Tom, thanks for the quick reply. I never even thought to ask if I could switch back and forth. I've only used free Kompozer and it was no problem.

If I was to use Visual Designer, theoretically, could I get into the code when I need to? I'd see myself 90% in Visual, 10% in code when I needed precision.

Thanks again...

KB

Modifying the code outside of VSD is not recommended as it will not be there the next time you open the vnu (?) file to visually edit the page. You can, however, add html code using the html tool within VSD.

Another option that some people have found useful is to get most of the design factors of the site done in VSD and even content as finished as possible for the moment and then take it to the HTML Editor and edit it there either in code or in visual (staying with one or the other of course). This gives you the ability to get your site where you want it before taking it outside of VSD. Of course you need to realize that as Tom has already said, once out of VSD no changes made will be in the VSD files so you need to make an educated decision as to when it's time to start editing in the HTML Editor.

Many have used the Code editor of the HTML Editor to continue and fine tune their sites once they have it done in VSD. This gives you the ability to edit things in a more detailed manor. The choice of how you edit is always yours though. If you plan to stick with visual editing, then I would suggest just staying in VSD. Good luck however you end up editing

Tom, thanks for the quick reply.

Free Kompozer let me switch between Code/Visual all the time. I didn't even think to ask if this was possible.

As I'm not a programmer and never will be, I'm wondering if I purchased the wrong product.

In Visual Designer, can you use WYSIWYG, then switch to code when needed? I'd say I'm 90% Visual and 10% Code.

Thanks,
KB

Sorry - nix my last question as it's a repeat. For some reason I logged on and didn't see my question, so re-posted.

Thanks Jo-Ann and Tom for your responses.

Yes, the initial layout I'd want to do in Visual. Then later, I might tweak the code... adding forms, Google AdSense, whatever. That I'd feel fine doing in code with a Preview.

Perhaps will try the free trial of VSD so see if I can get in the groove.

Thanks again... and enjoy your Labor day holiday!

Karen - in Visual Site Designer (VSD), you don't need to tweak the code to add things. You can use other Coffee Cup software - like Form Builder to create your form, or Photo Gallery, whatever... then use the HTML or Flash tool to pop it right into your page. VSD also has an Edit Header function if you want to add additional code/scripts to your site. There's even a drop-down under Edit to let you insert web analytics code. Give the free trial a go and see what you think

Thanks paintbrush.

I'm weighing the learning curve on VSD with the learning curve on HTML editor. That pop is the sound of my head exploding (I'm a writer not a coder). :-)

Have downloaded free VSD and we'll see how we like each other...

I'd be running out of the gate if we could switch between Visual and Code in HTML editor. Instead, I feel like I'm back to square one. Any chances of that happening - ever?

Enjoy your short week...

Hi Karen,
I've just recently started messing around with the HTML Editor, mainly doing things to add into existing VSD pages. I've learned a lot through "customizing" VSD sites - I think I'm about ready to try creating a site with the HTML Editor. I like Jo Ann's recommendation - start with VSD to get the site going, then when everything's in place and looking good, use that as a template in the HTML Editor.
When I have used the HTML Editor, I found the visual side of it sort of awkward - it's not as easy as VSD, and in the time it took for me to figure something out, I could have just done it in the the code editor and previewed in the browser to see how it looked. Take advantage of the free trials - experiment and find out which programs/methods work best for you.
(We need more 3 day weekends! )