editor

An editor is a person who prepares written material for publication by improving clarity, accuracy, and style, and by ensuring consistency with a publication’s standards. The term also refers to software applications designed to edit text, source code, or multimedia content.

In publishing, editors work with authors, agents, and production teams to shape manuscripts, structure, and argument. Roles include developmental editors who guide a project’s scope, copy editors who correct grammar, usage, and factual inconsistencies, and editors-in-chief who oversee editorial direction and production schedules. The editing process typically involves evaluation, revision, fact-checking, and final preparation for print or digital release, with adherence to style guides and copyright considerations.

In computing, editors are programs that modify content. A text editor edits plain text and is typically lightweight; a code editor adds features such as syntax highlighting, indentation, and project navigation; a word processor combines editing with advanced formatting and layout tools. Common tools include Vim and Emacs as foundational text editors, Sublime Text and Visual Studio Code as code editors, and Microsoft Word or Google Docs as word processors. Rich text editors embedded in websites or content management systems allow formatted authoring without a separate application. In multimedia contexts, editors also refer to tools for editing audio, video, or images, such as video editors or image editors, which are specialized programs distinct from traditional text editors.