BellaOnline Forums Computers HTML FrontPage vs Dreamweaver

I'm readying up to buy software for web design. This is an area that I want to add to my current business. I heard that FrontPage is better than Dreamweaver. Is this true? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As a long time user of HomeSite (which is now packaged with Dreamweaver), I have to just say no to FrontPage. IMO, Dreamweaver is a superior product and provides integration with graphics applications such as Fireworks and Flash.

The Macromedia products are industry standards in web design and it would be difficult for me to recommend anything else.

Hope this helps.

Personally, I really like Dreamweaver more than I do FrontPage. FrontPage always adds unnecessary garbage to the coding. But, I think Macromedia has great products. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Okay, So my next question would be....Am I gonna need some sort of formal training to learn Dreamweaver?

And...If I have an existing web page (designed by someone else), will I be able to make changes to it with Dreamweaver?

And I LOVE the pics for your signature

Thanks so much! <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I think Dreamweaver is easy enough to learn without taking a class. Basically, you can just open your web page in it and make modifications like you would in a word processing programming. Everything is either accessible via menus or floating palettes.

The way I like to use it is to open the Site window on startup. Basically, you set the folder that contains your site, and Dreamweaver assumes that everything under that folder is part of your web site. You can check links easily for the whole thing, connect to a remote server to get and put files, rename files, move files -- it is a very easy interface to learn and manipulate.

Plus, if you have trouble with it, you could probably check this forum for help before enrolling in formal training. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Front Page is awful and is a pain to edit outside of Front page. Another option to Front Page is Go-live. I prefer Dreamweaver but many like the automated features of Golive better.

There is no way I would use DreamWeaver in lieu of Front Page. Front Page is 100% better in all areas and the cost of DreamWeaver is NOT MERITED. I have at least 12 programs on my systems for Web Design--some are WYSIWYG and some are not--and I tested DreamWeaver and would never pay the price to get it. I have done some consulting and comments from 99% of those I made contact with all turned thumbs down on Dream Weaver. FRONTPAGE is 10 times better. Even ASPIRE HTML Editor (a free one is more useful). And that is my two cents worth. Those who like DreamWeaver, more power to you.

I was adament about using FrontPage for years then my servor updated their system and I had nothing but problems with FrontPage. I am now using Dreamweaver. I borrowed a book to get me started and now that I'm have become comfortable with it. I have basic HTML background. There are lots of websites with online tutorials to get you through whatever you want to add. In my opinion FrontPage is easier. Dreamweaver was a bit of a stressor starting out but I'd never go back to Frontpage now that I've used Dreamweaver for an extended period of time. In the beginning when I was trying to learn it I wanted to pull out my hair. I don't remember that with Frontpage. Of course, it's like with everything, once you learn it, it becomes easy.

Dreamweaver is better than frontpage. However if you are a newbie I suggest starting with frontpage.

Hi,

I have used both and I think it depends on how much you want to do with the program. Frontpage is easier to learn but it does add that irritating code on its own. Although the latest version may have a way to turn that off in the Options menu.

Dreamweaver is the better choice if you will be doing a lot with graphics, Flash or web applications (PHP, ASP and Marcomedia's ColdFusion). It is easier to work with all those at the same time with Dreamweaver. As shiara said, Macromedia is the industry standard. As far as how easy it is to use, Dreamweaver has two ways to work on a webpage. You can use the Design View which is as easy, if not easier, as Frontpage and much like using a word processor program. When you are ready to advance you can begin hand coding your HTML in Dreamweaver.

I have just started a series on Macromedia Studio MX and I will be writing tutorials for all of the software in the package including Dreamweaver. Of course, you don't have to purchase the Studio version. You can purchase Dreamweaver as a stand alone program.
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