How to Use Macromedia Dreamweaver MX

Create web page elements using Dreamweaver MX.

Dreamweaver MX is the 2004 edition of Adobe's foremost website development and design software. Dreamweaver MX enables website creators to edit, code and design web pages using HTML, PHP and CSS scripts or the "What You See Is What You Get" visual workspace. Many users do not need prior coding experience to create website essentials, but some background in HTML knowledge is helpful. Users can implement Dreamweaver MX to insert graphics, create links and upload created content to their websites without the necessity of a third party file transfer protocol software.

Instructions

Website Setup

1. Open Windows Explorer and create a new directory where Dreamweaver should store all website files. Enter a name for your website as the title of the folder. Create a new folder within this directory and label it "images."

2. Launch Dreamweaver MX. Navigate to "Site," "New Site." Select the "Advanced" tab and highlight "Local Info" in the left pane. Enter a descriptive site name, preferably one that matches the root folder.

3. Browse to the website folder under the "Local Root Folder" form field. Specify the "images" folder under the "Default Images Folder" field. Enter the website domain in the "HTTP Address" box. This should include the "http://www." prefix.

4. Highlight "Remote Info" in the left pane. Select "FTP" under the "Access" drop-down menu. Type the website domain without the "http://www." prefix in the "FTP Host" field. Enter the website's login and password credentials in the appropriate fields. Click "Test" to ensure Dreamweaver can establish a connection. Click "OK."

Creating Website Objects

1. Open the "Files" window by selecting the "Window," "Files" command from the menu. Any website files attached to the site will appear under the Local files category in the right side of Dreamweaver. The root directory is located at the top of this window.

2. Create a new page in Dreamweaver. Right-click the root directory and select "New File" from the menu. Alternatively, select "File," "New" "Blank Page" from the menu.

3. Determine the preferred editing mode. Dreamweaver offers "Code," "Split" and "Design" workspaces. Users can edit page code in the "Code" window, view code and design elements simultaneously in the "Split" window and work on design elements only in the "Design" tab.

4. Insert graphics using the "Insert," "Image" command from the menu. Browse the computer to select pre-made logos and other images. Dreamweaver is not an image editor, so users must create graphics elsewhere using separate graphic design software.

5. Generate links by highlighting desired text in the workspace and typing the URL into the "Link" field under the "Properties" box, located beneath the workspace or drag the "Point to File" icon on the right side of the "Link" box to select a page located in the "Files" window. Alternatively, users can type or copy and paste the URL from an external link into the "Link" field.

Uploading Files

1. Navigate to the "Files" window. Click the "Connects to Remote Host" icon, which appears as two electrical plugs.

2. Right-click the root directory in the "Files" window. Select "Put." Confirm the operation.

3. View upload progress in the status window as Dreamweaver uploads website files.

References

• University of Texas at Austin: Getting Started with Dreamweaver MX 2004