Today I went looking for a free WYSIWYG HTML editor that was good enough that my students could use it instead of purchasing FrontPage or DreamWeaver. I found KompoZer. It was everything I was looking for and more.Â
From what I understand, KompoZer is an update to Nvu. Both are open source programs, but Nvu is no longer being updated.
I was looking for a program that could switch between HTML and WYSIWYG modes while editing. I have tried to use the HTML mode in OpenOffice, but have found it to be more of a “convert your Word document to a web page” instead of a program that can be used to create a series of pages for a more complex project. KompoZer can handle a complex project complete with cascading style sheets.
I only played around with the program long enough to show it to my class. In less than half an hour I was able to figure out most of the features of the program. I was able to format text, drag and drop images into my pages and complete advanced table manipulates.
I have used DreamWeaver for more than seven years and don’t plan on switching to something new, but it is good to know that a robust program like KompoZer is available for free.
![Big Tree Beside Road [404/1000]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6844404451_6d2eb083df_t.jpg "Big Tree Beside Road [404/1000]")
![Night Lights [403/1000]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6844370787_1f6ab62b3f_t.jpg "Night Lights [403/1000]")
![By the light of the full moon [6/52]](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6838220175_5659a56fdc_t.jpg "By the light of the full moon [6/52]")
How does Kompozer compare to the editor in Seamonkey?
KompoZer and SeaMonkey look similar enough that I would guess both are forks of the same base code.
KompoZer is not tied to a browser like SeaMonkey. That makes KompoZer cleaner and the interface is more refined. Add to that the support of CSS and better site management tools and I think KompoZer is the better program.