I tested out the Visual Site Designer and was quite excited about....

Then I discovered I couldn't edit code nor export the finished page as html.

I did try to work out how to upload through Coffee Cup S-Drive (I have no idea what it is or how it works - doesn't appear to be anywhere I can edit the upload settings), so fail there.

I entered by FTP site details, and I KNOW they are correct, yet I'm unable to connect to the server through the program.

This program has so much potential, but is limited to the extent where it's not worth spending the time creating. So very disappointing.

There's a few bucks you won't be getting from me.

We offer two different applications that you can choose from which will allow you to create your site: HTML Editor and Visual Site Designer.

The main difference between HTML Editor and Visual Site Designer is access to the raw HTML. Visual Site Designer will generate all the necessary HTML for you and allow you to focus on the design of your page. You can insert text, images, links, etc. and drag them anywhere on the page. You can even create shapes such as rectangles and circles, or add effects like glow, bevel, and shadow. Because everything is stored in the .vnu file for Visual Site Designer, it cannot open preexisting HTML files to edit.

The HTML Editor, on the other hand, can open any HTML file and edit it with either the Code Editor or Visual Editor. The Visual Editor will also allow you to insert text, images, links, etc., but you cannot create shapes or effects within the program. Those would need to be done outside the software and inserted as images. Because the HTML Editor edits one file at a time, as opposed to the entire site, you have more control over things like filenames, directory structure, etc., and how these elements are uploaded to the server.


While you cannot import a site into VSD, when you save your website it automatically generates all of your HTML files for you. If you look where you saved your website on your computer there will be an _website files folder. Look in there for all your content.

When trying to upload, I bet you did not configure all of the FTP settings correctly, specifically either not checking the passive mode option or you may have forgetting to enter in a path for the remote folder destination. If you re-check those settings I bet you will be able to correct the upload issue. If you still have problems, just open a support ticket and one of our techs can help you out.

As to S-Drive, that is actually running in beta right now for a select group of users. You can find more information on S-Drive here at www.coffeecup.com/designer

Info, All software seems hard to use the first time you use it. VSD is an easy software to use to make websites especially considering how much it can do. I recommend you sit down and just practice doing a few things on a page to get use to the interface. Once menus and commands become familiar you will be making top notch websites. If you have problems with ftp account settings or any other aspect of VSD just come to this forum where experienced users are happy to help.
Good luck and don't give up.

And don't forget that VSD has a manual too, well worth taking a peek into.

Speaking of VSD having potential, have you seen this thread?

http://www.coffeecup.com/forums/designer/post-your-website-here/