WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) describes programs, particularly in page layout and word processing, in which the document displayed on the screen accurately represents the printed output.
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Definition

WYSIWYG, an acronym for “What You See Is What You Get,” refers to a system in computing where the content displayed during editing appears very similar to the final output. This term is most frequently used in the context of editing software, such as word processors, page layout programs, and content management systems, allowing users to see what the final document will look like, including fonts, images, and layout as they edit it.

Detailed Explanation

In a WYSIWYG editor, users can:

  • Directly manipulate text and graphics to see exactly how it will look in the final publication.
  • Apply formatting such as font types, colors, and sizes, and view those changes in real-time.
  • Insert images, tables, and other multimedia within the editable area and see how they will be positioned in the final output.

Examples of WYSIWYG Applications

  1. Microsoft Word: One of the most well-known word processors, it allows users to see the final output as they type and format their documents.
  2. Adobe InDesign: A professional page layout software used for creating print and digital content that provides a fully integrated WYSIWYG editor.
  3. Google Docs: An online word processor where changes and formatting appear as they will be printed or shared.
  4. WordPress Editor: The block editor in WordPress is designed to show web pages as they will appear when published.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How does WYSIWYG improve productivity?

  • A1: WYSIWYG enhances productivity by reducing the time spent on guessing how a document will look in the final format. Users can make adjustments on the go, ensuring that what they design is what they get.

Q2: Can WYSIWYG be used for web design?

  • A2: Yes, many web design tools, such as WordPress and Wix, offer WYSIWYG editors, allowing users to see what their webpages will look like as they build and edit them.

Q3: Are there any limitations to using WYSIWYG editors?

  • A3: While beneficial for visually designing a document, WYSIWYG editors might add excess formatting code, leading to bloated files or inconsistencies between different platforms.
  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard language for creating web pages and web applications. HTML elements are the building blocks of HTML pages.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A style sheet language used for describing the presentation of a document written in a markup language like HTML.
  • Markdown: A lightweight markup language with plain text formatting syntax designed to be converted to HTML and other formats.
  • GUI (Graphical User Interface): A user interface that includes graphical elements, such as windows, icons, and buttons.

Online References

  1. Wikipedia on WYSIWYG
  2. Investopedia - WYSIWYG
  3. Google Docs

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “HTML & CSS: Design and Build Websites” by Jon Duckett
  2. “Adobe InDesign Classroom in a Book (2020 release)” by Kelly Kordes Anton and Tina DeJarld
  3. “WordPress for Beginners 2020” by Dr. Andy Williams

Fundamentals of WYSIWYG: Communications and Web Design Basics Quiz

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