Rich text refers to any text that includes formatting features like bold, italic, underline, font styles, colors, hyperlinks, and even embedded media. Unlike plain text, which only includes letters and symbols without any styling, rich text gives you the ability to customize the way your content looks and behaves. It’s a flexible content format used in modern website design, email editors, blogging platforms, and more. Whether you're editing a product description or writing a blog post, rich text makes it easier to present information in a clear, engaging way.

How rich text is used in web design

Rich text is commonly used in content blocks across websites, landing pages, and even pop-ups. It enables designers and marketers to highlight important messages, add clickable links, or insert images directly into the body of their content. Since it supports HTML-like formatting without needing to write any code, it’s great for non-technical users who still want control over how their content looks. For example, you can bold product names, add bullet points for readability, or hyperlink calls-to-action—all using a rich text editor.

On platforms like the B12 website builder, rich text areas allow business owners to easily update their pages without relying on a developer. This makes content updates faster and more efficient, while still keeping your brand polished.

Key features of rich text editors

A rich text editor typically comes with a toolbar full of formatting options. These might include bold/italic/underline, text alignment, headings, bullet and numbered lists, font size and style, hyperlinking, and the ability to embed media like images or videos. Some rich text editors also allow you to switch between the visual editor and the HTML view if you want to dig into the code.

These editors are now standard in content management systems (CMS), form builders, email marketing tools, and AI-powered blogging assistants. Their intuitive interface makes them ideal for users of all skill levels, helping ensure consistency across your web content.

Benefits of using rich text on your website

Rich text allows you to create more engaging, scannable, and professional-looking content without needing advanced technical skills. By mixing visual formatting with your message, you help readers quickly find important info—whether that's a bolded statistic, a clickable link, or an embedded video.

It also helps improve accessibility and SEO when used correctly. For instance, using heading styles (H1, H2, H3) in a rich text block organizes your content for both humans and search engines. And if you need to keep your content aligned with brand guidelines, rich text lets you do that without constant dev help.

Common places you’ll encounter rich text

You’ll find rich text editors nearly everywhere you publish or manage content online:

• Blog post editors
• Email marketing tools like newsletters
• E-commerce product descriptions
• Website content blocks
• Online form responses
• Internal communication tools (like Notion or Google Docs)

Whenever you see text with styling options—fonts, links, colors, lists—it’s likely being powered by rich text formatting behind the scenes. This format helps maintain content structure and styling when moved between different platforms, too.

FAQs about rich text

What’s the difference between rich text and plain text?

Plain text contains only raw characters—letters, numbers, and symbols—with no formatting. Rich text allows for formatting like bold, italic, headings, hyperlinks, and images, which makes it more versatile for modern digital content.

Is rich text the same as HTML?

Not quite. Rich text editors often convert your formatting into HTML behind the scenes, but they’re designed for users who don’t want to write code. Think of rich text as the visual version of what HTML does.

Can I paste formatted text into a rich text editor?

Yes, most rich text editors will try to preserve the formatting when you paste content from a word processor or another site. However, some might clean up or strip out unsupported styles, so it’s a good idea to double-check how it appears.

Does rich text affect SEO?

Yes, positively—when used correctly. Structuring content with headings and links in rich text can make your site more readable to both users and search engines. However, overusing styles or not organizing your content can have the opposite effect.

Can I add images or videos in rich text?

Most modern rich text editors allow media embedding. You can usually upload images, insert video links, or even add file attachments depending on the platform you’re using.

Build smarter, not harder

Rich text plays a big role in creating polished, professional content without having to touch a line of code. Whether you’re updating a homepage or launching a blog, it gives you the power to communicate clearly and effectively. If you want to make updating your website easier with tools like rich text blocks and built-in SEO support, try the B12 AI website builder. Sign up today and take control of your content with confidence.