HTML Editors

What is an HTML Editor?

HTML Editors are used to create and edit web pages. These range from simple text-based editors such as Notepad (sometimes preferred by those with a good understanding of html code) to the more sophisticated WHSIWYG (What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get) type editors popular with non-programmers.

What Editor Should I Use?

For the purpose of creating and editing course content, CNA DL currently recommends Microsoft Expressions Web 4.0. Expressions Web is an easy-to-use, visual (WHSIWYG) editor available to all CNA Faculty members. If you are working on a CNA computer (desktop or laptop), simply submit a request to your respective IT Department using Footprints. A Computer Support Technician will install the software for you. Expressions Web 4.0 is also available as a free download from the Microsoft Download Center so you also have the option of installing this on your personal computer at home.

Note: There are a number of professional quality WHSIWYG editors comparable to MS Expression Web available that may also be used. Open source editors such as KompoZer are also an option for home use. However, since Expressions Web is supported on campus, we recommend it for home use as well.

Tips for Using Expression Web

Expression Web is a powerful web development tool but, for the purposes of editing content, we need only focus on the most basic features - how to open, edit and save a file.

When you initially open Expression Web 4.0, you'll notice a series of panels display on the left and right side of the main window. You can simplify your view by closing each of these. 

You may also want to enable word wrap so you can view and manage your content more easily. To do this, select Tools, Page Editor Options. The Word Wrap box is located at the bottom of that page under the Code View Options.

Web Expressions also automatically creates 'styles' that can conflict with those included in your course template files. To avoid this, please complete the following: From the Tools menu, select Page Editor Options. Click on the CSS Tab. By default, Inline Styles are set to be created automatically. Change this by selecting the radio button next to the Manual Style option then choose CSS (Inline Styles) for each of the seven Properties listed. Click OK when ready.

Our Essential Training Skills Workshop provides an introduction to the use of Expression Web 4.0.

If you require additional assistance, please contact the Help Desk.