Expression - Web - 3 . com

Expression Web 3:  FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How To Float a Layer?
  2. Centering Layers......?
  3. HTML 5 and Expression Web
  4. .html or .htm ??
  5. Upload FrontPage Site into Expression Web?

1.  How do you float a Layer?

You cannot float a layer because a layer is positioned Absolute.    Remember, a Layer is a div tag.  But the div tag's Position Property has been set to "Absolute".  This removes the layer from the normal flow of the page, thus, we cannot float nor center a layer.

 

Only a Static div can be floated or centered.  Simply put, Static divs are a lot easier to work with as compared to layers.   Static divs provide us with a lot more flexibility and predictability. 

 

If you want to work with Layers, then the first thing you must learn about is the 4 CSS Position Values:  Static, Relative, Absolute, and Fixed.

 

Unfortunately, most beginners try to use Layers because they can position them on the page much more easily.  But then find themselves baffled when they view the web page in a browser because the layers are not where they put them in Design view.  Keep Reading ....

 

 

2.  How do you set a Doctype for HTML 5 in Expression Web 3?

UPDATE

Expression Web 4 has added the HTML 5 Doctype!

Expression Web 3 does not provide a Doctype for HTML 5 at this time.   

Yet, the browsers are starting to support some HTML 5.  So if you want to use HTML 5, you will need to paste this Doctype directly into your web pages:

HTML 5 Doctype to use in Web Pages 

 

Yes, It is the EASIEST Doctype to remember!  It's so short!! 

 

Just be aware that you will not be able to validate your code inside Expression Web 3.  You will have to use one of the W3C validators.  Expression Web 3 will likely view most of the code as errors because it is not set up to use HTML 5.  But, you can try to avoid all the error alerts by choosing None as your Doctype, and then paste in the HTML 5 Doctype into the web pages.  I am still toying with this myself, so once I have finished trying different things, I will let you know what I found.

 

Keep in mind, HTML 5 is not yet a W3C Recommendation.  It might be wise to experiment quite a bit before switching your Doctype on your main web site(s). 

 

  Set the Doctype.

 

3.  What is the Difference Between .html and .htm extensions?

An HTML web page can have a .html or .htm extension.  There is no difference in meaning.  It's just that years ago, you could only have 3 characters for the extension.  Now you can fit all 4 characters. 

 

4.  How Do I Upload My FrontPage Site Into Expression Web?

Well, you do not need to upload your site at all.   If your FrontPage site is saved on your computer, then try the following to open it with EW:

  • 1.  Open Expression Web
  • 2.  Click Site --> Open Site
  • 3.  A new dialog box opens.  Click Browse to navigate your computer to locate your FP Site.  When you find it, click on the folder, and open it.
  • 4.  You are now back to the dialog box.  Click on your FP Site in the List and click Open.
  • If this does not work, then you can always import your FP site from the Web and into Expression Web.
  • To do this:
  • 1.  Open EW. 
  • 2.  Click Site --> Import Site --> Import Site Wizard
  • 3.  Follow the prompts given by the Wizard to import your site.

5.  How do you Center a Layer?

YOU CANNOT CENTER A LAYER.

Layers are absolutely positioned div tags.  As such, they are not a part of the normal flow and do not behave like a regular ole static div tag.  Instead, they are ignored by other elements on the page and treated as if they are invisible. 

Likewise, layers ignore all other elements on the page and treats them as if they are invisible.  This is why you can place a layer on top of your layout, and the layer will simply overlap or stack on top of other page elements. 

This should give you a clue as to how to USE LAYERS.....  use layers when you want to add a div tag to your page BUT you want this div to overlap the other divs already on your page.    Adjust the z-index in order to determine the stacking order of your layers.  The higher the z-index, the closer to the top of the stack that layer will be.

DO NOT use layers for your main layout.  They just are not flexible enough....Layers cannot be centered, they cannot be floated, and they are positioned relative to the top and left edge of a browser.