Building a website is one of the most important aspects for companies in today’s business climate. More important than having a website, however, is having a good website.
You need your website to demonstrate your brand identity clearly. You need your website to invite the user with easy UI and UX.
Building a website can be costly. And for many small companies, that’s just not an option. What do you do when you don’t have access to unlimited funds but you still need a great website? Plan on using an app like Dreamweaver.
Read on to learn how this Dreamweaver tutorial will create your company’s dream website.
Dreamweaver Tutorial: First Steps
Before you go rushing into making your website, a good place to start is understanding what you’re using. Dreamweaver is an integrated development environment (IDE).
IDEs essentially simplify the complex aspects of design software. Dreamweaver is nice because it gives the user control while retaining its simplicity. Combining elements of CMS and a pure code editor, Dreamweaver is best known for its versatility.
Visual Design Interface
Dreamweaver’s design interface is very similar to creating a layout in Word. You have a large amount of maneuverability as you can control the layout of your website with the click of your mouse.
Building the foundation of your website is one of the most important steps. Being able to do this quickly and effectively allows you the time and freedom to focus on finer details.
Instead of worrying about whether your website will be functional, you’ll be able to focus on your specific vision.
If you prefer to control your own code, that’s not a problem either.
Code Editor
Dreamweaver is perfect for simplifying the coding process of a website. It comes equipped with the standard coding functions. Toggling back and forth between the VDI and the code editor is a great way to expedite the process while maintaining quality.
A list of useful code functions:
- Code Collapsing — Allows you to shrink the code so that it’s easier to read. You’ll be able to focus on the particular code you’re working on instead of endlessly scrolling.
- Code Completion —Saves time by filling the blanks in for you. Similar to autocorrect on your phone, code completion gives you suggestions as you’re writing.
- Syntax Highlighting — Highlights different elements of code to organize. Makes it easier to read while coding.
Dreamweaver Tutorial: Steps To Get Started
- Setup — Unfortunately, Dreamweaver is not a free application. But it’s worth every cent if you need a quality website fast. Rates are usually $19.99/month or $29.99 per year. You can also get an all-encompassing app called All Apps for $49.99.
- Download and Installation — After you pay for the app, you’ll need to download and install it onto your device. If you’re already using Creative Cloud you’ll be able to initiate the program inside.
- Welcome Screen — Your first time running the program will bring up a welcome screen. If you’ve never used it, click on the ‘No, I’m New’ option and Dreamweaver will lead you through a short tutorial.
- Developer/Standard Workplace — This will allow you to choose between full on coding and the standard interactive designer discussed earlier. For the sake of brevity, we’ll discuss the standard workspace.
- Color Coding — After you select the standard workspace, you’ll choose your color theme.
- After you choose your color scheme, you’ll decide whether you want to start a new file, work on an existing, or watch a tutorial. Then you’re ready to get started!
Dreamweaver Tutorial: Creating the HomePage
- Once you start a new site, you’ll need to name it. After you name it, decide where you want to store it. For the sake of organization, it’s advisable to store your sites in one location.
- After you have a new project started and know where you’ll be saving it, you’ll want to work on your homepage. This is the backbone of your website so it’s important to have your brand identity stick out. You’ll be presented with a blank page that acts as a canvas. The program will have some simple code behind the blank page to assist you.
- Creating a Header — After you’ve arrived at the homepage, a great place to start is with your website header. Click on the <body> and you’ll be able to begin. Click on the insert tab in the top right corner. A dropdown menu will appear with text options. Click on the header option. Then click on the code for the header text on the bottom. A blank box will appear for you to type your text. Once you enter the text you’ll notice it looks plain. The next step will fix that.
Dreamweaver Tutorial: CSS, The Key to Expression
After you have created a template for your homepage, you’ll need to add your own unique elements. The way to do that is through CSS. You’ll be able to control colors, fonts, the dimensions of your other elements, and many more.
- You’ll start by creating a CSS file. Give your CSS an id by clicking on the DOM menu in the bottom right corner. Click #header. The hashtag means you are assigning an id, not a class. Press enter. Then select create new CSS file. Click browse and then type style.cssinto the file name and click save. Now a new file will appear next to your source code.
- Now that you have a file made, you’ll be able to start editing. Click on the CSS designer in the upper right corner.
- Click Selector and name your header
- An assortment of new buttons allows you to change properties such as fonts, layouts, texts, and borders.
Build Your Website Now
This Dreamweaver tutorial has explained how to create a to get started, create a homepage, and add expressive content. That’s only the tip of the iceberg.
With these rudimentary tools, however, you’ll be able to comfortably learn and navigate all that Dreamweaver has to offer. Stop being afraid of making your own website. The power can be at your fingertips.
Check out these other informative blogs to learn more about website building!
