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Common questions about Dreamweaver 8

This article answers some of the common questions received by Macromedia Technical Support.

Dreamweaver FAQs

Following is a list of additional Dreamweaver FAQs to be aware of:

Common Questions
How do I upgrade my current Dreamweaver version to Dreamweaver 8?

Upgrade information for Dreamweaver and all Macromedia products can be found in the Macromedia Upgrade Policy ServiceNote.

Do I have to know HTML to use Dreamweaver 8?

Working knowledge of HTML is very helpful when using Dreamweaver. However, many developers use Dreamweaver as a tool for learning HTML. You can use the Code and Design split view to designpages visually while watching the code changes as they happen. If you have any questions about the code that is written, you can easily access pertinent reference documents using the Reference panel.

Can I view and edit the HTML code?

Dreamweaver provides direct access to the HTML code through the Code view or the split Code and Design view, or as a separate panel using the Code Inspector. Once the code is accessed, you can directly hand code HTML and see the code rendered in the visual Design view. In Design view, in addition to the Quick Tag Editor, you have several ways of adding or modifying tags and their attributes. The Tag Inspector allows you to modify attributes for tags selected in Design view. The Code view will show hints as you type. Dreamweaver also allows tag-level customization of code through its Tag Library Editor.

What version of HTML, XHTML and JavaScript does Dreamweaver 8 write?

Dreamweaver 8 gives you the option of writing either HTML or XHTML. If you choose to generate HTML, the code written is either HTML 4.01 Transitional or HTML 4.01 Strict. If you choose to generate XHTML, the code written is either XHTML 1.0 Transitional, XHTML 1.0 Strict or XHTML 1.1. Dreamweaver writes JavaScript which ranges from 1 to 1.2, using the most widely compatible code.

What version of CSS does Dreamweaver 8 support?

Dreamweaver 8 supports both CSS 1 and CSS 2.

What operating system is required to run Dreamweaver 8?

See the System Requirements page for details. Dreamweaver was not designed for or tested on Macintosh systems formatted with Case-Sensitive File Systems or UFS. Dreamweaver also does not support using local or remote folders (via Local/Network) located on a Case-Sensitive File System or UFS partition. You can see if your Macintosh has a Case-Sensitive File System or UFS format by choosing Macintosh HD > Get Info, then check the value for the Format property.

Does Dreamweaver support the Windows XP 64-bit operating system?

Dreamweaver was not tested with the Windows XP 64-bit operating system. No Dreamweaver features were optimized to take advantage of the Windows XP 64-bit enhancements.

Does Dreamweaver support dual processor or dual core machines, or hyperthreading?

Dreamweaver was not tested with dual processor or hyperthreaded machines. No Dreamweaver features were optimized to take advantage of dual processors or hyperthreading.

Is there an updater for Dreamweaver 8?

An 8.0.1 patch for the English version of Dreamweaver was made available for download on January 16, 2006. It contains several bug fixes related to performance and stability. Localized versions of this patch will be made available shortly. For full details, please seeResolved issues with Dreamweaver 8 update (8.0.1) (TechNote f56452a8).

What protocol does Dreamweaver 8's Secure FTP functionality support?

Dreamweaver 8 includes Secure FTP (SFTP) capabilities, supporting the OpenSSH 3.5p1 protocol. It has been tested with the following Secure FTP servers:

What are the new WebDAV improvements in Dreamweaver 8?

WebDAV in Dreamweaver 8 now supports digest authentication and SSL for secure file transfer and offers improved connectivity with a wider array of servers.

Does Dreamweaver 8 support accessibility efforts?

Dreamweaver 8 allows you to see user interface items that help you author accessible pages. In addition to this, you can run reports on websites to determine how well web pages meet accessibility guidelines. In addition to the integrated accessibility evaluation tool for Section 508 and WCAG Priority 1 checkpoints, Dreamweaver now supports both CSS and accessibility with an updated evaluation tool that includes WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints. These efforts and more are described in the Macromedia Accessibility website.

