What Is WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)?

"What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) refers to an interface design that allows users to see a live preview of the content they are creating or editing.

What Is WYSIWYG?

"What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG, pronounced “wi∙zee∙wig”) is a concept in computing that describes a system or interface where the visual representation of content during the editing process closely mirrors its final appearance when published or printed. This principle is fundamental in user interface design, particularly in applications involving document creation, web development, and graphic design.

A WYSIWYG editor allows users to directly manipulate the layout, formatting, and content without needing to understand or interact with underlying code, markup languages, or formatting instructions. As users edit text, images, or other elements, they see an accurate portrayal of how the content will look in its final form, which significantly reduces the gap between the creation and the output stages.

What Is a WYSIWYG Editor?

A WYSIWYG editor is a software tool that allows users to create and edit content with a live visual preview that closely mirrors how the content will appear once published or finalized. Unlike traditional text editors where the user might work with raw code or formatting tags, a WYSIWYG editor provides an intuitive, graphical interface where users can manipulate elements like text, images, tables, and other media directly within the layout.

As users make changes, such as adjusting fonts, colors, or layouts, the editor updates in real time to reflect these alterations, eliminating the need for users to understand or write code. This makes WYSIWYG editors particularly valuable for tasks like web design, word processing, and email creation, where the final visual presentation is crucial. They are widely used in content management systems (CMS), website builders, and document editors, offering a user-friendly experience that bridges the gap between design and implementation.

How Does a WYSIWYG Editor Work?

A WYSIWYG editor works by providing a real-time, visual interface that allows users to create and edit content as it will appear in its final form. Here’s how it typically works, step by step:

User interface initialization. When a user opens a WYSIWYG editor, the software initializes a graphical interface that resembles the final output. This interface typically includes a blank workspace (often representing a web page, document, or email) along with toolbars and menus for formatting, inserting media, and managing layout.
Content creation and editing. The user begins by typing text, inserting images, or adding other content elements directly into the workspace. As they do so, the editor displays these elements as they would appear in the final product, complete with formatting, colors, fonts, and alignment.
Real-time rendering. As the user interacts with the content, the WYSIWYG editor continuously processes and renders the changes in real time. This involves converting user inputs—such as text formatting, image placement, or media embedding—into the appropriate HTML, CSS, or other underlying code while maintaining the visual representation on the screen.
Behind-the-scenes code generation. Although the user interacts with a visual interface, the WYSIWYG editor is constantly generating and updating the underlying code or markup in the background. This code dictates how the content will be rendered on different platforms, such as web browsers or print media.
Content manipulation tools. Users can utilize various tools provided by the editor to modify content—such as adjusting font sizes, applying bold or italic styles, inserting links, or adding tables. Each tool action is immediately reflected in the workspace, allowing the user to see exactly how their changes will appear.
Preview and adjustment. Users often have the option to switch between the WYSIWYG view and a raw code view (if available) to make any necessary fine-tuned adjustments to the underlying code. Some editors also provide a "Preview" mode, where users can see how the content will look in its final environment, like a web browser or printed page.
Final output generation. Once the user is satisfied with the content, the WYSIWYG editor generates the final output file, such as an HTML file for a web page, a PDF for a document, or formatted text for an email. This file contains the properly structured code or content that can be published or distributed as intended.

WYSIWYG Editor Characteristics

WYSIWYG editors have several key characteristics that make them unique and user-friendly. Here are the main characteristics:

