know that there were any other editors than the one inside WP.
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
WOW thanks a lot for sharing all the Wordpress Editors
That’s a really great list of editors there. I’ve been using windows Live writer for sometime now and things have been a slight easier s I just need to open the program and I’m good to go. Anyway, nice work. Keep it up. Cheers
Hi,
Nice post.
I didnt know there was so many wp editors …
Thanks for pointed that out …
Cumps,
I´m using blogdesk as is simply amazing, thanks a lot!
I have been searching for something like this for a long time, thank you! It’s been a few years so I hope that they have improved these since then!
Thank You!
Leave a Comment