CNET Editors' review
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 is the first rollout of this Web design application since Adobe acquired Macromedia. Is it the same Dreamweaver as before?
Installation time has doubled, not including Adobe's mandatory registration process. Once installed, Dreamweaver looks more like Adobe's other products, but it will be familiar to users of previous versions. There are some new, dockable palettes for new features, but the Welcome screen, toolbars, and main window are largely unchanged.
CSS support now features a large array of templates and new tools to help manage styles, and commentary on how best to use the CSS--including Internet Explorer workarounds. Improved integration means you can drag a Photoshop file directly to Dreamweaver, and select and copy any area of a PS image, including layers, and paste it into Dreamweaver.
Adobe's new Spry framework for Ajax is a JavaScript library of code snippets that makes it easy to add client-side behaviors. It's broken into Effects, which are animations, Data, which binds dynamic data to HTML, and Widgets, which create interactive elements such as pop-up menus.
Those learning the baby steps of Web design should take a class or read some books before diving in. Dreamweaver's advanced features won't be intuitive for anyone who hasn't studied them first. But because of the high price tag, we don't recommend upgrading to CS3 as a standalone product.
Publisher's Description
From Adobe Systems:
Quickly and easily design, develop, and maintain Web sites and Web applications from start to finish with Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 software. Built for both designers and developers, Dreamweaver CS3 offers the choice of working in an intuitive visual layout interface or a streamlined coding environment. Intelligent integration with Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe Illustrator CS3, Adobe Fireworks CS3, Adobe Flash CS3 Professional, and Adobe Contribute CS3 software ensures efficient workflow across your favorite tools.
Version CS3 supports Spry framework for Ajax and CSS management.
What's new in this version: Version CS3 supports Spry framework for Ajax and CSS management.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 186 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 44 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Way overestimated."
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
You can make websites with it.
Cons
Lay out sucks.
Once you open your perfectly neat HTML page in this program it just looks messy.
You are not able to put every item on the place you would like.
If you are looking for drag and drop software, look further.Summary
Many people talk about Dreamweaver like it is the best thing ever.
Well, here's a newsflash for you: it is not. -
"This is the best software for web dev."
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
This is the best software for web dev.
Cons
This is the best software for web dev.
Summary
This is the best software for web dev.
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"Super useful!"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
This is very useful to me. I use this to make my website.
Cons
Nothing...
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"Excellent!"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
Dreamweaver is not the only WYSIWYG tool i tried that's why i'm almost sure that it's the best one. The first version I worked with was 5 or 6 and since that time it became even better. They've realized a lot of features i was thinking of. For me it's a perfect tool with extremely intuitive interface.
Cons
I'm not sure it's suitable for beginners. There're programs you can use without knowing HTML (etc.) I would not that about Dreamweaver.
I experienced some problems with integrated FTP client (but the reason was probably the server policy..not the software)
and....it's EXPENSIVE =)
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"My PHONE NUMBER is REQUIRED for a software trial???"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
Download Now (285 bytes)
yeah right!
Cons
When you click download, it does NOT download like normal download.com shareware or demos. They say sign up "only takes a minute" - not true. It's a medium-sized survey. In fact, your Phone Number is REQUIRED for this free trial (along with full name, most of your location, and other sensitive information). Very sad. I was actually looking forward to trying this one, and hopefully CNET does something about unreasonable requirements like that. I don't feel like giving my phone number OR a fake phone number, so... guess I'll stick to cute things like CoffeeCup, Notepad and my ancient little FrontPage 2003.
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"A powerfull toy"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
It has many features to built one's own unique page. Very detailed.
Cons
Too much expensive and just for experienced people.
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"very easy to use for both design and developing job"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
I am a web developer and i think it is THE BEST web design/developer software on the market.
I can test my application localy and then upload on remote server.
Thanks
Afzael
classifieds9.co.uk
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"Powerful, Expensive, Needs Polish and Lower $$$"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
Pros
Very easy to create professional looking websites. Simple to learn, and powerful enough for most users. Easy integration with other Adobe CS3 products like Photoshop and Fireworks.
Cons
Expensive!!! Poor scripting support, even though the program makes it easy to create JAVAScript rollover buttons, I would like to see more support for JAVAScript, or maybe even a separate package such as Adobe JAVAScript CS3.
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"good"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
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"Your guys prices are to high for the product"
Version: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
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