Compare HTML-NOTEPAD vs. Trix

HTML-NOTEPAD is a WYSIWYG editor tailored for structured documents, which feature a hierarchical and semantically rich layout, including elements like headers, lists, plaintext segments, tables, and more. This tool is distinctly not designed as a “web page editor,” so users shouldn't anticipate creating “cool web pages” with its functionality. Given the complexities of modern CSS, achieving true WYSIWYG web design is essentially unfeasible, as web pages are predominantly built through direct CSS manipulation, which is inherent to CSS itself. Nevertheless, HTML-NOTEPAD proves beneficial for web designers in scenarios that require the construction of textual yet structured content for their websites. Utilizing the Sciter Engine for its user interface, HTML-NOTEPAD is compact, efficient, and operates without external dependencies across all major desktop platforms, including Windows (from XP to 10), Mac OS, and Linux. While WYSIWYG editing can be beneficial, it has its constraints, as some tasks are far more straightforward when approached through the source code. Consequently, HTML-NOTEPAD includes a “pass-through selection” feature to enhance user experience and flexibility in content creation. This tool strikes a balance between ease of use and the robust capabilities often required by professionals in the field.

Create elegantly formatted text within your web application using Trix, an editor designed for composing messages, comments, articles, and lists—the fundamental documents typical of most web applications. Trix boasts a sophisticated document architecture, accommodates embedded attachments, and generates concise and uniform HTML output. While many WYSIWYG editors rely on HTML's contenteditable and execCommand APIs—initially crafted by Microsoft for live web page editing in Internet Explorer 5.5 and later imitated by other browsers—these APIs lack comprehensive specifications and documentation. Consequently, the vast scope of WYSIWYG HTML editors leads to varied implementations across browsers, each with its unique bugs and anomalies, leaving JavaScript developers to navigate these discrepancies. In contrast, Trix elegantly navigates these challenges by treating contenteditable as an input-output device: when user input reaches the editor, Trix deftly transforms that input into an editing command within its internal document model, ensuring a smoother and more consistent editing experience. This approach not only enhances user interaction but also streamlines the development process for web applications.