WebDwarf is most definitely dwarfish rather than dwarven, and if you follow that you may be too much of a nerd to use this Web page designer. Because of its limited features, including the ability to only make a single page, WebDwarf is great for kids learning how to create a page, a class project, or even a business wanting a web presence but not willing to expend the time or money on a real site.

It's also very easy to start from scratch since WebDwarf is very basic: draw your own shapes using the Ellipse, Polygon, and Rectangle tools; add JPEG and PNG images, titles, and text. Any shapes, images, or titles you add to your page are placed exactly where you see them in WebDwarf's workpage; text will flow depending on the browser used to view the page.

WebDwarf includes a few moderately-advanced features. These includie a very thorough text editor, complete with spellchecker; the ability to make PNG images and shapes transparent; and a very simple (but efficient) link creator.

Unfortunately, WebDwarf doesn't include the functionality to make pop-ups or rollover images. For that kind of fancy stuff you'll need to purchase $50 SiteSpinner. And you won't find an image editor in WebDwarf either: If you're on a really tight budget, MAGIX Photo Designer is a really good (and free) image editor that you can use to make very detailed PNGs for your page.

WebDwarf does make it easy to upload your page by including a built-in FTP Publisher and utility to gather all of the appropriate files for upload, a definite plus.

The program is a bit of a Hortus decorus, but if you have a use for a single-page website, it's free and easy to learn.

--Clare Brandt