Best way to construct a layout in editor: shortcodes or direct html

I’m busy rethinking methods to create a page / post layout, besides using some builder.

Is it better to use shortcodes, or to insert the html in the editor.

In an older WordPress project ( not on TF ) i had added an extra button to the editor to create 2, 3 or 4 columns and when inserting it would output the row and column html in the editor. The editor had an edited styling so you also saw the columns inside the editor.

In an even older project i used a similar button, but that one placed shortcodes in the editor, which in turn obviously created the row and column html on the frontend.

Now i’m wondering: Which one of these is better practice? Or, is there an even better way?

Would be nice to have some thoughts of you authors!

i think every author goes through this and its quite difficult to choose. you may read this http://justintadlock.com/archives/2011/05/02/dealing-with-shortcode-madness

but again if we don’t use shortcodes it adds lot of extra work. someone over here recommend me for a shortcodes plugin.

I know that article, and i think it partly has a point.

Guess i’ll go and write down some pros and cons about both