Brackets

Adobe Brackets is an open-source code editor designed for web developers and front-end designers.

Developed and maintained by Adobe Inc., Brackets is a lightweight, yet powerful code editor that has gained popularity for its simplicity, extensibility, and focus on modern web development workflows.

With focused visual tools and preprocessor support, Brackets is a modern text editor that makes it easy to design in the browser. Try Creative Cloud Extract (preview) for this appfor an easy way to get clean, minimal CSS straight from a PSD with no generated code.

Is the Brackets text editor still available?

As of September 1, 2021, Adobe has ended support for Brackets. However, if you'd like to continue using, maintaining, or enhancing Brackets, you can fork the project on GitHub. Adobe, in partnership with Microsoft, recommends migrating to Visual Studio Code, a free, open-source code editor from Microsoft.

Main Features

Live Preview: One of the standout features of the program is its live preview functionality, allowing developers to see changes in their HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in real-time as they edit. This feature streamlines the development process and reduces the need to constantly switch between the code and a web browser.

Extensions and Themes: It offers a wide range of extensions and themes that can be easily installed through its built-in extension manager. Developers can customize their editor to suit their preferences and productivity needs.

Quick Edit: It simplifies the process of editing code by offering a "Quick Edit" feature that lets you make changes to CSS styles by simply selecting an element and opening a sidebar for quick adjustments.

Code Hints: The editor provides code hints and autocompletion for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it easier for developers to write clean and error-free code.

Version Control Integration: It supports Git integration, allowing developers to manage their code repositories directly within the editor.

Multiple Cursors: You can place multiple cursors in the code editor simultaneously, making bulk edits and code manipulation more efficient.

User Interface

It boasts a clean and intuitive user interface. The main editor window is uncluttered, with tabs for open files displayed at the top.

The sidebar provides easy access to essential features like file navigation, extensions, and quick edit options.

The live preview feature has a dedicated pane that can be toggled on and off, providing an immediate view of your web project.

Installation and Setup

It can be downloaded for FREE from the official website or FileHorse.

The installation process is straightforward, and the editor is relatively lightweight, ensuring a quick setup.

You can customize various preferences during installation, such as themes and extensions.

How to Use

Creating a New Project: Start by creating a new project or opening an existing one. It supports a wide range of web development file types, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.

Editing Code: Use the intuitive code editor to write, edit, and format your code. Take advantage of code hints and autocompletion to speed up your coding tasks.

Live Preview: Activate the live preview feature to see your changes in real-time as you code. This helps you visualize the impact of your modifications instantly.

Extensions: Explore and install extensions to enhance Brackets' functionality. You can find extensions for various purposes, such as code linting, version control, and snippet management.

Version Control: If you're using Git, integrate your repository with the software to manage your code versions efficiently.

FAQ

Is Adobe Brackets completely FREE?
Yes, Adobe Brackets is an open-source code editor available for free, and it's licensed under the MIT License.

Can I use Brackets for back-end development as well?
While the software is primarily designed for front-end development, it can still be used for back-end development, especially when dealing with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript components.

Does Brackets support multiple programming languages?
The app mainly focuses on web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, you can extend its functionality by installing relevant extensions for other languages.

Is live preview available for all web browsers?
Live preview in the program is designed to work with popular web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Compatibility may vary with other browsers.

Can I customize the editor's appearance?
Yes, you can customize Brackets' appearance by installing themes and adjusting preferences in the settings menu.

Alternatives

Visual Studio Code: Microsoft's VSCode is a popular, highly extensible code editor with a massive user community and a wide range of extensions for various programming languages and frameworks.

Sublime Text: Known for its speed and versatility, Sublime Text is a lightweight code editor with a minimalist interface and a rich package ecosystem.

Notepad++: This Windows-based code editor is fast and simple, with a wide range of plugins available to enhance its functionality.

Adobe Dreamweaver: Create and publish Web Pages for desktop and mobile browsers!

Pricing

Adobe Brackets is completely FREE and open source, with no licensing costs or subscription fees.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• RAM: 2 GB (recommended)
• Disk Space: 400 MB (minimum)
• Processor: 1.0 GHz or faster

PROS

• Real-time live preview.
• Extensive extension support.
• Lightweight and fast.
• Free and open source.
• Intuitive user interface.

CONS

• This app has been discontinued.
• Limited support for back-end languages.
• Fewer built-in features compared to full-fledged IDEs.
• May not suit all development workflows.

Conclusion

Adobe Brackets is a compelling choice for web developers and front-end designers looking for a lightweight, open-source code editor that simplifies the coding process. Its live preview feature, intuitive interface, and extensibility through plugins make it a valuable tool for modern web development.

While it may not be suitable for all development tasks, it excels in its niche and offers an efficient coding experience at no cost. Developers seeking a free, user-friendly code editor should consider giving Adobe Brackets a try, especially if their primary focus is front-end web development.

Also Available: Download Brackets for Mac