Customizing Ghost themes (using Handlebars .hbs files, CSS, JavaScript, and HTML) requires a powerful code editor with excellent syntax highlighting, auto-completion, relevant extensions, and support for both Windows and macOS.
Here are the most popular and effective options used by developers working on Ghost themes.
Free Options
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) The most widely used editor for web and CMS theme development. It’s free, open-source, and extremely customizable through extensions.
Key strengths:
- Excellent Handlebars support for Ghost .hbs files
- Built-in Git integration, debugging, live preview, and a massive extension marketplace
Recommended as the default choice for most developers. Download: code.visualstudio.com
Notepad++ A lightweight and extremely fast editor perfect for quick edits. It offers excellent syntax highlighting for CSS, JS, HTML, and Handlebars, plus plugin support. Native on Windows. macOS users can run it via Wine or use a similar lightweight alternative. Ideal for rapid Ghost theme tweaks. Download: notepad-plus-plus.org
Premium / Paid Options
Sublime Text A fast, minimal, and highly extensible editor with a freemium model (unlimited free use with occasional pop-up reminders). One-time license costs ~$99. Excellent for Handlebars and all web languages on both Windows and macOS. Official site: sublimetext.com
Nova (macOS-only) Panic’s modern, native macOS code editor. Features a polished interface, strong web development tools, Handlebars extensions, and excellent macOS integration. One-time purchase or subscription options (around $99). Perfect for Mac-focused developers. Official site & download: nova.app
Quick Comparison
- Visual Studio Code: Free | Windows & macOS | Best for versatility, extensions, and community support
- Notepad++: Free | Windows (macOS via emulator) | Best for fast, lightweight edits
- Sublime Text: Freemium (~$99) | Windows & macOS | Best for speed and minimal interface
- Nova: Premium (~$99) | macOS only | Best for native Mac experience and polished UI
Quick Recommendation Start with Visual Studio Code — it’s free, powerful, and has the best ecosystem of extensions for Ghost theme development. Install the Handlebars extension for excellent .hbs file support.
Pro Tips
- Always develop and test themes locally with a native Ghost install.
- Use version control (Git) before pushing changes to your live site.