Early computer experiments had a certain magical element to the output of processed data. From memory cards to flashing white prompts on black screens, computer users fed data into the “magic” machine and waited for the magical results.
Early word processor text editors used the typeface system as standard. Users had to enter non-printable codes to indicate font types and sizes, pagination, margins, and other typographic elements.
As applications became more graphical, computer products became somewhat more authentic and transparent.
A technical term that emerged with a certain logic was WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). The idea behind this concept was that no hidden phenomena occur.
That feeling of magic between pressing the Enter button and seeing the result was no longer present. Programmers didn’t want surprises.
Editors needed to give users what they see is what they get. Increasing processor speeds allowed these presentations to be responsive and immediate.
Humans can type up to 200 words per minute, so word processors must be fast enough to present the elements in a timely manner.
Developers soon realized they could use WYSIWYG editors in various types of computing products.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of products that use these editors.
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Blog Pages
Blogs were one of the first popular means of expression during the emergence of the web. Anyone could put their words out there through personal pages that could be styled with any font, image, or formatting.
The vast majority of writers and creators lacked technical software knowledge. WYSIWYG editors were a perfect fit for this type of product. Bloggers could preview the final content of their creation while simultaneously creating it. Blog builders like [Wordpress](https://wordpress.com) and Wix use this type of system.
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Landing Pages
This type of product is what the user “lands” on when clicking on a marketing campaign. Since the first digital marketing campaigns, professionals in the field have quickly recognized the value of this format.
Landing page builders can be complex, requiring professionals who are often difficult to find. However, there are WYSIWYG Web Builder options and embedded editors like [Froala](https://froala.com), TinyMCE, and CKEditor.
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Web Apps
Web applications have become dominant in recent years. Until a few years ago, you had to download an .exe file for Windows computers to perform a more complex task.
To edit images, you needed to have a program like Photoshop on your machine. More and more practical solutions for any type of work have migrated to the web.
Editors are a key component of this type of application. They allow creators to input the data that will become creative materials. A WYSIWYG version of any web app is a market standard.
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E-commerce Websites
The founders of major websites like Amazon soon realized that the internet was a very effective way to sell physical products.
Initially, consumers were deeply skeptical about whether these websites could actually deliver the products.
Overcoming this distrust required companies to work extensively offline, such as guaranteeing jobs and establishing logistics systems.
But effective usability was a key factor in reinforcing trust in web commerce. Many purchases were abandoned because the browsing experience was frustrating, with errors and inaccuracies.
Editors that deliver what you see are a key element of this type of product.
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Newsletters
Along with social media profiles, email inboxes have become part of people’s online personalities.
Companies soon realized that emails could be a vehicle for communicating with potential customers or audiences. Every respectable business has its own newsletter.
In the early years, creating a good newsletter required good programming skills in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Over time, newsletter builders like Mailchimp (https://mailchimp.com) gained traction.
It goes without saying that WYSIWYG editors for these products were more than necessary. An email with formatting issues would make any user turn away in a matter of seconds.
Final Thoughts
In our quick analysis of the use of WYSIWYG editors in various types of online products, we realized the possibilities are endless. This type of component can be applied to any type of function, especially in the corporate world.
Solutions that operate resiliently while allowing for seamless application use are the industry gold standard.
In 2025, we realize that the web application market is more mature. The market needs to offer robust solutions that don’t leave users stranded.
This short article is a thought on this type of solution. It is a personal reached about the questions that the author has been working on for the last years.
Daniel Santos is a journalist and software developer who has been writing about technology in specialized magazines for 20 years. [email protected].
