Resources for Expression Web Users
I’m often contacted by frustrated Expression Web users, both those new to Expression Web and those who are moving from FrontPage, who are struggling to figure out how to accomplish seemingly simple tasks such as formatting page elements and arranging page content. In almost all cases, the cause for frustration is that these users are not familiar with current methods of website design.
Is Expression Web really the “new” version of FrontPage?
A few years ago, we stopped development on Microsoft FrontPage and released the first version of Expression Web. As a result of that timing, many FrontPage users looked at Expression Web as merely a renamed version of FrontPage. That’s not the case. The fact is that website design has evolved far beyond FrontPage, and as a side-effect, the knowledge required to design modern websites has evolved as well. In other words, Expression Web is really not the new FrontPage.
Today’s website designers, whether using Expression Web or another design application, are required to have a knowledge of many technologies. CSS, XHTML, and basic JavaScript are an absolute must, and among those, the one that throws most Expression Web newcomers for a loop is CSS. Trust me. If you don’t know CSS, designing a website in Expression Web will be a frustrating endeavor.
With all of this in mind, I asked our MVP community to recommend some resources to help Expression Web users get up to speed with modern website design technologies. It’s our hope that these resources will help you to get the most out of Expression Web.
Official Microsoft Resources
Internet Explorer Development Center
A wealth of information on web design with a focus on Internet Explorer.
Official Expression Web Site
There are plenty of articles on website design on the official Expression Web site.
Expression Web and SuperPreview Forum
Frequented by web designers, Microsoft MVPs, and Microsoft employees, the forum is a great place to ask questions and get help.
Third-Party Resources
Note: Microsoft does not endorse any of the resources listed below.
Basic Website with Expression Web Video
Cheryl D. Wise, MVP for Expression Web, has a 1.5 hour video tutorial on basic website design that’s a great introduction. Cheryl also provides sample files for download.
W3Schools
Free tutorials on all aspects of web design.
Veign Resources
Chris Hanscom, MVP for Expression Web, offers a wide assortment of resources.
WebReference.com
A wide assortment of topics on web design and programming.
Smashing Magazine’s CSS Layout Series
This two-part series provides a wealth of information on creating website layouts using CSS.
SitePoint Reference
SitePoint’s web design reference is a quick way to learn about HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
HTML Dog HTML Tutorial
HTML Dog’s tutorial is designed as a beginner’s tutorial, but it’s useful for anyone wanting to brush up on HTML.
HTML Dog CSS Tutorial
The companion tutorial to HTML Dog’s HTML tutorial.
CssDog.com
CssDog.com also offers tutorials on CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and more.
Have a Recommendation?
I plan on adding to this post as I find other resources, but if you have a favorite resource that I’ve left off, please feel free to add a comment!
Jim
Comments
Anonymous
June 18, 2010
The comment has been removedAnonymous
July 31, 2010
The comment has been removedAnonymous
October 13, 2010
If you know really how to use FrontPage, you will love it..it has many inbuilt options! Anyways people don't take this serious! Thanks for sharing! <a href="www.samplejobdescriptions.org/3d-animation-job-description.html">3D Animation Job description</a>Anonymous
November 04, 2010
I have just been told that my servers no longer use Frontpage extensions. I have been the webmaster of 5 websites. 3 are clubs and 2 are businesses (mine).I have been doing these websites for 10 yrs! I have NO idea what to do. Do I buy Web Expressions and open my Front page files in it?? Is there a course that starts at PAGE 1. What should I do?? I cannot even update my websites now. Thanks for your help Elena Lamberson eslamberson@msn.com Johns Island, SCAnonymous
November 18, 2010
I, too, have been a frontpager for years. I have dowloaded the trial of EW4. My question is what BOOK can I get to look at while I am doing the tutorials so I can stop flipping back and forth from the computer. I hate that and loose so much time. I need a PAGE 1 start also!! Help please. Thank you in advance!Anonymous
November 18, 2010
I, too, have been a frontpager for years. I have dowloaded the trial of EW4. My question is what BOOK can I get to look at while I am doing the tutorials so I can stop flipping back and forth from the computer. I hate that and loose so much time. I need a PAGE 1 start also!! Help please. Thank you in advance! office@qualitystone.comAnonymous
November 18, 2010
I, too, have been a frontpager for years. I have dowloaded the trial of EW4. My question is what BOOK can I get to look at while I am doing the tutorials so I can stop flipping back and forth from the computer. I hate that and loose so much time. I need a PAGE 1 start also!! Help please. Thank you in advance! office@qualitystone.comAnonymous
January 01, 2011
how code collapse work in Expression web 4.Anonymous
October 16, 2011
The comment has been removedAnonymous
December 30, 2011
Yes, I was a long time user of Front Page and now am trying to move over to Expressions Web 4; however, it is difficult and was wondering if there are any designers out there that would be interested in re-designing my web pages and also tutoring me in Expressions Web 4. If so, I am in the Portland, Oregon area and my email is richh@creditworthy.comAnonymous
July 26, 2012
Another web site that many Beginners have found helpful in the past is www.Expression-Web-Tutorial.com. They are a Microsoft Partner who provides Online Training and DVDs for Beginners using Expression Web.Anonymous
December 14, 2013
I am looking for Expression Web 4 templates for setting up various different kinds of web sites. Are there any available? I can be reached at erniehndz@cox.net