Review: KompoZer-A Capable Web Editor for Mac

KompoZer is an open-source application primarily based on the vintage Netscape Composer. The open-source way the programming paintings is done utilizing volunteers is definitely free (even though donations are time-honored). You would possibly see some references on Mac websites to an HTML editor referred to as NVU (suggested N-view). You might even see a few references to an editor referred to as Sea Monkey. These are all based on the Composer component of the Mozilla Application Suite and Gecko 1.7 (and they all have a Mac version).

What’s the difference between them? KompoZer is the most actively updated and maximum malicious program unfastened. I actually have attempted all three, and while the interface of the 3 programs is very similar, KompoZer works great in my enjoyment. (In reality, Nvu has now been discontinued.) The situation around KompoZer is something like that of NeoOffice, that’s an updated version of OpenOffice (currently renamed LibreOffice). OpenOffice came first, and NeoOffice becomes spun off of it through other volunteers. Unlike NeoOffice, however, which is exclusively for the Mac, KompoZer is a pass-platform and runs on each Mac and PC. If all this seems complicated, that’s because it’s miles! However, all you need to keep in mind is that for open-supply office programs for the Mac, NeoOffice is the way you want to go, and for open-supply HTML editors for the Mac, the quality desire is honestly KompoZer.

KompoZer is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editor, which means you create your page in a word processor like interface. The HTML coding is carried out automatically in the historical past through the software. You can view and edit the HTML code if, for example, you need to add Google Analytics code or another piece of code that adds more capabilities for your Internet site by using clicking at the HTML Tags tab at the bottom of the KompoZer window.

KompoZer is remarkably capable (but not the best) at studying HTML and deciphering it correctly. You can certainly open any web page you can find in KompoZer, and it’ll appear quite a good deal, the same as it does in your web browser. In reality, KompoZer even has an “Open Web Location” command under the File menu that allows you to type the URL of an internet page. The program will download and open it in its own window, ready for enhancement. This approach that you may work with sophisticated templates you discover on-line with no hassle.

The characteristic is right but now not best. For example, open Apple’s homepage in KompoZer, and it’s going to appear fairly true in preview mode. However, the formatting gets messed up while you turn to modify mode. On the alternative hand, KompoZer is compliant and would not add extraordinary tags to the HTML it creates, unlike older HTML editors you may be acquainted with in case you’ve been round webpage advent for a while.

Just because you may open a complex template, however, does not imply that you may be able to edit it to your liking. A beginner may also find it impossible to figure out a way to add and cast off columns, sidebars, or other elements without destroying the page’s overall formatting. If you want to begin your website from a template, you will be properly counseled to test it very well first to make sure you may make the modifications to it through the years that you’ll be wanting to. The KompoZer interface is relatively Windows-like however not overly unintuitive. I observed the web help for the software to be usually properly. There are lively message boards staffed utilizing passionate volunteers to be had to get your questions spoke back.

KompoZer can open a couple of tabs at the same time, so you can work on distinctive web pages (for example, to copy and paste factors from one web page to every other) while not having a gaggle of separate windows open and cluttering your display screen. It has limitless undo, features tables and bureaucracy, and boasts a guide for cascading style sheets (CSS). CSS is preferred that lets web designers set numerous fashion elements inclusive of fonts, colors, indentation, and different formatting without having to add individual HTML tags. Like the style sheets in your word processor, you can set a heading to be boldfaced and a positive size, and then you could observe this formatting to all applicable elements of your website for constant outcomes. If you change your mind about the fashion characteristics, you may edit the fashion sheet, and all times of that fashion which you have described to your web page will be modified consequently.

Although KompoZer is definitely a development on NVU and SeaMonkey, similarly to the problems opening a few web pages, a truthful range of insects nevertheless mark the interface. For example, the amount of space it provides among strains at the page is regularly inconsistent and might require quite a bit of suffering to get the page to seem like what is wanted. After final all windows, it refuses to open every other until you stop and relaunch this system. Sometimes applying a headline fashion to choose text does not anything, and occasionally some keyboard instructions prevent operating until a relaunch. KompoZer also lacks the capabilities and the capacity to create photograph maps. The software program doesn’t come up with plenty of help in choosing fonts, which might be move-platform or available on most computers. However, you can’t beat the rate. If you need an HTML editor that allows you to, without problems, look into and edit the underlying code for the greatest flexibility, KompoZer is your first-class unfastened desire.

KompoZer also has a site control function, however, do not allow the name idiot you. This is only a built-in FTP program. If you’re searching out a characteristic just like the one observed in Adobe Dreamweaver that allows you to trade your site’s agency and pass pages around between various folders on your Mac without breaking any of the internal hyperlinks (often useful for working with templates), you might not locate it here.

And as ways as FTP goes, I favor paying a bit extra money and use the commercial program Transmit, one of the quality FTP applications to be had for the Mac (Panic software – $34). Transmit features an intuitive two-panel window that makes it easy that allows you to upload your internet site and carry out other FTP operations. On the left facet of the interface is a panel that works much like a Mac Finder window, and at the left aspect is a panel representing your FTP area. Uploading or synchronizing your website is an easy drag-and-drop operation from the Mac aspect of the interface to the FTP site or by way of clicking the Sync button. A bookmarks function lets you keep the login details for all of your websites so that the login manner is as easy as clicking a button.