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Use the Arduino Web Editor

Arduino Web Editor lets you create Arduino sketches from any device with a browser. Save your work to the cloud, keep your software updated automatically, and share projects with ease.

BeginnerWeb Editor · CloudBy Vilros

01 Sign up and log in

First, you'll need an Arduino account. If you don't have one yet:

  1. Visit create.arduino.cc/iot/sign-up to create a new account.
  2. Check your email for a confirmation link and activate your account.
  3. Once registered, go to create.arduino.cc/editor to access the Web Editor.

The Arduino Web Editor works entirely in your browser—no desktop software installation required.

02 Choose your platform

Arduino Web Editor runs on multiple platforms:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Chrome OS

Browser recommendation

Arduino recommends using Google Chrome for the best experience. The Web Editor works in other modern browsers, but Chrome offers the most reliable compatibility with Arduino's cloud services.

For educational use, Arduino offers subscription plans through the Chrome Web Store with features tailored to schools and educators.

03 Learn the editor layout

When you open the Arduino Web Editor, you'll see the interface divided into three main sections:

Left column: Menu

This is your navigation area with options for:

  • Sketchbook: Your saved Arduino sketches
  • Examples: Pre-built example code for learning
  • Libraries: Add external libraries to your projects
  • Serial Monitor: View data from your connected Arduino
  • Help: Documentation and troubleshooting
  • Preferences: Editor settings and configuration

Middle column: Open tab

When you click a menu item, its content appears here. For example, clicking "Sketchbook" shows your list of saved sketches, and clicking "Examples" displays available example projects.

Right column: Code editor

This is where you write your Arduino code. The editor provides:

  • Syntax highlighting for easier reading
  • Error detection and warnings
  • Line numbers
  • Upload button to send code to your board
  • Verify button to check for errors without uploading
  • Share button to create shareable links
  • Save to cloud automatically

04 Connect your board

To upload code to your Arduino board from the Web Editor, you'll need to install the Arduino Create Agent—a small helper program that allows the browser to communicate with your connected Arduino.

  1. When you first try to upload code, the Web Editor will prompt you to install the Arduino Create Agent.
  2. Follow the download and installation instructions for your operating system.
  3. Once installed, connect your Arduino board via USB.
  4. The board should be auto-detected by the Web Editor and appear in the board selector.
  5. Select your board from the dropdown menu.

Now try uploading a program! Open Examples → 01.Basics → Blink and click the Upload button (arrow icon). If your board's LED starts blinking, you're successfully connected!

05 Use the Serial Monitor

The Serial Monitor is a tool for viewing data sent from your Arduino and sending data to it. This is essential for debugging and monitoring sensor values.

Opening the Serial Monitor

  1. Click Serial Monitor in the left menu.
  2. The Serial Monitor panel opens, showing which board is currently selected.
  3. If you have multiple boards connected, you can switch between them here.

Testing the Serial Monitor

To see the Serial Monitor in action:

  1. Go to Examples → 03.Analog → AnalogInOutSerial
  2. Upload this sketch to your board.
  3. Open the Serial Monitor.
  4. You should see a stream of numbers representing analog sensor readings.

The Serial Monitor is invaluable for troubleshooting and understanding what your Arduino is doing in real time.

06 Document and share

Adding documentation

It's good practice to document your projects as you build them. You can import images, schematics, and notes directly into your sketch:

  1. In the code editor area, look for the file tabs at the top.
  2. Click the + button or use Import File into Sketch.
  3. Upload images, PDFs, or other documentation files.
  4. These files are saved alongside your code in the cloud.

Sharing your work

The Web Editor makes sharing Arduino projects simple:

  1. Click the Share button in the editor.
  2. Each sketch is assigned a unique URL.
  3. Copy and send this link to others.
  4. Anyone with the link can view your code and documentation.
  5. They can save a copy to their own sketchbook to modify and use.

This cloud-based sharing is excellent for collaboration, classroom projects, or getting help from the Arduino community.