Macromedia's Upgraded Web Tools

The updated tandem of Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks 4 should feel friendlier than their forebears to budding Web site builders, and more flexible to pros. The new versions, released in tandem, streamline once-tedious Web tasks. The beta versions I used share keyboard shortcuts and dockable palettes, have more-closely knit features, and include a handful of automated code and design tricks.

Dreamweaver 4's most visible change is a new Split view that lets you compose layouts and source code simultaneously inside a two-paned window. For users well-versed in HTML or JavaScript, a new text editor color-codes syntax, indents commands, and balances punctuation as you type. Less-fluent coders can quickly dig up information on HTML, JavaScript, and Cascading Style Sheet protocols using the new O'Reilly Code Reference panel. Also new: a JavaScript debugger; a custom report generator that pinpoints potential site snags; and a Repeat Last Action shortcut, Ctrl-Y. My only gripe: The History palette is inoperable when you're typing code.

Web design? Now you can modify vector-based Flash buttons and embed them in pages without leaving Dreamweaver. Just drag the toolbar's Flash Button icon onto a layout; select a button template; change the button name, type settings, and target link; and click OK. Adding Flash Text is just as easy: Dreamweaver generates a tiny Shockwave Flash (.swf) file of your text in any typeface you like.

Meanwhile, Fireworks 4's latest tools walk you through creating pop-up navigation menus, remote image rollovers, and frame-based GIF animations. Also new: selective JPEG image compression, batch file processing, and an Adobe-like Layer panel for importing or exporting native Photoshop files with layers, text, and live effects intact.

For Web workers in the trenches, Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks 4 reply impressively to major competitor Adobe's recent release of GoLive 5 and LiveMotion 1.

SUMMARY

Dreamweaver 4, Fireworks 4 PRO: Easier coding and debugging; handy reference tool; shared interface; automated features save time. CON: Dreamweaver 4's History palette is inoperable in Code view. VALUE: Excellent tools for pro Web developers, budding site builders, and collaborative online projects. Street price: $299 each, $449 for both, upgrade $149 each Macromedia 800/457-1774 www.macromedia.com