I am sorry if I posted this in the wrong forums. I was wondering what program/s you guys used to make website layouts. I have some knowledge in banner making but would like to get into making full website layouts and such. Any info would be appreciated

I use Dreamweaver to make the actual code, but I use photoshop to make the front pages before cutting it up.

Anyone else?

all you need is photoshop and notepad, STAY AWAY FROM WYSIWYG like Dreamweaver and Front Page.

I concur

I just helped my brother g/f with her website which was made in Dreamweaver MX and it made everything awful. Took twice as long to do because I had to fix the stuff that DW messed up. If you know HTML and CSS you're in a much better spot.

here we go again... the good 'ol "wysiwyg sucks, notepad rules" posts

i do all my site in dreamweaver for the simple reason of color coded code, tag insights, i can change my files directly off my server just to name a few. i NEVER use the "design" mode... i think that's the problem with most. stick to the "code" mode and you'll be fine... it won't add tags you didn't want, etc....

before getting a wysiwyg like DW tho... i suggest you start learning html, xhtml and css and code it in notepad. then, when you're comfortable with the language, choose a software that suits you.

hth

using 1st page overhere.
It's good enough. Suppose a bit easier then notepad

Originally Posted by WebcyteDesign

all you need is photoshop and notepad, STAY AWAY FROM WYSIWYG like Dreamweaver and Front Page.

This is a bit misleading. Especially when there are those who use Dreamweaver, but don't use the WYSIWYG functionalities (like me).

It really depends on what the user wants to be able to do, the amount of effort the user wants to put forth into learning (1) HTML, (2) Scripting languages, (3) a new (wysiwyg) program.

For someone like my mom, should she ever decide she wants to build a home page, I would definitely suggest she use a WYSIWYG editor.

For someone who has the time and dedication to learn how to code by hand, I highly recommend learning how to code...it's much more gratifying (plus you do actually have more control over your site)...but don't discurage them from using programs strictly on the fact that they have the capability to do WYSIWYG, because there are some other features that will help out even the most hard-core coders in these programs.

I would say ultimatley, no matter what you use, you should take a few tutorials in both html and css. A lot of people use wysiwyg (what you see is what you get), but it seems the people who get the most out of these programs, have a firm understanding of the code they generate. The upside to notepad and other text editors are they are normally free. I personally, use crimson editor, which has syntax color highlighting like karinne uses in dreamweaver, although it is just a text editor. This type of feature is very desirable and can make your codeing a little easier to trouble shoot.

As far as making images, there are two programs I hear people use. Paint shop pro, which is fairly inexpensive and sounds like it has a lot features. The other is photoshop, which is the one I use, it's a great piece of software but it isn't cheap. I'm sure there are other programs as well, but after shelling out the dough for photoshop, I haven't really looked in to it.

Good luck,

Notepad and PhotoShop... that's all there is to it!