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Nadim Chowdhury
Nadim Chowdhury

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What is WYSIWYG?

WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get." It is a user interface design concept that allows users to interact with a system or software application in a way that closely resembles the final output or appearance. In a WYSIWYG system, the on-screen display during the editing or design phase should closely represent how the document or content will look when it is printed or displayed.

WYSIWYG is commonly associated with word processors, desktop publishing software, web design tools, and other applications where users create or edit documents, layouts, or content. The goal is to provide a visual representation that allows users to make real-time changes and see the immediate impact on the final output.

For example:

  1. Text Editors: In a WYSIWYG text editor, users can format text, change fonts, adjust spacing, and apply styles directly on the screen, and the displayed text closely reflects how it will appear when printed.

  2. Web Design Tools: WYSIWYG web design tools enable users to create web pages visually, placing elements on the page and adjusting their properties without needing to write or view the underlying HTML code.

  3. Desktop Publishing Software: In desktop publishing applications, users can design brochures, newsletters, and other printed materials with a WYSIWYG interface, ensuring that the layout on the screen corresponds to the final printed document.

The WYSIWYG concept simplifies the user experience by providing a more intuitive and direct way to interact with content, reducing the need for users to visualize the final output separately. It has been widely adopted to enhance user productivity and make content creation more accessible to a broader audience.

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