How to Learn Web Design With Dreamweaver

Learn web design by learning the Dreamweaver website building software.

Whether you're brand new to building websites or have been tinkering around with straight HTML code for a while, the Dreamweaver software available as part of the Adobe Creative Suite can help your website designs. Dreamweaver offers the ability to build sites visually without code, with dynamic buttons, compatibility, video, drop-down menus and styles to fit your preferences. Although the program is robust with its functionality, you've got a variety of options to learn how to use it to enhance your web design skills.

Instructions

1. Download a free trial copy of Dreamweaver, which you can use to experiment with to see ease of use and try your hand at building websites right away. The software trial comes with a variety of in-program tutorials and help guides that you can use as you work through the software.

2. Check your local community college for an adult education course in Dreamweaver. Adult education classes are usually short-term, held in the evenings and don't require previous experience or education. For example, Wake Technical Community College offers a "Dreamweaver Introduction" class that covers an overview of HTML, layout techniques with tables and cells, uploading the website to an Internet service provider, navigation and cascading style sheets. Students who wish to further their education may enroll in Wake Tech's "Dreamweaver Intermediate" course.

3. Invest in an introductory text book, such as "Dreamweaver CS4 for Dummies" by Janine C. Warner, "Dreamweaver CS4: The Missing Manual" by David Sawyer McFarland, "Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 Classroom in a Book" by the Adobe Creative Team or "Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques" by David Karlins. Be sure to purchase a book with the corresponding Dreamweaver version you're trying to learn.

4. Visit online Dreamweaver help forums, which are maintained by both Dreamweaver subject matter experts and users familiar with the program. On a forum you can read other users' questions and answers or post your own. The help forum on the official Adobe Dreamweaver site offers a frequently asked questions collection, a forum on web design use with Dreamweaver and searchable threads containing issues such as creating shopping carts, browser compatibility and line spacing on the page.

5. Attend a web design conference in your local area, where you'll be able to see Dreamweaver demonstrated in action on both the novice and experienced levels. Adobe representatives attend these conferences and staff booths in the exhibitor sections; you can inquire about the product, take educational seminars and possibly search for training or a mentor in your local area.

References

• Adobe: What is Dreamweaver?

Resources

• Adobe: Dreamweaver Free Trial Download
• Wake Technical Community College: Continuing Education
• Adobe: Dreamweaver Forums
• On Extra Pixel: The 8 Best Forthcoming Web Design Conferences