What integration is there between Dreamweaver 8 and Fireworks 8 and Flash 8?

Macromedia Fireworks 8 and Macromedia Flash 8 are powerful web-development tools designed to create graphics and SWF files for viewing in web pages. You can easily insert Fireworks images or tables and Flash content (SWF files) in a Dreamweaver document. You can also take advantage of the integration features between Dreamweaver and Fireworks or Flash to make changes to an image or movie after you have inserted it in a Dreamweaver document. Roundtrip editing enables Dreamweaver to integrate operations with Fireworks and Flash. Roundtrip editing ensures that code updates transfer correctly between Dreamweaver and these other applications (for example, to preserve rollover behaviors, or links to other files). Fireworks 8 introduces CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) driven popup menus, generating clean and easily customizable code that integrates well into sites built in Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver 8 lets you easily insert Flash Video content in your web pages without using the Flash authoring tool. Dreamweaver inserts the Flash Video component; when viewed in a browser, this component displays the Flash Video content you select, as well as a set of playback controls.

What integration is there between Dreamweaver 8 and Contribute?

Contribute 3 makes distributed web publishing a reality, allowing content publishers and web developers to work together efficiently. Tight Dreamweaver integration and enhanced administrative controls provide an integrated system suited to organizations large and small. New in Dreamweaver 8 is integration with the Contribute Publishing Server. Events in Dreamweaver will notify Contribute Publishing Server, so that all changes to a website in the WPS ecosystem are recorded.

Can I work with ASP, ASP.NET, CFML, JSP, PHP and other non-HTML languages in Dreamweaver 8?

Dreamweaver 8 continues to support the design functionality and database accessibility of previous versions, producing a robust design tool that is both easy and powerful to work with. Dreamweaver 8's support of server models is covered in greater detail in the Dreamweaver 8 dynamic FAQ.

Can I make e-commerce sites with Dreamweaver 8?

You can easily and professionally develop e-commerce Internet applications with Dreamweaver 8, as just one example of database-driven content.

Does Dreamweaver 8 support XML and XSL?

Dreamweaver 8 supports not only the creation and editing of XML and XSL files, but it also allows you to import DTDs and schemas and to validate XML documents. In addition to the dynamic document types that Dreamweaver 8 supports (ColdFusion, PHP, ASP, ASP.NET and JSP), you can also create WML content in Dreamweaver's Design View.

Dreamweaver 8 includes new visual tools to introspect XML data from local or remote XML data, such as RSS feeds. Once Dreamweaver has introspected the XML data, it displays a simple XML tree in the Bindings panel enabling you to use a simple drag-and-drop workflow to display the desired content on your page. For example, Dreamweaver 8 makes it easy to display another website's RSS content on your own web pages. More information on Dreamweaver 8's new XML functionality is available from the Dreamweaver product page and in the Visual authoring with XML data FAQ (TechNote 5ca5614c).

How do Dreamweaver Templates work?

Dreamweaver Templates allow you to better manage the overall design of sites by separating page content from page design. By defining editable areas on a page, you can restrict changes that can be made to the layout of a particular HTML page. Content contributors can then add and edit content in these editable regions without compromising the site's design. Moreover, changes can be made to the overall design of the site quickly by revising the template file directly.

Does Dreamweaver 8 come with starter pages?

While you can create your own templates, Dreamweaver 8 also allows you to create new pages based on pre-designed starter pages and page designs. You can also easily use templates from any site in any other site. FrontPage templates will not work in Dreamweaver 8.

What do Dreamweaver Library items do, and how are they different from snippets?

Dreamweaver Library items allow you to save sections of HTML code from an existing page for later use. These Library items can be added to pages in the site from the Library palette with drag and drop ease. Libraries also make it easy to update code across many pages, as edits to a Library item will be reflected in all pages that reference it throughout the site. Dreamweaver 8 also uses Snippets, which allows you to "snag" a bit of code or text that can be dropped into other pages. Snippets are not dependent on a file, but are written directly to the code, perfect for a copyright statement or a favorite bit of JavaScript code.

