CKEditor 4
CKEditor 4: A flexible embedded editor, but legacy deployments need commercial LTS for security coverage. Ranked #27 of 82 in Text Editors by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan · pricing on request; best for embedding rich-text editing in web apps.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan · pricing on request
- Best forEmbedding rich-text editing in web apps
- Free planYes
- Founded2012 · Boston, United States; Warsaw and Poznań, Poland
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Rich formatting, media, tables, source code, and HTML or BBCode output
- Plugins and integrations for Angular, React, and Vue
- Pastes content from Word, Excel, Google Docs, and LibreOffice
Where it doesn't
- Reached end of life on June 30, 2023
- Free 4.22.1 release contains known security issues
- Commercial LTS pricing requires contacting sales
Our verdict on CKEditor 4
CKEditor 4 is a browser-based WYSIWYG HTML editor for websites and web applications. It is designed for developers embedding rich-text editing in content-management systems, forms, blogs, comments, emails, and other browser-based experiences. The open-source editor supports formatting and styling, image insertion, media embedding, tables with column resizing, source-code editing, and configurable plugins. It can output HTML or BBCode and integrates with Angular, React, and Vue, making it a focused option for web teams that need an editor inside an existing application rather than a standalone writing tool.
Its main strength is breadth within embedded content editing. Users can paste content from Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and LibreOffice, while developers can configure plugins around the editor's core capabilities. The web-only platform focus suits browser-based products and frameworks that need editable HTML content. Teams choosing CKEditor 4 should distinguish the free open-source release from the paid support model: the CKEditor 4 LTS / Extended Support Model includes security fixes for vulnerabilities, commercial licensing, and uninterrupted access to functionality until December 2029. Pricing is handled through contact with sales.
The central limitation is lifecycle status. CKEditor 4 reached end of life on June 30, 2023, and the free 4.22.1 release contains known security issues. Only the commercial LTS package receives ongoing security coverage, so new deployments should weigh the support model carefully. It is best suited to organizations maintaining an existing CKEditor 4 integration or requiring its established plugin and framework options through December 2029. Teams seeking a current editor for a new implementation, or those unwilling to adopt commercial LTS for security coverage, should choose an alternative.
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CKEditor 4 pricing
All 1 CKEditor 4 plans and prices →
CKEditor 4 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | web |
| Multi-cursor editing | Not verified |
| Macro recording | Not verified |
| Column editing | Not verified |
| Large-file handling | Not verified |
| Extension support | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs, Email |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Angular, React, Vue |
| Pricing | Free plan · pricing on request (source) |
| Website | ckeditor.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
CKEditor 4 integrations
CKEditor 4 lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Angular
- React
- Vue
Alternatives to CKEditor 4
- Visual Studio CodeA free, open-source editor with broad development features across desktop and web.9.4
- NeovimA free, open-source editor for keyboard-driven workflows and deep customization.9.3
- GNU EmacsA mature, highly customizable editor for users who value breadth and control.9.2
See all CKEditor 4 alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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