Creating Your Dynamic Web Template Now that you have created your page, and you know that it validates you can save it as a Dynamic Web Template or DWT for short. There is a FREE Ebook available on Dynamic Web Templates written and made available by Tina Clarke. I encourage you to download and use Expression Web DWT EBook
What is a Dynamic Web Template? A Dynamic Web Template - DWT - is an HTML/XHTML based master copy of a web page that you create to contain formatting and page elements such as text, graphics, page layout, styles, and regions of a web page that can be modified. You can attach a Dynamic Web Template to the pages that are part of a web site, and that template defines the layout for those pages. A website can contain more than one DWT.
Why it’s a good idea to use a DWT? One of the most important concepts of website design is to maintain a consistent look and feel for your site. Using a DWT makes this possible. As a webmaster you should attempt to provide: • • • •
Consistent navigation throughout your site Consistent look throughout the site Provide basic pages such as a Sitemap, Contact, About and Search pages. Your visitor should be able to reach your home page from any page on the site. Provide copyright information and a disclaimer or terms of use page as well as a Privacy Policy. These are quite often found in the footer of a page.
Creating a Dynamic Web Template – DWT Step 1: Before you can create a Dynamic Web Template you have to have a template to work with. Create your template as a HTML or XHTML document with all of the elements of the page that will be part of every page on your site - masthead, site navigation, footer. Make sure it also includes any meta tags you want to use. Save the template and make sure it validates BEFORE you create your DWT. If you followed all of the previous steps, you will have created your basic template. Step 2: With your page open in EW > File > Save As > Save as type - dropdown button > Select Dynamic Web Template from the dropdown > Give the file a name site.dwt > Click Save
Expression Web 4.0 Tutorials from Install to Publish and More
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