Editing Options
In the upper corner of the document window are three buttons. These buttons allow you to toggle between the editors in Dreamweaver. The program uses a system called roundtrip HTML. Meaning you can edit the HTML directly and Dreamweaver will update the design and layout automatically. Or, you can design a page and let Dreamweaver edit the HTML to make it all happen. Working on one side automatically updates the other creating a "roundtrip" effect. This allows designers, who tend to be more interested in the look and performance of a page, the ability to create and design. It also allows programmers to write out code to perform complicated functions within a page and Dreamweaver will leave the code they created alone. Unlike other editors which rewrite any HTML that does not fit within the browsers specifications. The possible views on the document window are listed below.
Code View
There are two different editors in Dreamweaver. The code editor which allows you to directly write html into your page. This can be very useful when you need to check links and when you start including simple scripting.
Design View
The design editor allows you to drag and drop items into your web page. Editing is very similar to any other publishing software you have use in the past such as Pagemaker, Publisher, and even Word. The design editor is a WYSIWYG window. You can see your page almost exactly as someone on the net will.
Split View
Split view allows you to use both editors at the same time. The screen is divided in half showing both. Tip: Make sure to click in the window of the editor you wish to use. It can occasionally get confusing where you are working.
