WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get." It basically describes a type of editor that lets you create and edit content visually. Think of it like arranging building blocks on a screen and seeing exactly how they'll look in the final design. This is different from working with code, where you'd have to type in instructions (like HTML or CSS) to control how things appear.

WYSIWYG editors are popular for building websites because they empower anyone, even without any coding smarts, to design websites, emails, and other online stuff easily. Instead of wrestling with code, you can simply drag and drop elements, change fonts with a click, move images around, and structure your content visually. It makes the whole process much more approachable.

How WYSIWYG works

WYSIWYG editors are typically built on the following principles:

• Real-time editing: You can see your changes as you make them.
• Visual interface: Icons, buttons, and a user-friendly layout make editing accessible.
• HTML output: While you don’t need to write code, the editor translates your visual changes into HTML, CSS, or other necessary code behind the scenes.
• Drag-and-drop features: You can easily add elements like text, images, and buttons by dragging them into place.

Examples of WYSIWYG editors

• B12: B12’s AI-powered website builder features an editor that allows users to easily customize their site using a simple drag-and-drop interface. With B12, you can create a professional, responsive website without needing any coding skills, while also benefiting from AI-driven design suggestions to optimize your site’s layout and performance.
• WordPress block editor: A visual editor that allows users to create content by adding blocks for paragraphs, images, buttons, and more, all without any coding required.
• Wix: A website builder that provides a simple drag-and-drop interface for creating websites without coding.
• Squarespace: Another popular website builder with a WYSIWYG editor that allows users to design pages visually.

How to use a WYSIWYG editor for website building

If you're looking to use a WYSIWYG editor to build your website, here's how to get started:

1. Choose your editor: Pick a platform like B12 that includes a WYSIWYG interface.
2. Select a template: Start with a template that matches your vision.
3. Drag and drop elements: Add and arrange your text, images, videos, and more.
4. Customize the design: Adjust fonts, colors, and layout using visual tools.
5. Publish: Once you're satisfied, publish your site and see it live!

FAQs about WYSIWYG

Why is WYSIWYG important for website building?

WYSIWYG editors make it easy for anyone – regardless of technical skill – to build a website. It’s a great way to quickly create a professional-looking site without needing to understand code.

Is WYSIWYG the same as a website builder?

Not exactly. While all WYSIWYG editors are part of website builders, not all website builders are WYSIWYG. Some website builders offer more customizable features that require some technical knowledge, while WYSIWYG editors are designed to simplify the process by providing a visual interface.

Can WYSIWYG editors limit design flexibility?

Yes, while they make building a website easier, WYSIWYG editors sometimes limit your ability to make very specific or advanced customizations. If you need more control over your site’s design, you may need to dive into the code.

Does using WYSIWYG affect SEO?

Using a WYSIWYG editor does not negatively affect SEO as long as the generated HTML is clean. It's important to ensure that your content is optimized for SEO using good practices, such as relevant keywords, proper heading structure, and fast-loading images.

Can I use WYSIWYG for e-commerce sites?

Yes! Many e-commerce platforms include WYSIWYG editors to easily build product pages, manage inventory, and process payments without coding.

Build your website with B12

B12's AI-powered website builder allows you to design a responsive, professional website without needing coding skills. Whether you're creating a business site, portfolio, or e-commerce page, B12's intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes the process simple and effective.

With B12, you can get started with a customized website that adapts seamlessly across devices, with all the visual editing tools you need at your fingertips. Get started today to see how easy it is to build a website that works for you!