Real-time visual editing. WYSIWYG editors provide a live, visual representation of content as it is being created or edited. Users can see exactly how their content will look in its final form while making changes, without needing to switch between editing and preview modes.
Graphical user interface (GUI). These editors typically feature a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes toolbars, buttons, and menus for formatting text, inserting images, creating tables, and more. This interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to perform tasks with minimal technical knowledge.
Underlying code generation. While users work in a visual environment, the WYSIWYG editor automatically generates the necessary code (e.g., HTML, CSS) in the background. This allows non-technical users to create complex content without needing to write or understand code.
Drag-and-drop functionality. Many WYSIWYG editors include drag-and-drop features that let users easily place elements like images, text blocks, or widgets into their content. This enhances the ease of use, especially for layout design and positioning.
Immediate feedback. Any changes made in a WYSIWYG editor are immediately reflected in the visual workspace, providing instant feedback to the user. This helps users quickly see the effects of their actions and make adjustments on the fly.
Template-based design. WYSIWYG editors often come with pre-designed templates that users can customize. These templates provide a starting point for creating documents, web pages, or emails, making it easier to produce professional-looking content quickly.
Accessibility and usability. These editors are designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels. The user-friendly interface, coupled with real-time editing, reduces the learning curve and makes it easy for anyone to produce visually appealing content.
Cross-platform compatibility. WYSIWYG editors are often built to be compatible with various platforms and devices. The content created in these editors is typically designed to look consistent across different browsers, devices, and screen sizes.
Customization and flexibility. While WYSIWYG editors are primarily designed for ease of use, many also offer advanced customization options. Users who have coding knowledge can often switch to a code view to fine-tune the underlying code or add custom scripts.
Support for multimedia. WYSIWYG editors often support the insertion and manipulation of multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio files. Users can easily embed and adjust these elements within their content without needing to handle the technical aspects of multimedia integration.

WYSIWYG Editor Functions

WYSIWYG editors provide a range of functions designed to simplify content creation by allowing users to manipulate and format content visually. Here’s a list of common WYSIWYG functions along with explanations:

Text formatting. Allows users to change the appearance of text, such as applying bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough. Users can also adjust font size, type, and color, as well as align text (left, center, right, or justified) and set paragraph spacing.
Image insertion and manipulation. Enables users to insert images into the content area and provides tools to resize, crop, rotate, and align images. Users can also add alternative text (alt text) for accessibility purposes and adjust image properties like borders, margins, and links.
Hyperlinking. Allows users to create hyperlinks by selecting text or images and linking them to external URLs, email addresses, or internal sections of the document or webpage. WYSIWYG editors often provide options to set link behaviors, such as opening a new tab or window.
Table creation and editing. Users can create tables, define the number of rows and columns, and customize the appearance of table cells. Functions may include merging or splitting cells, adjusting cell padding and spacing, and setting borders or background colors.
List management. Provides tools to create and format ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists. Users can also customize list styles, such as changing bullet types or list numbering formats (e.g., Roman numerals, letters).
Media embedding. Allows users to embed media such as videos, audio files, and interactive content (e.g., maps or social media posts) directly into the editor. This function often includes options to control media playback settings, dimensions, and alignment.
Code view toggle. Many WYSIWYG editors include a function to switch between the visual editor and a code view. This allows advanced users to edit the underlying HTML, CSS, or other markup directly, providing greater control over the final output.
Template management. Enables users to apply pre-designed templates or layouts to the content. This function helps maintain consistency across documents or pages and can streamline the content creation process by providing a structured starting point.
Undo/redo and revision history. Provides the ability to undo recent changes or redo actions that were undone. Some editors also include a revision history feature that allows users to view and revert to previous versions of the document or content.
Spell check and grammar tools. Automatically checks for spelling and grammar errors as the user types, underlining mistakes and offering suggestions for corrections.
Drag-and-drop interface. Allows users to move content elements around by dragging them with the mouse and dropping them in the desired location. This function enhances the ease of layout design, particularly for complex pages or documents.
Form creation and management. Users can create forms by adding fields such as text inputs, checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus. The editor often provides options for setting field properties, validation rules, and submission actions.
Custom styles and CSS integration. Advanced WYSIWYG editors allow users to apply custom styles or integrate external CSS files. This function is useful for maintaining brand consistency or adhering to specific design guidelines across multiple documents or web pages.
Real-time collaboration. Some WYSIWYG editors support collaborative editing, where multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously. This function often includes features like commenting, suggesting changes, and tracking edits in real time.
Export and save options. Provides options to save the content in various formats (e.g., HTML, PDF, DOCX) or export it for use in other applications or platforms. This function ensures that the content can be easily shared or integrated into different workflows.

WYSIWYG Benefits and Drawbacks

WYSIWYG editors offer significant advantages, particularly in simplifying the content creation process and making it accessible to users with limited technical expertise. However, they also come with certain limitations that may affect flexibility and control over the final output.