Does Dreamweaver 8 support network installations, roaming profiles and terminal server installations?

Dreamweaver 8 supports network installations or silent installations with the new MSI installer. Dreamweaver 8 does not support Windows roaming profiles or storing user configuration folders on network drives. Dreamweaver 8 does not support Citrix application server installations or any other kind of terminal server installation.

Can I make pages in languages other than English with Dreamweaver 8?

Dreamweaver 8 includes support for UTF-8 as an encoding choice, which allows you to not only develop pages in other languages, but even to use multiple languages in the same web page. In addition to the UTF-8 support, however, Dreamweaver 8 has always supported a robust set of encoding choices. Multi-language development can be very dependent upon the developer's environment, but Dreamweaver 8 can be an excellent choice for the developer needing additional encoding support.

What are Dreamweaver extensions?

Dreamweaver extensions add extra functionality to Dreamweaver 8. You can access the Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver from the Commands menu for direct, easy access to the new Extension Manager and a wide variety of extensions that are readily available.

Does Dreamweaver 8 support extensions written for Dreamweaver MX 2004?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 extensions should be compatible with Dreamweaver 8. Some third-party extensions may not function correctly due to changes in Dreamweaver 8's new menu structure. Please check with the extension author to confirm Dreamweaver 8 compatibility with individual extensions.

Dreamweaver MX 2004 extensions authored by Macromedia are currently undergoing testing to determine compatibility with Dreamweaver 8. Please check the Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver for information on specific extensions.

What is the Dreamweaver Exchange?

The Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver is the place developers can download extensions that will extend the functionality of Dreamweaver. These easy-to-install extensions are a great way for a beginning user to expand on Dreamweaver's core functionality. Advanced users can share their own objects, behaviors, and commands through the Exchange and new users can benefit from the efforts of the community of extension developers.

How do I learn how to use Dreamweaver?

Dreamweaver includes sample files and introductory tutorials, accessible from the Help menu. Macromedia Press publishes two Training From the Source books for Dreamweaver 8, for those interested in a project-based, hands-on book that can be read cover-to-cover. You may also choose a more formal educational experience, learning to use Dreamweaver 8 through Macromedia Authorized Training and Certification Programs. Choose from a variety of classroom-based and online training courses designed to help you build effective websites and applications. Visit the Macromedia Training website for more information.

What is HomeSite+ 5.5?

HomeSite+ 5.5 combines the power of ColdFusion Studio 5 and HomeSite 5.5 with additional support for ColdFusion MX 6.1 tag development. HomeSite+ provides a lean, code-only editor for web developers to be used to build reliable sites in less time. Advanced coding features enable you to instantly create and modify HTML, XHTML and WML tags, while integrated tools allow you to effortlessly validate, reuse, navigate and format your code. Project management, quality control and site deployment features help you efficiently build, deploy and manage your entire website.

HomeSite+ is only available for Windows users, and only available with Dreamweaver 8 or Studio 8. Look for the HomeSite+ 5.5 installer on the Dreamweaver 8 CD or with the download of Dreamweaver 8 from the Macromedia online store. Macromedia HomeSite 5.5 is still available for purchase separately. HomeSite+ 5.5 was not updated for ColdFusion 7 tag support.

What should I do if I can't download Dreamweaver?

Please see the Download help ServiceNote.

What should I do if my question wasn't answered here?

First, make sure your question isn't answered in one of the other FAQ's mentioned at the top of this page. If it's not, please contact Customer Service or Technical Support if your question wasn't answered here. You can also ask questions on the Dreamweaver Forum.

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Document Details

ID:9a25362
OS:Windows (All)
Mac OS (All)

Products Affected:

dreamweaver