Choosing and Setting Up Your Joomla 6 Text Editor

Written by: Thanh Le | 14 October 2025 | Hits: 17
3 min read
Choosing and Setting Up Your Joomla 6 Text Editor

Joomla 6 comes with multiple built-in text editors, allowing you to choose the one that fits your workflow. Whether you prefer a simple interface or full HTML control, Joomla lets you select and configure your favorite editor easily.

1. What Is a Text Editor in Joomla?

A text editor is the tool you use to write and format content inside Joomla. It appears whenever you create or edit an article, module, or custom field. Different editors offer different levels of control and features.

2. Default Editors in Joomla 6

By default, Joomla 6 includes two main editors:

  • TinyMCE: A user-friendly WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor. Ideal for most users.
  • CodeMirror: A syntax-highlighting editor for those who prefer to write in HTML or CSS.

You can also install third-party editors from the Joomla Extensions Directory, such as JCE Editor or ARK Editor, for more advanced options.

3. Changing the Default Editor

To change your global editor preference:

  • Go to System → Global Configuration.
  • Under the Site tab, find Default Editor.
  • Select your desired editor from the dropdown list (e.g. TinyMCE or CodeMirror).
  • Click Save & Close.

This setting will apply to all users by default, unless they have their own editor preference in their profile.

4. Setting an Editor for a Specific User

Each user can choose a different editor that suits their needs:

  • Go to Users → Manage and click on a username.
  • Open the Basic Settings tab.
  • Under Editor, choose your preferred one.
  • Click Save & Close.

This is particularly useful if administrators and authors use different editing styles.

5. Configuring TinyMCE Editor

The TinyMCE editor is the most common choice. You can customize its toolbar, features, and allowed HTML tags.

  • Go to System → Plugins.
  • Search for Editor – TinyMCE and open it.
  • Under the Set 0 / Set 1 / Set 2 tabs, configure different toolbar levels for different user groups.
  • Choose which buttons to display (Bold, Italic, Image, Link, etc.).
  • Click Save.

By default, Super Users have full access to the TinyMCE features, while Registered users get a simplified toolbar.

6. Using CodeMirror for HTML Editing

If you prefer working directly with HTML code, CodeMirror is a great option:

  • It provides line numbers, syntax highlighting, and auto-indentation.
  • Perfect for inserting custom CSS, scripts, or embedded HTML blocks.
  • To activate it, select CodeMirror as your default editor in Global Configuration or user profile.

7. Installing Third-Party Editors

For extra functionality, you can install popular third-party editors such as:

  • JCE Editor: Offers advanced image management, file uploads, and custom style controls.
  • ARK Editor: Provides front-end editing capabilities and drag-and-drop features.

To install one:

  • Download the editor from the Joomla Extensions Directory.
  • Go to System → Extensions → Install.
  • Upload the package, install it, and set it as your default editor.

8. Tips for Choosing the Right Editor

  • If you’re new to Joomla, start with TinyMCE — it’s simple and safe.
  • Developers or technical users might prefer CodeMirror for full HTML control.
  • Install JCE Editor if you want more advanced media and layout tools.

9. Summary

Choosing the right text editor in Joomla 6 can greatly improve your content workflow. You can stick with the built-in editors or explore third-party options for more power and flexibility.

Next, we’ll learn how to schedule and manage publishing dates in Scheduling Articles and Managing Publishing Dates.