Benefits

WYSIWYG editors have become a staple in content creation due to their user-friendly design and powerful features. Below are some of the key benefits that make these editors a popular choice for a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals:

Ease of use and accessibility. WYSIWYG editors are designed to be intuitive, allowing users to create and edit content without needing to understand coding or technical details. They include drag-and-drop features that allow users to easily rearrange elements, such as images, text blocks, and widgets. By providing a graphical interface that abstracts the complexities of coding, WYSIWYG editors democratize content creation, allowing a broader range of individuals to participate.
Real-time visual feedback. One of the primary advantages of WYSIWYG editors is that they provide a live preview of the content as it will appear in its final form. This real-time feedback allows users to see the immediate effects of their changes, ensuring that the output matches their expectations.
Faster content creation. By eliminating the need to manually code or format content, WYSIWYG editors speed up the content creation process. Users can focus on the creative aspects rather than getting bogged down in technical details, which is particularly beneficial for tasks like web design, document creation, and email marketing.
Consistency across platforms. WYSIWYG editors often come with built-in templates and style guides that help maintain visual consistency across different pages or documents. This is especially important for businesses and brands that need to ensure a uniform look and feel across their content.
Integration with content management systems (CMS). Many WYSIWYG editors are seamlessly integrated into popular CMS platforms, enabling users to create and publish content directly from the editor. This integration streamlines workflows and makes it easier to manage and update content on websites and other digital platforms.

Drawbacks

While WYSIWYG editors offer numerous advantages in simplifying content creation, they are not without their limitations. Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for users who need to decide whether a WYSIWYG editor is the right tool for their specific needs. They include:

Limited precision and control. WYSIWYG editors often abstract away the underlying code, which can lead to a lack of precision when fine-tuning content. Advanced users who require specific control over HTML, CSS, or other code might find the editor’s simplifications restrictive, as it can be difficult to achieve highly customized layouts or behaviors.
Potential for poorly optimized code. The code generated by WYSIWYG editors is not always optimized for performance or best practices. This can result in bloated or inefficient code, which may slow down page load times, affect SEO, or cause compatibility issues across different browsers or devices.
Inconsistent cross-browser/platform output. Although WYSIWYG editors aim to display content as it will appear in the final output, there can be inconsistencies when the content is viewed across different browsers or platforms. The editor’s preview might not always accurately reflect how the content will render in various environments, leading to unexpected discrepancies.
Limited scalability for large projects. For large-scale projects or complex content management systems, WYSIWYG editors might not scale well. Managing extensive codebases, ensuring consistency across multiple pages, or integrating with custom backend systems can be challenging without the ability to directly manipulate the underlying code.
Risk of unintended consequences. Users might inadvertently introduce errors or undesired formatting changes while using a WYSIWYG editor. For example, dragging elements or changing styles might have cascading effects that are not immediately visible, leading to issues that are difficult to troubleshoot later.

WYSIWYG Editor Examples

Here are a few popular examples of WYSIWYG editors:

Adobe Dreamweaver. A comprehensive web development tool that provides both WYSIWYG editing and direct code editing. Dreamweaver is widely used by web designers and developers for creating and managing websites, offering robust support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with real-time previews.
TinyMCE. A popular open-source WYSIWYG editor used in many content management systems (CMS) and web applications. TinyMCE is highly customizable and provides a rich text editing experience, allowing users to create and format content easily.
CKEditor. Another widely used open-source WYSIWYG editor, CKEditor is known for its flexibility and wide range of features. It supports rich text editing, image and media embedding, and offers extensive customization options, making it suitable for both simple and complex content creation.
Froala Editor. A lightweight and fast WYSIWYG editor that is often integrated into web applications and platforms. Froala Editor is known for its responsive design, ease of use, and a wide range of features, including inline editing, media management, and real-time collaboration.
WordPress Gutenberg. The default editor for WordPress, Gutenberg is a block-based WYSIWYG editor that allows users to create and design posts and pages with a visual, drag-and-drop interface. It simplifies the process of building complex layouts, eliminating the need to write code.
Quill. An open-source WYSIWYG editor focused on providing a simple and easy-to-use interface. Quill is designed to be highly customizable and extensible, making it a good choice for developers looking to integrate a WYSIWYG editor into their applications.