Mac Review: Freeway 3.0

The reason for that is simply that the program is quite similar in feel and appearance to such programs as Quark and Photoshop, staples in the desktop publishing business.

That is specifically important for two types of people: Those who are creative but consider HTML to be a foreign language, and those who are creative and want to see what they are creating as they work.

For those of us who are traditionalist and usually disdain WYSIWIG editors, Freeway 3.0 gives us an excuse to put away our HTML cheat sheets (I'm old and need help remembering all that code) and have some fun while doing something useful.

Oddly, that statement comes despite the fact that Freeway 3.0 allows minimal access to the source code. In fact, the only time the user can see the code is when a file is previewed or published. What you do see when you see the source is code that is tight - using <DIV> tags rather than layers (meaning it works well in both Netscape and IE) - and a lot easier to generate than it would be by hand.

One example of that is the overlapping placement of one graphic on top of another, not something as easily done in traditional HTML where one has to input the numbers and then look and tweak until it is in the proper place.

Still, as good as Freeway 3.0 is at generating HTML code, the one shortcoming is that users cannot routinely see or tweak the code, which would add to the traditionalist's comfort level. There still is some control through the use of style sheets.

Frames and tables are a snap to create and require little more than sight and the ability to control a mouse.

There are several other reasons to like Freeway:

• Elements are placed onto pages using containers or boxes. Draw the box, then import or input the element.
• There are two types of text input available in Freeway. The first is traditional text in an HTML container; the second is text placed within a graphic container. That enables users to use any font they wish on their Web site, and Freeway retains the ability to edit that text at a later time.
• It is not necessary to convert graphics to .gif or .jpg formats. The program does that when it is published. That means users can directly import Photoshop and Illustrator graphics as well as .tiff, .pict., .png, .bmp, and .eps, among others.
• The program accepts Flash, QuickTime, Shockwave, PDFs, and Java applets with ease. Flash content can be previewed within the program.
• Making rollovers is as simple as placing one item on top of another and applying the rollover setting from a palette. Users can also apply links to text or graphics or slice graphics and apply behaviors to the various pieces.
• There are about 25 "Actions" included with Freeway, and actions can be written in JavaScript, making detailed and complex scripting for dynamic Web sites much easier.
• Freeway supports Apple's WorldScript technology, which means users can choose from several language encodings, including Japanese, Chinese, and Russian.

When building Web sites with several pages, Freeway comes to the rescue by having "Master" pages, which users can use as the basis for interior pages without having to perform repetitive tasks. That is particularly handy for navigation bars, backgrounds, and logo headers.

For users who have already built a Web site in another program, Freeway can import HTML content and formatting and then convert it to a Freeway file.

However one reaches the final product, it can then be FTP'd to a server from within the program, and Freeway keeps track and only sends up the files that have changed.

Freeway 3.0 is a great update to previous versions, and it ranks among the best in the WYSIWIG world of Web design.

What is it called again? Freeway 3.0

Where can I get it? http://www.softpress.com

How much does it cost? $249 US

How big is the download? 9.9 MB with documentation

Do I recommend it? Assuredly. There are cheaper programs, but Freeway 3.0's value appears to be up to the price. The program is a great choice for those who are creative but don't want to be HTMLers.