A Look at a Free and DIY Website Builder
Website builders are software tools that usually enable the building of multiple websites with no manual coding. Their name is derived from the fact that most websites are built using templates and only require the addition of content or images. They fall into two broad categories: website builders for Windows and website builders for Macintosh. There are also website builders for Linux, however this type is very limited in what it allows users to build.
There are a number of differences between website builders for Windows and those for Macintosh. These are primarily in terms of the website builder’s interface and its ability to customize the site through a number of different methods. While the Windows-based website builders offer a much broader range of options when it comes to creating websites, they tend to be somewhat more complicated than their Mac counterpart. This is mostly due to the Windows operating system’s requirement for a Java platform in order to run the various features built into the software.
Website builders for Windows operate similarly to many online application programs, including those on the Mac computer platform. They have a series of menus and buttons that navigate through the various steps necessary to build the site. The primary difference lies in the fact that web designers are better able to customize these tools, as they are part of a single integrated system. One can easily create and share websites and customize the HTML code using a Windows-based website builder, as opposed to a Mac website builder that requires the use of a specific program like Dreamweaver. In this case, the web designer is responsible for implementing the code and integrating it with the website.
The Mac website builders also offer a greater amount of customization options than their Windows counterparts. For example, they offer templates which are strikingly similar to Photoshop or Illustrator templates. However, their similarities end there. While some people may find this a benefit since the designs created using such templates are often highly customisable, it can also mean that the same template is used on numerous other sites. This can become monotonous for users and may result in less visitor traffic to a particular website.
Although it is possible to customise Windows website builders to meet the needs of the individual, there are also a few options available for the Mac web designer. The most obvious is the option of downloading a template that contains all the necessary elements needed to construct a website, including the template, background and colours. However, many times, users will want to change some aspect of the layout, images or colour scheme. In this case, the user must simply upload their own images and replace them within the existing template. Changing the look of a website dramatically requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the user, especially if they have not designed the site themselves.
Many people are comfortable using online applications and tools that allow them to construct and design websites themselves. However, those who lack web design experience may feel more comfortable using a freelance web designer instead of a DIY website builder. Using a professional freelance web designer will provide them with the time and ability to make any changes they wish. It is also the best way to ensure the content on the site is correctly completed, as a freelance web designer has access to all the latest software programs used within the industry.
