How to Use Web Authoring Software

by David Koenig, Demand Media

Web authoring software makes designing a website easy without advanced technical knowledge.

Hiring a professional Web designer can come at a high price, but if you need something simple -- a small business website or a personal homepage, for example -- creating your own site with a Web authoring program is an option. Website design software ranges from easy-to-use, intuitive interfaces for beginners to more advanced programs for serious amateurs and professionals. Most programs, however, share a few basic features to allow you to create a page or site and upload it to the Internet.

Step 1

Open the program and create a new website or page. Most programs have this option in the main menu. Your main page will have a file name such as "index.html."

Step 2

Select a template if your program gives you the option. The template automatically gives you a basic layout and look for your page, with features such as colors, font style and background images already in place. If the program has a built-in tutorial or wizard, follow the prompts to set default style and layout.

Step 3

Find the "Tables" function from the main menu or toolbar, and insert a table to give your page structure. The lines do not have to be visible on the final website -- they simply help you lay out your content in blocks and sections.

Step 4

Add text, images, links and other content using buttons and commands on the main menu and toolbar. Most non-advanced programs have a default "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) interface, so you can add content to a page while viewing it exactly as it would appear online.

Step 5

Find "Properties" or "Page Properties" in your menu or toolbar, and add important information about the page or site, such as keywords, a description and a title. These aren't visible on the final page, but they will appear in search engine results.

Step 6

Open the HTML editor, which allows you to see and edit the website's underlying code; it may be labeled "HTML View." Specific codes produce a specific effect on the way your website appears, from font styles and image sizes to background colors and table positions. Only edit this if you know HTML; otherwise, just use the WYSIWYG editor.

Step 7

Click "Upload" or "Publish" when you have a complete Web page ready for publication on the Internet.

Step 8

Enter the FTP address of the hosting server to which you want to upload your website. If you don't have a server, you need to purchase Web space from a hosting account provider, such as GoDaddy, A Small Orange or HostGator. The provider will give you the FTP information you need to enter to upload your website.

Step 9

Enter your user name and password to log into the hosting server. Get this information from your hosting provider if you don't have it already.

Step 10

Follow all prompts to complete the uploading process.

References

Resources

About the Author

Dave Koenig has written professionally since 2005. His writing interests include the arts, film, religion and language. Koenig holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical-theological studies from Manchester University and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education in religious studies from Lancaster University.