I'm sure it's been talked about before, but since there are new versions released periodically, I thought it would be good to ask again:
What web site and web graphics programs do you people prefer? I've been looking at Adobe(GoLive) vs. Macromedia(Dreamweaver, Fireworks, etc.) Any opinions on these or others?
I'm looking to design and maintain my own website and eventually offer web design as part of my services(along with logo and sign design), and have found affordable training for both companies programs. I do all my sign work in CorelDraw9(probably will upgrade to 11 soon) but also use Illustrator and Photoshop.
[ October 15, 2002, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: AlanD ]
Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :
Alan,
Although not as sophisticated as what you're looking at, you might want to check out Coolpage at www.coolpage.com which allows you to build websites without learning a lot of html. But if needed is available thru extensive online help.
Another program not to overlook would be Flash. From what I'm finding out, if you wanted, you could design your whole website with Flash. Don't know if I'd want to do that but it is possible. Flash has all the interactive capabilities of the other programs. It is unique & does have a learning curve to conquer.
No, I don't have a website yet. I prefer to have a working site & not one "under-construction" until I figure it all out.
End Alan
Posted by AlanD (Member # 1461) on :
Thanks for the info, Bill! I've been reading reviews of Flash and other programs but have yet to try them out. It's amazing how much overlap todays design programs have in their capabilities; such as how Fireworks can do many of the bitmap effects that other paint programs might have been used for)
... What do you mean by "End Alan"?... Posted by Jeff Bailey (Member # 1975) on :
I use the full Macromedia Studio MX suite ( Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, and Freehand) As wel l as Adobe Illustrator 10, and Photoshop 7. As far as html editing, I really like Dreamweaver. For graphics, I'm more comfortable with Photoshop, and Illustrator, but Fireworks integrates nicely with Dreamweaver. If you're currently using Photoshop, Corel, or Illustrator, you will be happy with them for creating web quality images. If you want a great buy, look into Macromedia Studio MX. for around $800.00 you get a great package of software that should enable you to do everything you need and then some.
Posted by Jeff Bailey (Member # 1975) on :
Also, the key here is to produce the hightest quality images, with the lowest possible file size. Photoshop and Fireworks does this nicely with their compression features. Be wary of some cheep image editors, as they can not match the image quality of FW and PS when it comes to compressing gif, and jpeg images, thus leaving you with a cheep looking site.
Good luck.
Posted by Shane French (Member # 2098) on :
I really like Fireworks. It's great to use if you want to get started right away. It's taylored to the web, so I find that it's easier to use for web stuff than Photoshop. If you're already really good with Photoshop, though, that is a more powerful application. I think you'd have good luck with Dreamweaver & Fireworks.
-shane
Posted by Alan Ackerson (Member # 3224) on :
Jeff and French hit it right on the head. Doing corporate web graphics everyday we rely on Adobe Illustrator and Photophop for design and Dreamweaver for the web. Macromedia has a whole site full of info - tutorials, bull board and a section called extensions, these "free" extensions are snippets of code users write and submit that integrate with Dreamweaver. These add functionality such as shopping baskets, scrolling menus, ect... Almost as good as Letterville
Good luck. If you have any other questions or comments send an email or give me a ring. Happy to help.
Posted by Alan Ackerson (Member # 3224) on :
Thumbs up to Fireworks as well, very good program.
Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :
Sorry Alan,
Didn't mean to scare you. Its just how Flash shows how to end scripts. Such if its an IF statement, it would end as END IF. Just tried to throw a little humor in.
Meant no harm.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
<Doug's post>
<Bill> writing in code huh? </Bill>
<footnote> That could catch on as the new terms of endearment for the millineum! </footnote>
</Doug's post>
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
I just redid my site using Dreamweaver and Fireworks. I have the version 3 studio. Very easy to use, and Dreamweavers greatest feature to me is the use of layers. Very good program.
Posted by Jeff Bailey (Member # 1975) on :
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