XML software

There is a whole range of XML Software available, both free and commercial. A basic XML editor should facilitate the creation and validation of EAD descriptions. You should chose an editor that:

• Enables you to link to the EAD dtd or schema so that you can quickly validate your descriptions
• Enables you to pick tags and attributes from a list
• Preferably selects only the tags and attributes that are valid within the context, i.e. stops you from putting in tags and attributes where they are invalid
• Gives you a simple input interface for creating your descriptions
• Facilitates the addition of special characters (e.g. ampersand, accents, symbols)
• Generates a useful error message so that you can correct invalid EAD
• Preferably enables you to view the description in a browser (we can provide a stylesheet for you to use)
• Preferably gives you a tree structure so that you can easily see the hierarchy of your description

Creating EAD descriptions does not require a sophisticated editor. However, free editors are not always straightforward to use. We would recommend looking at the Hub EAD Editor as an alternative means of creating and editing your descriptions.

Common XML editors include XMLSPY, XMetal and Oxygen. We can provide information on these editors on request.