Top 5 Advanced HTML Editors

Linda L. Grubbs, PCWorld.com

1. AceHTML: Have you ever tried to create frames in a Web page, only to get lost because you couldn't decipher the code and determine where one frame ends and another begins? This free HTML editor can help you create frames that are well organized and easy to edit. I used one of the program's templates to get started (you can also create a frame from scratch), and I made a Web page containing three frames. Each frame had different target attributes. A frame properties dialog box simplified the selection of HTML source files and frame names; I liked that feature because it allowed me to keep track of the target areas and their corresponding windows. Predefined frame alignments helped me select horizontal and vertical formats, whether the frame should have a border, and automatic scrolling. This robust program also comes with ready-to-use JavaScripts, as well as predefined DHTML scripts that you can easily insert into a document.

2. Arachnophilia: Filling out a form on the Web should be as simple as filling out a paper form. The process should be quick, pain-free, and completed in a couple of minutes. The form generator in this editor allows you to make Web forms that are well organized and supported by different browsers. A customizable toolbar contains all the fields you need to create forms with pulldown menus, radio buttons, or check boxes. You can even create a password box that displays asterisks as information is typed in. You also get a macro feature that you can use to create shortcut keys for repetitious tasks, such as generating tables. An instant view window shows you what the Web page will look like as you're creating it. Generating tables, bulleted lists, or numbered lists happens automatically with a simple click of an icon. And the program's Analyze HTML feature checks your Web page for syntax errors and nested tags.

3. HomeSite: In a well-appointed room designed by Martha Stewart or Laura Ashley, everything matches. Why not do the same for your Web pages? If you want to give your Web pages a common look without having to define the properties of every individual word or element, the Cascading Style Sheets feature of this program is for you. Using the TopStyle LiteStyle Editor that comes bundled with this program, I took two pages with basic HTML code and substituted style properties and values for the HTML. A pulldown menu simplified the process of setting rules for the page by offering properties that applied to each selector (HTML tag). For example, I created a uniform look for the headers in the documents by selecting, from the pulldown menu, properties for the font, including the type (Arial), the style (italic), and the color (blue). You can also make global changes to a site. In addition, a color-coding system makes identifying various style elements easier. Wizards for frames, tables DHTML, JavaScript, and RealNetworks streaming technology are available, as are project management and quality control features. DHTML, SMIL, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, ASP, JSP, Perl, CFML, VBScript, and XML are all supported. The trial version is good for 30 days.

4. 1st Page 2000: Have you ever come across a Web site that had special effects you really liked, and wanted to reproduce on your own Web page? If so, this program may be worth checking out. It includes 450 JavaScripts that you can use in your document. Each script falls within a category (such as Alerts, E-Mail Forms, Cookies, and Enhancements) and performs various functions, such as initiating e-mail messages with the subject line already filled in, creating pop-up windows, generating cursors that blink, or making text scroll. Using a function called Instantz Scripts, I inserted several scripts into my Web page without having to rewrite a single line of code or perform special configurations. I also viewed the script through an internal preview option.

This freeware program offers four levels: Easy, Expert, Hardcore, and Normal. However, beginners should take a look at the Tips & Tricks section before getting started. The editor highlights tags in color and lets you insert tags from lists. The program works with existing HTML files, or you can use it to start new ones that support Cascading Style Sheets and Java applets. Other features include automatic image resizing, rollover-button creation, and code checking through the Tidy HTML feature, which you can also use to convert HTML to XML.

5. Dreamweaver: If you strive to keep your Web site up-to-date, you know that managing your files can be a complicated--if not downright confusing--task. One false move while transferring a file from a local disk to a remote server can spell disaster. The site management feature in this program simplifies such issues by synchronizing file transfers and keeping copies of files in both directories. After I created local and remote locations through the program's step-by-step tutorial, I uploaded several files through FTP to the remote site in 10 minutes. But what I liked most was the way the program mimicked on the remote server the changes I made on the local site. After making several noticeable changes, I used the Site Synchronize command to transfer the latest versions of the files to the remote site. A dialog box prompted me to verify which files I wanted to transfer before it initiated the command. It also had options for deleting files that had no corresponding origins.

If you're working with others on a project, the check-in/check-out system keeps track of when a file is checked out and puts a color check mark next to the file icon with the team member's name. Team members can also add Design Notes to any file so that other members can get status reports. Other features include a QuickTag editor that gives users on-the-spot access to HTML code. Inline image maps allow you to add hotspots and change links and targets. You pay a hefty price for this top-of-the-line product ($299), but you can use a trial version of it for 30 days.