Training modules/dashboard/slides/10805-edit-vs-edit-source

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"Edit" vs "Edit source"[edit]

Wikipedia gives you two options for editing. The "Edit" option opens VisualEditor, which lets you edit the text on the screen just as it appears on the page. The "Edit source" option lets you see the underlying wikitext code.

VisualEditor makes it easy to add text, cite sources, create links, and do basic formatting. However, it is only available for articles. To talk to other Wikipedians, you'll use wikitext code.

Please check Wikipedia right now, and make sure you see both the "Edit" and "Edit source" options when you look at an article.

If you see "Edit source", as shown above, go on to the next slide.

If you do not see "Edit source" option, then follow these steps to make sure you have the visual editor enabled:

  • Make sure you are logged into your Wikipedia account.
  • Click on "Preferences".
  • Click on the "Editing" tab.
  • Make sure to uncheck the box "Temporarily disable the visual editor while it is in beta."
  • On some wikis, you'll see a choice for "Editing mode:". Choose "Show me both editor tabs".
  • Click "Save".
  • At this point, when you load a Wikipedia article, you should see both the "Edit" and "Edit source" options.