HTML Editor Reviews

WebDesigner 1.0

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WebDesigner 1.0 -- CompuDesign

Found: http://www.cybercity.dk/users/ccc2277/webdes.htm

Overview:

Windows NT/95
Stand alone program
Text based editor
No HTML checking
Very Stable
Shareware:
Screen Shot
User Comments

Nice features found in this package include:

Supports Netscape 2.0 and Internet Explorer 2.0 tags.: WebDesigner does support Netscape and Internet explore tags, but only through a dialog containing a scrolling list of all tags. There are no menu items and buttons to insert these tags (except marque and back ground sound for Explorer).
Table editor dialog.: WebDesigner includes a table editor with many of the expected features. However, as many others, it does not allow users to modify existing tables.
Dialogs for entering forms.: The package does handle forms relatively well. It includes dialogs for each form element which are simple to use.
Page Wizard focussing on Explorer.: As a number of other editor, this package includes a simple page wizard for creating a starting HTML page. Unlike most, it focusses on Internet Explorer extensions. This includes allowing users to enter a marque and background sound to use .
Graphical editing of forms.: Version 3.0 now includes graphical editing of forms in the document. This includes dialogs for entering selection options and gives a better feel of the final form.

Missing/Poorly Implemented Features:

Button bar is missing some important tags.: I still cannot understand why developers of editors fail to put commonly use tags--including heading, horizontal rules, and common list types--but include a button for things only used once during page development--including page developing wizards and body attribute dialogs. WebDesigner is one of these editors which has a button bar of limitted scope, but does include the list item which often is forgotten. The package doesn't even include links and images on the button bar.
Attributes mixed in with elements in menu.: The package includes a "Align" menu item which lists the possible ALIGN attribute values. Unfortunatly, there is no information on which tags these attributes are appropriate for. Though not a large problem for experienced authors, this could cause beginners some trouble.
Help is lacking in content.: The help file is minimal and contains only short descriptions on how to use the package. Also, the HTML help portion consists of some URL's of places where you can learn more.
No customization: Many editors have only minimal ability to customize, but WebDesigner includes none. This is difficult to forgive when the button bars are poorly designed to begin with.

Conclusion:

WebDesigner is a basic HTML editting package which does include some of the new tags. Unfortunately , they are found only a list containing all tags, and you might as well type them in yourself. Other editors contain the features found here and much more, and I would not recommend this editor. Although I am use to seeing high-end products, I can't see anyone trading there favorite text editor for this package.

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