
Brackets
A modern, open source text editor that understands web design
Brackets is a modern, open source text editor specifically built for web design and developer tools. It suits developers who want to customize their workspace using various extensions and themes. Standout capabilities include Live Preview, which updates code in real-time directly inside the browser, and built-in support for CSS preprocessors like LESS and SASS.
For developers writing code, the Inline Editors feature lets you open specific code windows without losing your current file position. Because Brackets is an open-source tool, it is free to use and maintained by a community of contributors. If you need specific platform availability outside of the Web, check their official resources for details, as exact system requirements beyond Web are not fully listed in the facts.
Features
Open Source
Brackets is an open-source text editor, which means it is free to use and has a community of developers contributing to its improvement and feature updates.
Live Preview
Brackets offers a Live Preview feature that allows developers to see updates to their code in real-time, directly in the browser, enhancing the development workflow.
Preprocessor Support
Brackets has built-in support for CSS preprocessors such as LESS and SASS, making it easier for developers working with these technologies.
Inline Editors
The Inline Editors feature in Brackets enables developers to open a window into the code they care about, without losing context of their current position in the file.
Extensibility
Brackets supports a wide range of extensions and themes, allowing users to customize the editor to suit their personal workflow and preferences.
Screenshots

Brackets vs. its alternatives
| Pricing | Open source | — | Open source | Open source | — |
| Platforms | |||||
| Listed features | 5 | — | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Brackets free to use?
Yes, Brackets is an open-source text editor, which means it is free to use and supported by a community of developers.
What is Brackets used for?
Brackets is used as a text editor for web design and developer tools, featuring built-in support for CSS preprocessors and real-time browser previews.
What platforms is Brackets available on?
Brackets is available on the Web platform.
How does the Live Preview feature work?
The Live Preview feature allows developers to see updates to their code in real-time, directly in the browser, which enhances the overall development workflow.
Can I use CSS preprocessors with Brackets?
Yes, Brackets has built-in support for CSS preprocessors such as LESS and SASS to make working with these technologies easier.
What are the best alternatives to Brackets?
Known alternatives include VS Code, Sublime Text, and Xcode. You might prefer these alternatives depending on your specific project requirements and preferred developer tool ecosystem.
Alternatives to Brackets
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VS Code
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Vim
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