Setting up a New Site in Dreamweaver
This step by step guide shows you how to set up a new site in Dreamweaver (versions MX and above). The important thing about all web site structures is that all the files have to be in one site 'root' folder - otherwise all links within it will not work properly when it is uploaded to a web server. Inside the 'root' folder you may have subfolders (for images etc.). It is important that you practice and understand this process to successfully build sites that work.
Starting off
the montage images


When you open Dreamweaver you should see a 'splash' screen, as pictured on the left. For this course, and most of your web projects, the centre column is the key one, that is headed 'Create New'. Circled towards the bottom of the list is 'Dreamweaver Site', click on it to start the new site wizard.

If the Splash screen does not appear, use the menu option: SITE > NEW SITE.

Step 1
Navigate to your chosen file


In Step 1 you set up the name of your site folder. This is typed in the first entry box, should be a name in some way related to your site and should always be in lower case and typed as one word. This is again to comply with web file conventions.

For the purposes of our first practice site, you should typ your first name, immediately followed by 'venice' (no speech marks), as wer are going to create a small site based on Venice.

Click Next to continue

Step 2
select your file


In Step Two we merely select the radio button 'No I do not want to use a server technology. This is for creating database driven sites and something you will not need on this course (and probably for some time!).

Click Next to continue

Step 3
Open your file


Step 3 is a crucial part of this process. This decides where Dreamweaver will create the site folder for you. Using the folder icon (circled in red) you should navigate to the drive or folder where your site will be created and all files saved to. This can be in 'My Documents' on your PC or the root of the hard disk, or on a USB stick (as in this case).

I strongly recommend using a USB stick, but if you do not have one, just navigate to the My Documents folder.

Dreamweaver will create a folder with the name you chose in Step 1. Do not change it.

Click Next to continue.

Step 4
Open your file


Step 4 is again pretty simple. From the drop down list, select 'None'. This step refers to the method you would use to upload your site to the world wide web. We therefore don't need to set this up at this stage and it can be done retrospectively.

click Next to continue

Step 5
Open your file


Nearly there now. Step 5 just shows you a review of what you have set up. Read it carefully and particular note where Dreamweaver is going ot create your site folder. You can use the Back button(s) to return and change anything - most likely with respect to Steps 1 and 3.

Click 'Done' and Dreamweaver will return you to the program screen, with a new site foldr created. Check on the right hand side panels in the Files section. you should see the site name: 'yournamevenice' in the box below 'Files' and in the files lit below you should see a green site folder and next to it: 'site - yournamevenice' and the drive letter and folder name.

We are now ready to make pages!

   
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