Expression Web 4.0 Add-ins - Installing Expression Web 4 Add-ins

A new extensibility model will allow you to create add-ins much more easily using html, css, javascript and a manifest file (xml). The add-in developers are rolling out new add-ins

Easily create an Add-in for Expression Web 4 with the Add-in Builder
by Anna Ulrich

Creating an Expression Web Add-in
by Jim Cheshire

Microsoft Expression Web 4 In Depth by Jim Cheshire will include Creating Microsoft Expression 4 Add-ins as part of the book. That means that if you buy the In Depth book, you'll get several chapters that include in-depth information on how to create Web 4 add-ins. There will also be the option of purchasing only the add-in chapters as a separate EBook.

What is an Expression Web Add-in?

An Expression Web Add-in, is an external software package that provides additional or enhanced functionality within Expression Web 4.

How to Install Add-ins?

NOTE: Many of the commercial add-ins come as an executable file. Once you have downloaded the add-in, double click the .exe file and follow the instructions for that particular add-in.

Step 1: Launch Expression Web 4.0. Go to 'Tools' on the menu and select 'Add-Ins.'

Step 2: In the 'Manage Add-ins' dialog box click the 'Install' button.

NOTE: If this is the first Add-in you have installed, the list will not yet be populated.

Step 3: Browse to the location on your computer where you downloaded the Add-in. Click 'Open.' The add-in will end with the file extension .xadd. The add-in will be installed.

Step 4: Once installed, you will be asked if you want to enable the add-in. The screen will give you all of the information on the particular add-in you are installing. Click 'Yes.'

Step 5: If you once again click 'Tools' on the menu bar and select 'Add-ins' you will see the list has now been populated with your first add-in.

Using the Expression Web Add-ins

Step 6: Depending on the add-ins you have installed, they will be available at a number of locations. Go to 'Panels' and select the Add-in. In this case Payment Buttons for PayPal.

Go to 'Insert' and select the Add-in.

It is as simple as that.

In the coming weeks and months, watch for more and more add-ins to become available. Here are a few that are currently available.

Expression Web Free Add-ins

Payment Buttons for PayPal by WebAssist. Create, add, and manage PayPal buttons for your products.
SlapShot for Expression Web 4 - SlapShot is based on the SnapShot panel, in that you can easily preview a page without loading a browser, however SlapShot extends the features of SnapShot by including full ActiveX support (Silverlight®, Flash®, and so on), as well as interactivity within the page (including navigation).
Expression Web Add-ins by Ian Hayes
- Copyright Notice Add-In for Expression Web V4 - This add-in creates a JavaScript based copyright notice that always updates to the current year and also creates a static notice, without the year, for the very small percentage of users that don't have JavaScript enabled.
- Sub/Sup Text Add-in for Expression Web 4 - The add-in puts two new buttons on the "Standard" toolbar for <sub> and <sup> text..
- Code Comment Add-In for Expression Web 4 - This add-in adds the comment CSS functionality and provides three new icons on the "Standard" toolbar
- Close All' Add-In for Expression Web V4 allows you to close all open pages in EW with one click. It puts an icon on both the Standard and Common toolbars
- Attach-JS - This add-in adds an item to the 'Insert' menu that allows you to automatically add a reference to a page for a JavaScript file. It lets you select the file and, if the file is outside the current web, copies it to the web when you've selected the file.
- Insert A Twitter Feed allows you to easily insert a Twitter Feed into your web page. It can be yours or someone elses.
Insert Bing Map Add-in
Insert a You Tube Video - Add-in to insert You Tube videos on your web page. Available from the Expression Gallery.
Flickr image browser - This add-in allows you to browse and link to photos from YOUR Flickr account.

Expression Web 4.0 Commercial Add-ins

Advanced CSS Drop Down Menu Expression Web by Ajatix. You can see a sample of this menu used on my FREE Ocean Template.
Pure CSS Menu Expression Web by Ajatix
Lightbox Expression Web by Ajatix - A tutorial on how to add the lightbox to your site and an example gallery.
Horizontal Menu Advancer by CSSMenuTools
Accordion Menu Advancer by CSSMenuTools
LightBox Advancer by CSSMenuTools
Vertical Menu Advancer by CSSMenuTools
Search for Bing by WebAssist - Search for Bing gives Expression Web users the ability to integrate a powerful Bing site search into any website. Whether you are new to Expression Web or an experienced developer Search for Bing is a great way to add search to your website. It is easy-to-use, quickly implemented and will provide your website users with the ability to find what they are looking for, fast.
- Example: Search Expression Web Tutorials NOTE: Your site needs to be already indexed for this to work.