MarkdownPad

Anyone can type something, but if the text is meant for a web site, you need to know a few things about the HTML format. While using MarkdownPad, you will not have to learn anything about this format. It will convert your documents to HTML instantly. You can type and edit your text as usual and see how it will look at the same time.

There is no lengthy setup process to go through. You just have to run the installation kit and click a button. The application's components will be downloaded from the Internet, but it does not mean that it will take longer. The process will be over in a few seconds.

MarkdownPad is a bit more advanced than the standard Notepad application. You can use it with the same ease, but you have additional tools and features at your disposal. You can type and edit your text on the left half of the interface and preview it, in HTML format, on the right half. Besides copying plain text, it is possible to copy it directly in HTML format as well.

Text fragments can be made bold or italic and paragraphs can be displayed as quotes. This can be done either by selecting a fragment and clicking the options on the toolbar or by placing special characters at the fragment's beginning and end. Most editing actions are performed in the same way. You may use one of two headings to enlarge a piece of text, if you want to use it as a title. It is also possible to link text to a web page, convert it to upper or lower case and render it in your default browser. As you edit your text, the one in the preview area will instantly adapt to any changes you make.

The color of the background and text, as well as the font and size, can be changed on the software's general options panel. This menu contains other options as well. One of the most interesting aspects is the fact that you can use your own CSS stylesheet to change the looks of the HTML document.