SharePoint 2010 brought with it many improvements for adding rich content to pages. These include the ribbon interface (making regularly used controls more accessible) and wiki pages (meaning you could add such content directly to a page). Wiki pages mean you no longer need to bother with ‘content editor webparts’ when you can to add rich content to a page, just add it directly.
Well you could add HTML directly, using the ‘Edit HTML source’ button. However the HTML ‘editor’ (if you could call it that) doesn’t format or highlight the code, so it is very difficult to write proper correctly formed code in here.However adding content isn’t as easy as it should be. The ribbon works well as an interface (though not everyone is a fan), but the process of actually formatting content is tricky. Font styles don’t always seem to apply, spaces (line breaks, normal spaces) are inconsistent, and generally it can sometimes feel like you are ‘fighting’ against SharePoint, rather than with it. So what are the alternatives?
Or you could create your content in Word, and paste it over. This works in the main, but not all formatting will come across exactly as it appears in Word.
If neither of these options appeal (and neither are perfect) then try these slightly more ‘invovled’ solutions.
Use a proper HTML editor to create your HTML
You could in effect use any HTML editor, or text editor, to write your code. Once complete just paste it into the source editor. I often find myself on client site, using client machines without access to my usual machine environment. In this instance I’ve started evaluating online HTML editors to create my content. I’ve yet to find the perfect solution but the following are doing a job:
HTML Edit - Basic editor, useful if you know your HTML
Real Graphics - WYSIWYG editor, though I find the toolbar a bit buggy
Online HTML editor – WYSIWYG editor, similar to above
Innovastudio editor – Nice option, but crazy subscription model!
Rip out the standard edit controls
Telerik have been offering their RAD control for a number of years. Use it as an alternative, in most cases, to the standard SharePoint editing controls.
Wait for SharePoint 15
Well that might work…
I totally agree with you Chris. Pasting your content in content editor web part is not a good option and the formatting provided in the ribbon has inconsisitent behaviour. 1. One of the way to add content is to click in the CEWP, then on ribbon click HTML --> Edit HTML source and paste your content over there with including HTML tags. 2. Second option is to link a text file to the content editor web part. I prefer option (1).