Expression Web Tips for Newbies
Perhaps you have been using FrontPage and have decided to upgrade to Expression Web. Or maybe you have decided to move from one of the free web editors mentioned under Resources. Whatever your reason, you can download a FREE 60 day trial copy of Expression Web 3.0. NOTE: Trials of the earlier versions of Expression Web are no longer available.
Learn HTML and CSS
BEFORE you start using Expression Web you need a basic understanding of writing HTML code and using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). The tutorials at W3schools are a good starting point.
- HTML Tutorial
- CSS Tutorial
- Additional links for HTML and CSS
- Common Web Page Mistakes
Setting Up Expression Web
Once you download the trial or install your purchased copy of Expression Web, you will need to setup the program to give you the best user experience. Head over to Tina Clarke's site and download your FREE Setting Up Expression Web EBook. There is one available for each version of Expression Web.
Learning How To Use Expression Web
You HAVE set up your new Expression Web program and taken the time to learn some basic html and css? You did not skip that part did you? Now it is time to learn how to use the program. I highly recommend you watch the Cheryl Wise's four part video series on Getting Started with a Basic Website. You should also download the asset files that go with the video so you can work along with the tutorial. You can stop and rewind as you go along.
Next, work in Split View.
View Screenshot This way you can see both the HTML coding (Code View) and the WYSIWYG editor (Design View).
Additional Expression Web Resources
- http://by-expression.com (free tutorials, sample sites & forum)
- http://any-expression.com (eBooks & tutorials)
- http://www.expression-web-tutorials.com (tutorials & free templates)
- http://starttoweb.com (online classes)
- Microsoft Community Learning
Creating Your First Site
Now that you have installed and setup Expression Web, and taken some time to learn how to use the program, it is time to begin creating your website. You may choose to:
- Open a website that you have created in FrontPage. It is NOT necessary to import the site. If you are following this route then make sure you have a good backup of the site BEFORE you open it in Expression Web. If you are using any of the FrontPage bots, they will continue to work BUT you will NOT be able to edit them from within EW. If you need assistance in Migrating from FrontPage to Expression Web, you can signup for an online class which includes the eBook OR you may purchase the eBook separately.
- You can create a new website and start from scratch.
- Create a new website using one of the DWT's included with Expression Web.
You might also like to download the FREE Expression Web 3.0 Tutorials EBook 2nd edition in pdf format that will take you through the entire process of creating and publishing your website. The pdf EBook has been zipped for faster download.
Publishing Your Website
Now that you have created your site, you will need to publish it to your server. You can follow Publishing Your Web Site with Expression Web
Expression Web Mailing Lists and Forums
If you have questions on using Expression Web, you can join any of the following mailing lists or forums.
- Microsoft Expression Web Yahoo Group
- by-expression forum
- Expression Web at RootsWeb (genealogy related)
- Expression Web forum - Microsoft
Expression Web Books (printed)
- Foundations of Microsoft Expression Web: The Basics and Beyond
by Cheryl Wise.
- Microsoft Expression Web 2 Step by Step (Step By Step (Microsoft))
by Chris Leeds.
- Special Edition Using Microsoft Expression Web 2 (Special Edition Using)
by Jim Cheshire.
- Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Expresison Web 3 in 24 Hours by Morten Rand-Hendriksen - This is an excellent book especially for newbies.
- Microsoft Expression Web 3 In Depth by Jim Cheshire - This is also an excellent book but much more in depth.
