Abstract Web Studio 4.0

In fact, creator Alex Wroten says on his site that his program — formerly known as Alex's HTML Editor — is not solely an HTML editor, and he is quite correct. And, at $8, count "a steal" among the words to describe the program.

True, AWS4 does handle all the usual file system tasks, and it is an HTML editor, but its additional features are many. Further, most features are available in a simple manner — a refreshing change from many editors that make finding features something like looking for Waldo.

When users begin a page, they can choose the new page wizard that offers choices of a regular HTML page, a blank page, a choice of templates that come with the program, or even a Real Audio Stream file.

The program allows users to build pages either in regular HTML code or by using something called WizzyWig 1.0, which allows users to type in text complete with formatting and then convert it to HTML on the fly. Additionally, the program supports projects, enabling users to work on several Web sites at once, and it has three clipboards and a to-do list to help Web designers.

Page structure is not difficult thanks to a table wizard and a frames page maker. Further, should a user wish to download an Internet page, all that is needed is to be online and use the program's "Open URL" function to download the page and edit it without opening a browser.

A built-in meta tag generator helps get users off to a good start, and a recently opened file list makes it a snap to get back to a previous file.

Most coding is available through drop-down lists, including text, image, and link topics. Under "Other," users can access a plethora of features and task helpers shown at left.

AWS4 allows users to change text case from a popup menu. This offers the ability to apply gradient colors to text and view fonts before selection. Special character codes are also easily available.

While there is not a formal form maker, form elements are available in the "Other HTML Elements" box. Other items to be found there are the Java applet insertion button, background sounds, comments, list helpers, button coding, horizontal lines, and a number of text enhancements.

Images can easily be inserted into files by choosing the "Image" button on the top menu. The program shows a common tree directory, but it also shows a preview of the image and inserts the size into the HTML code. It is there users can also choose to put a border on an image.

Where the program really saves time is in the fact that it includes its own image editor that supports .JPG and .BMP files and includes drawing tools and effects that can be applied to graphics. Additionally, AWS4 has its own image map maker, with the ability to assign URLs to the target areas.

The program can also create an HTML-formatted directory on the users hard drive, complete with folders, sub folders, and files. In addition to handling the aforementioned Real Audio files, AWS4 comes with its own MP3 encoder, complete with two engines.

Adding links are a breeze with the link drop-down box.

Other interesting features include a download time calculator — which gives an estimate of how long it will take for a user's page to load at various modem speeds — and two page preview functions. One of those is the usual preview tool, while the other enables users to see the page as it is built, with updates at .5-second intervals.

Add to all those features 999 levels of undo (a great feature for those of us who like to experiment), and Abstract Web Studio 4.0 is one of the most complete HTML programs around.

What is it called again? Abstract Web Studio 4.0

Where can I get it? http://alexhtml.cjb.net/

How much does it cost? $8.00

How big is the download? 2.7MB MB

Do I recommend it? The program offers so many features that can help Web designers, and at such a low price, that it is a no-brainer.