HTML Editor Reviews

SpiderPad

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SpiderPad 1.0.0 - Six Legged Software

Found: http://www.sixlegs.com/

Overview:

• MS-Windows
• Stand alone program
• Text Style
• No HTML checking -- However does check each tag for correct use (proper attributes, etc)
• Very Stable
• Score = B++ This is an A grade editor which needs just a bit more....
• Shareware: USD$ 59.95
• Screen Shot
• User Comments

Nice features found in this package include:

Fill in templates

The package allows you to create templates which will prompt you for information when used.

Support for attribute editing

Many packages will handle attributes for the few "dialogs" they include (link and image typically), but SpiderPad allows the user to modify the attributes of any tag by selecting it and using the modify menu. If the tag normally has its own dialog, such as images, frames, and tables, the package will show that dialog to modify the item. For every tag, the modify menu shows the available attributes which can be changed. Selecting the attribute will bring up a dialog which is appropriate, such as radio buttons for ALIGN. I think all editors should include this feature, since it greatly reduces the chance for error ("Did FRAME support noresize or was it resize?")

Support current Netscape 2.0 and Internet Explore tags

SpiderPad includes support the HTML 3.0 and the new extensions from Netscape and Explorer. The support goes far beyond simple tag insertion. The package also understands the new attributes.

Nicely customizable

This package provides a number of ways to customize it to perform just as you desire. You can change the menu hot-keys (or accelerators, or short cuts) to any thing desired using an intuitive configuration dialog. This is a first in any editor I've looked at (as of 4/96), and a very interesting feature. You can also change which buttons from a set are shown on the button bar (It would be nice if you could change the default actions). Finally, It includes the essential custom tag list to enter in new unsupported tags and other common text (I like to use these for my common navigation bars with [top][home] etc..).

Graphical editor for Frames, Tables, and Forms

This package includes some very nice creation tools from these elements. Each one includes a graphical layout of the current definition which allows you to get an indication of how they will look when viewed by a browser. What I really like is that you can edit each after they are placed in a document. For example, you can change the look of a form without starting from scratch. Many packages with dialogs for these features help create these structures, but do not allow you to edit existing ones in the document. I'm glad to see SiderPad go the extra step and help authors maintain existing pages.

Missing/Poorly Implemented Features:

Headings buttons missing from button bar

There is no quick way to insert headings from the button bar. Fortunately, You have complete control over menu shortcuts, so a key combination can be created to do the job (actually predefined in the default configuration). I wish you had more control over the button bar, so I could add my normal tag set.

Conclusion:

This release of SpiderPad is surely the beginning of a long line of great editors. Powerful frame and table dialogs are full featured and the package includes essential, yet often forgotten, attribute editting and usage checking. Although, it lacks the polish of some other editors, it brings it's own set of useful features to this market and will surely become a favorite of many authors. This package could become a pick someday...

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