# Classical Text Editor

> Software for editing printable scholarly editions of classical texts

**Wikidata**: [Q116949834](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116949834)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/classical-text-editor

## Summary
Classical Text Editor (CTE) is a proprietary software tool designed for editing and publishing scholarly editions of classical texts. Developed by Stefan Hagel and first released in 1997, it supports digital capturing, discovery, enriching, and editing of classical texts, with a focus on producing high-quality printable editions. The software operates exclusively on Microsoft Windows and is licensed under a proprietary license.

## Key Facts
- **Software for classical text editing**: Classical Text Editor is specialized for creating scholarly editions of classical texts, including digital capturing, discovery, enriching, and editing.
- **Proprietary license**: The software is licensed under a proprietary license, meaning it is not open-source.
- **Microsoft Windows-only**: Classical Text Editor runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows, with no support for other operating systems.
- **Developed by Stefan Hagel**: The software was created by Stefan Hagel, with the first public release in 1997.
- **Current version**: The latest version is 10.4, released on February 28, 2023.
- **Price**: The software costs €339, as of January 25, 2025.
- **File formats**: It supports reading Classical Text Editor documents (v7, v8, v9) and writing TEI/XML files.
- **Collections**: Included in the Social Sciences and Humanities Open Marketplace and the Text Analysis Portal for Research.
- **Website**: Official site is [cte.oeaw.ac.at](https://cte.oeaw.ac.at).

## FAQs
### Q: What operating systems does Classical Text Editor support?
A: Classical Text Editor is exclusively compatible with Microsoft Windows. It does not support macOS, Linux, or other operating systems.

### Q: Is Classical Text Editor open-source?
A: No, Classical Text Editor is proprietary software with a proprietary license. The source code is not publicly available.

### Q: What file formats can Classical Text Editor read and write?
A: It can read Classical Text Editor documents (versions 7, 8, and 9) and write TEI/XML files. These formats are specialized for scholarly text editing.

### Q: Who developed Classical Text Editor?
A: Classical Text Editor was developed by Stefan Hagel, with the first public release occurring in October 1997.

### Q: How much does Classical Text Editor cost?
A: The software is priced at €339, as of January 25, 2025. Pricing may vary over time.

## Why It Matters
Classical Text Editor plays a crucial role in the academic and scholarly community by providing a specialized tool for editing and publishing classical texts. Its focus on producing high-quality printable editions ensures that classical literature is preserved and accessible in a format that meets scholarly standards. The software supports digital workflows, including capturing, discovering, enriching, and editing classical texts, which is essential for researchers and publishers working in this field. By operating on Microsoft Windows and using proprietary file formats, it caters to a niche but important segment of the academic market. Its inclusion in platforms like the Social Sciences and Humanities Open Marketplace and the Text Analysis Portal for Research further enhances its visibility and utility in the research community.

## Notable For
- **Specialized classical text editing**: Unlike general-purpose text editors, Classical Text Editor is tailored for scholarly editions of classical texts, ensuring high-quality output.
- **Proprietary focus**: As proprietary software, it offers a closed ecosystem with dedicated support and updates, which may appeal to users who prefer vendor-backed solutions.
- **Microsoft Windows exclusivity**: Its restriction to Windows sets it apart from cross-platform alternatives, which may be a limitation for users of other operating systems.
- **TEI/XML support**: Its ability to export to TEI/XML, a widely used standard in digital humanities, enhances its interoperability with other scholarly tools.
- **Scholarly collections**: Its presence in academic marketplaces like the Social Sciences and Humanities Open Marketplace and the Text Analysis Portal for Research highlights its recognition in the research community.

## Body
### Overview
Classical Text Editor (CTE) is a specialized software tool designed for editing and publishing scholarly editions of classical texts. Developed by Stefan Hagel, the software was first released in October 1997 and has since evolved to support advanced features for classical text editing.

### Development and Release
- **Developer**: Stefan Hagel.
- **First release**: October 1, 1997.
- **Latest version**: 10.4, released on February 28, 2023.
- **Previous version**: 7.0, released on August 10, 2012.

### Technical Specifications
- **Operating system**: Microsoft Windows (exclusive).
- **License**: Proprietary.
- **Price**: €339 (as of January 25, 2025).
- **File formats**:
  - **Readable**: Classical Text Editor document (v7, v8, v9).
  - **Writable**: TEI/XML.

### Features and Uses
- **Primary uses**: Digital capturing, discovery, enriching, gathering, and editing of classical texts.
- **Output**: Focus on producing high-quality printable scholarly editions.
- **Collections**: Included in the Social Sciences and Humanities Open Marketplace and the Text Analysis Portal for Research.

### Availability and Support
- **Website**: [cte.oeaw.ac.at](https://cte.oeaw.ac.at).
- **Wine compatibility**: Listed in the Wine AppDB with ID 15806.
- **Described at**: [tapor.ca/tools/297](https://tapor.ca/tools/297) and [marketplace.sshopencloud.eu/tool-or-service/v6PsTg](https://marketplace.sshopencloud.eu/tool-or-service/v6PsTg).

### Significance
Classical Text Editor is notable for its specialized focus on classical text editing, its proprietary nature, and its support for scholarly workflows. Its inclusion in academic marketplaces and its ability to export to TEI/XML make it a valuable tool for researchers and publishers in the field of classical studies.

## References

1. [Source](https://marketplace.sshopencloud.eu/tool-or-service/v6PsTg)
2. [Source](https://tapor.ca/tools/297)
3. [Source](https://cte.oeaw.ac.at/?id0=download)
4. [Source](https://sites.fastspring.com/stefanhagel/product/cte)