Web Page Creation Software

Chat about Zorin
1

Hello,

Back in the day, I used to create web pages using trusty old notepad. Then along came WYSIWYG software like MS-Front Page, Dreamweaver, NetObjects Fusion & more.

Whilst looking for an open source linux based web page design software, I am finding two types of software:

  • Installable programs that are code based (not WYSIWYG) or
  • Online CMS type systems.

What ever happened to all the "old" WYSIWYG solutions?

I don't want to use on online service/platform to create a web page.
I want to create page(s) that I can preview in realtime before "publishing" to an apache server somewhere.

Perhaps I have answered my own question - pages are requiring a more complex "stack" behind them, and it is easier to develop and offer a platform solution than a downloadable software solution?

Any suggestions on a modern, WYSIWYG html webpage designer. I've seen Kompozer but that is looking dated.

Thank you.

2

So I just did a little bit of searching and it seems like there's this option called Quill you could try out:

They've got the calls you would need to use it, and go from there. It appears to work, from what I can tell, but I didn't go very in-depth in testing it. Might be worth taking a look into?

3

there is also Quick 'n Easy Web Builder.
I also wanted to try it, but unfortunately I haven't got it to run on zorin yet. there is a Linux version see

4

Hi applecheeks37,

I think I've not explained myself so well. It's not a text editor that you embed in a website that I want. It's more software for creating a webpage that I am looking for.

Thank you all the same.

5

Hello @rmorris,
Then Quick 'n Easy Web Builder could be right for you.

6

Thank you for this suggestion. For whatever reason this is not opening on my machine when I install it. I'll give it another try tomorrow!

7

I still have Windows 7 64-bit and use my old copy of Serif WebPlus 8!

8

@rmorris

maybe the forum will help
https://www.quickandeasywebbuilder.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=215123&hilit=linux#p215123

or

9

I've just downloaded Serif WebPlus X8 from the internet archive - I will let you know how I get on!

10

The only issue with it is you have to manually change internet links to https://. Additionally, any links to youtube or Vimeo I've had to take a screenshot of still frame then add the https:// link to the image.

My website:
https://www.blue-penguin-computing.co.uk

And no punters for two years!

In terms of quickandeasywebcreation I noticed there last release was in 2024 so may only work on ubuntu 24.04.

Just be aware Serif apps will not run with WINE.

1 Like
11

I am a web developer as my main income currently. I started in the 90s with basic html, now mainly in either .NET or PHP. I do custom sites, all database driven.

Website development has come a long way since the early days, but in the end it all produces an html page, which for a small site you can equally handcraft.

I used to use Dreamweaver way way back - essentially a specialised text editor with built-in knowledge of tags. I don't know of any modern, up to date page builders that would do what you are looking for (although I haven't specifially looked). All the packages I was aware of either are dead or fossilised from years ago.

My issue with using software like Serif above (with no disrespect) is that modern html has moved on a long way, and what they produce can look very dated, and with no support for modern devices (phones, tablets), and no knowledge of modern html tags.

My recommendation would be to use a good code editor like VSCodium (Microsoft's VSCode without the telemetry), previewing your results locally in Firefox (or other browser). Its easy to make changes, save, preview.

There are plentiful online tutorials for all aspects of learning html, how to structure your pages, everything, but to modern standards.

The other aspect is you need to learn both HTML, and CSS, which is the styling language governing how everything looks. The basics can be picked up easily, again with so many online tutorials.

A tool I use all the time is the Web Developer Tools extension in Firefox. You can load your webpage, open web developer, and write your CSS live, seeing changes as you go. Then copy the code down into your local file to upload. You can also examine any webpage to see how they did something.

It might be worth trying out online tools like Codepen (https://codepen.io/). This is an online editor, your html in one window, css in another (and javascript too if you are so inclined), with a live preview section, or you can have the fullscreen preview open in a second tab. Once you're happy with something, copy it to your local file then upload, and you can delete the codepen.

So, not the kind of builder tool you are looking for, but I argue that investing time this way would be well spent.

Best wishes!

4 Likes
12

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice.

I'm still undecided on my particlar path forward, but responses suggest that there really is little by way of installable, WYSIWYG / drag and drop DTP style website editors these days.

The adventure continues!

Regards,

13

The main question is what is the purpose of the website you are going to design? Do you want it to have only a front-end, or do you need a back-end as well?
For the past ten to twelve years, I have worked with Joomla, from Mambo to Joomla 5. You can use Joomla or WordPress page builder plugins to design pages visually, which are also very easy to work with. If you only need a simple front-end, you can start your work with editors like VSCode and Bracket.
I recommend the following extensions for Joomla.
SP Page builder
Gridbox

2 Likes
14

I agree. I use WordPress with a fair few clients. I create custom templates for their specific design, but there are loads of high quality free templates ready to go. You can have a good looking site up in no time.

If your goal is to learn how web-sites work, then my suggestions above may be a way forwards.

1 Like