Getting to know Dreamweaver

This week, we will finally be getting into our textbook and working with Dreamweaver in Design view. The last two weeks have been spent looking at code, both HTML and CSS. Hopefully, you got an introduction to these 2 languages and are ready to let Dreamweaver do some of the coding for you!

Our class relies heavily on the content in the required textbook, The Missing Manual. It is crucial to your success that you read the required pages and complete all assignments. The textbook reading is NOT optional! If you skip it or skim it, you will be missing out on vital information that is key to your success as a website developer/designer.

Instructor Note:
ALWAYS read the required textbook material!

Here is a summary of what you will be learning this week:

• The Dreamweaver Workspace
  • 4 different views to work in - CODE, SPLIT, DESIGN, LIVE
  • Using Panels to perform tasks
  • Customizing your workspace using Workspace Layouts
• Creating a Site Definition
• Creating a new web page
• Manage your site files using the Files Panel
• Setting Page Properties
• Previewing your web pages in multiple browsers

Dreamweaver as a WYSIWYG Editor

Dreamweaver is a powerful web authoring tool. A WYSIWYG editor is a program that allows you see your web page as it will appear on the Internet (What You See IS What You Get). As you work in Dreamweaver, the program will be generating HTML code for you. Dreamweaver comes equipped with several different views to work in. Watch the following video which demonstrates the WYSIWYG features of Dreamweaver and shows how to switch back and forth between the different workspace views:

If you are having difficulty playing the above video, you can access it directly at: http://adobe.ly/IUFkRD.