I know there's a trial download, but I'd like to know if things are possible before I get stuuck in, and start looking for them!

My web site is a personal one, which is a bit of a rambling mess - the odd tutorial here, article there, some CGI files to download, and JAlbum galleries.

I did it with a mix of basic tools, probably notepad most of all! I'm looking to rebuild the whole thing, and I want something a bit more elegant, and a LOT easier to maintain.

A good example would be that at the foot of each page I want a bar with buttons providing major links, e.g. "Email Me", "CGI Galleries", "Tutorials", etc.

Right now this is a pig to maintain - I use a bulk editor, which is distinctly dangerous as one slip of the fingers could mess up every page! Does CC support a 'repeated element' like this, so i could update it in one place, and have all the pages update?

Come to that does it include a button generator?

I really like JAlbum for my web galleries, so I am hoping it is no big deal to use this in conjunction with CC, for example by having JAlbum generate into the right place of my local copy of the web page, or simply copying in the folders it outputs.

In the unlikely event anyone wants to see the current messy version, it's at:
http://www.starbase1.co.uk/

Cheers!
Nick

Hi Starbase1, I looked at your site and sent you an email from your site.

Argh! One of the things that needs fixing is the email address there - the current one is completely flooded with spam!

If its not too much trouble, a better way to reach me is to email nick.peckham at gmail.com

Nick

Well the answer is a little bit yes, and a little bit no.

To the yes part; you can use the <object> tag to dynamically import data (or aven HTML code) from another file, some users here use it for their footers and menus and such, I have had success with it, but the problem for me occures when you get to relative adderssing from pages in other sub folders say a blog sub folder, so for my menu I just created one menu and made it a snippet in the editor and then past the code into each page.

There is a feature in the HTML editor that allows you to make bulk updates to all pages in the website, but it seems to be sketchy so I don't use it.

I can't address the button generator question, I've never used one, I find making my own with a little css is far more enjoyable and flexible than total graphics.

I might have more success giving you specific help if I knew are you asking aboiut the Visual Designer or the HTML Editor.

Pop by my site to see what a little HTML code and CSS can do

A lot depends on your expertise. The fact you have been using Notepad does suggest you can code. However VSD allows you to create buttons. It will allow the addition of J Album in its html insert feature. It is also a very quick concept builder. Ie it allows the creation of a page faster from scratch than manually coding however it does not offer the finer adjustments as David says in the css.

If it is for a personal site that you can maintain easily with the requirements you mentioned then VSD will do an admirable job. I actually use both I create in VSD and embellish with the editor.

David W - Thanks for such a detailed response, its a big help.

I was thinking about the HTML editor, but thats mainly because its what popped up in google!
Sounds like I might need to look at the VSD as well.

Something else I should mave mentioned, I want to make rollover buttons based on a pair of images, (makingthe images is not a big deal for me).

Prism - While I have done that, I'm really looking for something faster and easier!

I'm going to take a look at VSD now, (though I am woindering why the progs are not integrated into one?)

Thanks,
Nick

Do keep in mind that if you choose to go with VSD that you cannot edit the site outside of that program... ever ... unless you plan to leave it outside the program. It's a great program though, just letting you know that and also that it cannot import anything from current pages so you'd have to start over from scratch (not a big deal from what I see on your current site, no offense meant, just really needs a new look ).

HTML Editor would be my choice if you've already got code knowledge as it's much easier to manipulate your code with it. What NEITHER of the programs can address is the ability to do the single update to update all pages. You would need to accomplish that using PHP or SHTML regardless of which editor you choose.

HTML Editor does not contain a button creator (VSD sort of does), but has a built in CSS Menu maker which is quite nice.

The main differences between the 2 would be:

VSD: Fully drag and drop and visual design as well as the ability to input code to specific areas of the site. Almost completely absolute positioning for all elements on the page. Limited to the last versions of HTML and CSS (does other stuff too, just the versions here are in question) so it can not do HTML5 or CSS3 or later, and most likely will not be updated to do so later. Cannot import pages/files/sites etc. Must work fully within the realm of the program for all updates.

HTML Editor: Fully code based with a fairly nice function preview window that allows you to click it to bring your cursor to the code involved for that element clicked on. Limited to your own knowledge or ability to gain the knowledge needed to code a website. Can edit any and all functions of a website page as well as ASP, Javascript, Jquery, and so on. HTML/HTML5 and CSS/CSS3 functional. Has no visual editor (used to but that feature has been removed, just in case any old version users are saying "yes it does!" lol). Many built in functions such as Form elements to create your own custom forms if you've got that knowlege to do so. Contains a fully functional CSS Menu creator.

Take them both for a trial spin (one at a time so you don't waste the same 30 days for them) and see which one best suits your needs. Good luck and hope that helps

Jo Ann, thanks again for a comprehensive response, it will save me a lot of time.

Nick