Microsoft FrontPage is getting long in the tooth. DreamWeaver users mock and scoff it, however much of their criticism is based on older kludgy versions, not the most recent one, FrontPage 2003. I use FrontPage to develop websites, it can do quite a lot and does it well.
But still, the creaks are showing. It's old. Microsoft hadn't announced any new versions, so I was wondering, what's up. Will they orphan it?
Nope. They are making Microsoft Expression Web Designer the new FrontPage. It's available as a free beta now (warning, the download is 224mb!) and upon my first quick look, it's clear this is a new, vastly more powerful website design tool that builds on FrontPage.
You can import directly from FrontPage sites, which is seriously helpful. Many of the options, like Insert Table for example,, are near identical to the FP version. Thus, the learning curve for FP users will be simplified. The interface is a mix of FrontPage, with a distinct DreamWeaver feel too.
CSS support is improved and omnipresent. Good. Lots more too. I'll report back after I play with it more.
4 responses so far ↓
Politics in the Zeros»Blog Archive » The new FrontPage // May 26, 2006 at 9:25 am |
[...] Here’s what’s replacing it, Microsoft Expression Web Designer, now available as a free beta download. More on my tech blog. • • • [...]
Daniel Rivera // May 26, 2006 at 10:02 pm |
I’m a die-hard fan of Dreamweaver and I’ve got to admit I’m one of those that scoffs at FP, but then again, last FP I used was back in the 1990’s (whoa, that sounds like a long long time ago… well, technologywise it is). But still, what I like the most about DW is that it is WYWIWYG (What You Want Is What You Get) as opposed to old FrontPage’s WYSINNWYG (W.Y.S. Is Not Neccesarily What You’ll Get)
bobmorris // May 26, 2006 at 11:30 pm |
That’s exactly what I mean! FP has been full WYSIWYG since FP 2001. FP 98 wasn’t. All versions after that have been.
Web Designer, now that I’ve played with it a while, is powerful. The CSS is an integral part of the system now. You can write the CSS automatically as you go, or do it manually.
Lots more too. And since it incorporates much of the FP look and feel, the learning curve will be lessened for FP users. However, this is aimed at web developers, not casual web site building.
Bob Morris » Blog Archive » More on Microsoft Web Designer // May 29, 2006 at 9:51 am |
[...] Following up my previous post on Web Designer, the new Microsoft program that will replace FrontPage, I'm been playing with it and it's impressive. [...]