A Handy CSS editor is designer’s best friend. If you search on Google there would be a huge list of top, best CSS editors, etc. Some of them didn’t distinguish the free ones and paid ones well and get misleading, or the editor itself is too old and stopped updating. So today I’m gonna list some best free CSS editors I’ve used and feel great about them. They are totally free and not those trial versions. I simply love them because of their simplicity and handiness. Enough talking, let’s get to it.
TextWrangler
As the free version of powerful code editing software BBEdit, it can be used as a text editor or a simple code editor. For CSS purpose, TextWrangler would do the syntax highlighting in attribute name and attribute values(float, px/em, etc). Another feature is it displays currently element name at the top. You can also edit multiple CSS files in one window. I used this one very often before I changed to TextMate.
- System Requirement: Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Tincta
Tincta is more simpler than TextWrangler, its CSS highlighting is not so good (just attribute name are highlighted). But I like this tool so much because it’s lightning fast to launch, elegant interface and the cute little octopus. Even it lacks those CSS-targeted functions, it’s still a very good app on Mac if you just wanna do some simple CSS editing. Just quick and to the point.
- System Requirement: Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Xyle Scope
Xyle is designated for CSS editing purpose. Even it’s free, functions like automatic formatting and live preview are just effective to use. Thumb up for a free editor like this.
- System Requirement: Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Simple CSS
Just like the name, Simple CSS has every basic CSS editing function designer would need. No fancy interface, no extra features. Great free app when you want to have a quick fix and preview the result.
- System Requirement: Mac or Windows.
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a great app for Windows users and also the best substitute for Sublime(Really have to mention Sublime here, have a try and you’ll love it.)
- System Requirement: Windows.
Free CSS Toolbox
It’s basically the same with Simple CSS. A quick editor/validator designated for CSS. It can automatically indent the CSS code and make it clear to see.
- System Requirement: Windows.
Snap{css}
An extremely lightweight CSS editor like the native Notepad. It can beautify the collapsed code to be clearly displayed.
- System Requirement: Windows.
What do you think of these free CSS editors? Would they qualified enough to finish the simple works? Leave your best comments below
