Web design duel: Dreamweaver CS3 vs. Expression Web

Although some coders turn their noses up at any visual Web page editor, others who mix hand-coding with a WYSIWYG interface can now pick from new options from both Adobe and Microsoft. (Since Adobe purchased Macromedia, it has phased out GoLive from its Creative Suite packages, but will release a standalone update to that application this summer.) Both the updated Dreamweaver CS3 and the new Expression Web, which replaces Microsoft FrontPage, allow you to create Web sites from scratch, with or without knowing the ABCs of HTML and other languages. Each program offers design templates and supports CSS and dynamic design standards to allow for data-driven sites, and both programs offer similar interfaces.

However, Dreamweaver supports Secure FTP for safer file transfers. At the same time, Dreamweaver's copious features have piled on over the years, which can make for a cluttered experience. And we liked Expression's many reminders for filling in ALT tags to keep accessibility standards up to par.

Check the chart below to find which program serves your needs. Mac users can't use Microsoft Expression (They can, however, check out Namo WebEditor Suite 2006, released in 2005.).

Adobe Dreamweaver CS3

Microsoft Expression Web