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HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter

By Peter Mukhortov

Developer Tools & Customization / Code Snippets & Custom Code

HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter Review - In-Depth Analysis

Enhance WordPress code editors with syntax highlighting using CodeMirror.js. Supports Classic Post, Gutenberg, and Theme/Plugin editors.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.27/10

User Rating

4.4/5 (based on 110+ reviews)

Active Installations

50,000+

Update Frequency

Very Good It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Add syntax highlighting in the Classic Post and Page HTML text editor, Gutenberg Code Editor, and Theme and Plugin editors using CodeMirror.js.

This plugin features syntax highlighting in the Post/Page HTML editor, the Gutenberg Code Editor (not the Visual Editor), and the Theme and Plugin editors. It also provides syntax highlighting for WordPress shortcodes, allows saving posts and pages with Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on Mac), and restores cursor position after the page is reloaded.

Customize your experience with a huge selection of themes and other options. Fullscreen mode can be toggled with F11 or Esc hotkeys.

Comparing to Alternatives

HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter stands out as a specialized tool for enhancing the HTML editing experience within WordPress, focusing on syntax highlighting and editor customization.

Top alternatives

HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter

Strengths

Integrates seamlessly with the classic editor without requiring a separate admin settings page.
Provides extensive color and syntax highlighting options for HTML and WordPress shortcodes.
Built on Code Mirror, ensuring a robust and reliable code editing foundation.
Supports editing on mobile devices better than the default WordPress editor.

Weaknesses

Lacks Markdown syntax highlighting support.
Settings interface can be distracting and buggy on some mobile devices, especially iOS.
Performance issues such as delays while typing have been reported.
Limited to classic editor compatibility, with less focus on Gutenberg and block editor integration.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights the plugin's strengths in enhancing code editing while noting some usability and performance concerns.

Positive highlights

"No WP Admin page, all settings are performed while editing. This is a perfect job." - Tim Reeves
"Lots of options of colours etc. Very good." - ximbor
"Works even on iOS/mobile and provides a better plain text editor than WordPress default." - FolioVision
"A must-have for editing HTML code comfortably in WordPress." - Marco Panichi
"Converts faceless TinyMCE to a powerful tool." - Alexander Guskov

Common complaints

Delays and pauses while writing in the editor causing frustration.
Settings button on iOS devices is buggy and cannot be closed easily.
Lack of Markdown syntax highlighting in the editor.
Settings interface can be distracting during editing.

Weaknesses

Limited support for Gutenberg and block editor environments.
Some users experience performance lag during typing.
Mobile settings interface bugs reduce usability.
No dedicated admin settings page may confuse some users.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Developers and users who prefer the classic WordPress editor and need enhanced HTML and shortcode syntax highlighting for easier code editing.

Not ideal for

Users primarily working with the Gutenberg block editor or those needing Markdown syntax highlighting and seamless mobile settings management.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers comprehensive syntax highlighting for HTML and WordPress shortcodes, customizable editor colors, and improved editing experience on both desktop and mobile devices.

Final Verdict

HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter is a valuable plugin for users who need enhanced HTML editing capabilities within the classic WordPress editor. It offers robust syntax highlighting and customization options that improve code readability and editing comfort.

While it has some performance and mobile interface limitations, especially on iOS, its free offering remains a strong choice for developers and content creators who prefer a more powerful text editing environment without switching to Gutenberg.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter plugin.

Code Coloring

Code Highlighter

Codemirror

Syntax Highlighter

Text Editor

Screenshots

FAQ

Yes! Partially… Since version 2.3.0, it works with the Gutenberg Code Editor, but only the Code Editor, not the Visual Editor. Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+M / Cmd+Shift+Alt+M to switch between the Visual Editor and the Code Editor.

It does not work with blocks in the Gutenberg Visual Editor. This means it does not highlight code in:
* The Edit as HTML section of every block
* The Custom HTML block
* The Shortcode block
See the last screenshot for a visual example.

It may work with other code related parts of Gutenberg in the future. Track the progress here.

WordPress has a feature called the ‘auto p’ filter which:

“Changes double line-breaks in the text into HTML paragraphs.”

For example, auto p will take some standard post content like this:

Some long text that has many lines.  And paragraphs in it.

and turn it into something like this:

<p>Some long text<br/> that has many lines</p> <p>And paragraphs in it.</p>

Like your little brother, it thinks it’s helping, even if it isn’t.

What can I do about it?
* Disable auto p: There are several plugins you can use to disable auto p in the Classic Editor. I’d recommend Toggle wpautop.
* Show the p tags: The plugin TinyMCE Advanced has an Advanced Option to ‘Keep paragraph tags’. This option will still add the “auto p” tags but won’t strip them out of the visible code.

You can read more about this issues this may cause in this support thread.