When working with HTML, one of the key questions developers ask is: Does Notepad++ add HTML tags automatically?
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Does Notepad++ Add HTML Tags Automatically?
The short answer is No, Notepad++ does not automatically insert or close HTML tags by default.
Unlike other code editors like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text, which come with built-in IntelliSense and tag auto-closing features, Notepad++ requires manual tag entry.
Manual Ways to Insert HTML Tags in Notepad++
If you are using Notepad++ without additional plugins, you will need to:
- Manually type both opening and closing tags.
- Use the built-in Auto-Completion feature (limited to suggesting tags but not auto-closing them).
- Rely on shortcuts to speed up coding (e.g., copying and pasting tags quickly).
Plugins to Enhance HTML Editing in Notepad++
Since Notepad++ doesn’t natively support auto-tagging, installing plugins is the best way to enable this functionality. Here are some of the best plugins:
1. HTML Tag Plugin
- Automatically completes and closes HTML tags.
- Helps with indentation and formatting.
- How to Install:
- Go to Plugins > Plugins Admin.
- Search for HTML Tag.
- Click Install and restart Notepad++.
2. Auto-Completion Feature
- Notepad++ has a built-in auto-completion feature that helps in writing HTML faster.
- How to Enable It:
- Go to Settings > Preferences > Auto-Completion.
- Check the box for Enable Auto-Completion on Each Input.
- Set it to Function and Word Completion.
3. TextFX Plugin
- Provides additional text-processing features.
- Can be used to quickly wrap text inside HTML tags.
Alternative Methods for HTML Tag Assistance
If you want a more HTML-friendly code editor, consider using:
- Visual Studio Code – Comes with built-in tag auto-closing.
- Sublime Text – Supports tag highlighting and quick completion.
- Atom – Has a vast ecosystem of HTML-related extensions.
How to Enable Auto-Completion for HTML Tags in Notepad++
To get the most out of Notepad++:
- Install HTML Tag Plugin.
- Enable Auto-Completion from Settings > Preferences.
- Use shortcuts to insert common HTML structures.
Best Notepad++ Plugins for Auto-Generating HTML Tags
- HTML Tag – Auto-completes and closes HTML tags.
- JSToolNPP – Helps with HTML and JavaScript formatting.
- Emmet – Expands abbreviations into full HTML structures.
How to Highlight and Edit HTML Tags in Notepad++ Efficiently
- Use Themes from Settings > Style Configurator to improve visibility.
- Enable Syntax Highlighting by selecting Language > HTML.
- Install the TagHighlighter plugin for better tag visibility.
Using Emmet in Notepad++ for Fast HTML Tag Expansion
Emmet is a powerful tool that allows developers to quickly expand short abbreviations into full HTML structures. Example:
- Typing
div.container>ul>li*3
expands into:
<div class="container">
<ul>
<li></li>
<li></li>
<li></li>
</ul>
</div>
To use Emmet in Notepad++:
- Install Emmet plugin from Plugins Admin.
- Use shortcuts like Tab or Ctrl + E to expand abbreviations.
How to Validate HTML Tags in Notepad++ Using Plugins
- Install the HTML Validator plugin to check for errors.
- Use W3C Validator for online validation.
Fixing Unclosed or Misplaced HTML Tags in Notepad++
- Use the HTML Tidy Plugin to auto-fix errors.
- Enable Bracket Matching in Settings > Preferences.
- Manually scan and close unclosed tags.
How to Convert Plain Text to HTML with Tags in Notepad++
- Install TextFX Plugin.
- Use the Wrap Selection with Tag feature to add HTML structure
So, does Notepad++ add HTML tags automatically? No, but with the right plugins and settings, it can be enhanced for better HTML coding.
If you need advanced features like auto-tagging and real-time previews, you may want to explore other code editors like VS Code or Sublime Text.
For more tips on Notepad++, check out our guides on Will Notepad++ Read JSON Files? and Saving Foreign Language Characters in Notepad++. 🚀
FAQs
1. Can Notepad++ auto-close HTML tags?
Yes, via plugins like HTML Tag or enabling auto-completion.
2. Is Notepad++ good for HTML beginners?
Absolutely, Its simplicity helps learners grasp tag structures.
3. How to fix unclosed tags in Notepad++?
Use TextFX → HTML Tidy to validate and repair.