DominHTML 5.5

Functions in D-5.5 are available from a drop-down menu or from clicking an icon just beneath the drop-down menu listings. Inside those drop-down options are a number of "quick" format choices, or at least a starter markup set.

For example, in the drop-down menu listings for tables, users can choose a quick table that places the formatting for a two- row table into the opened document. From the icon menu, users can choose a quick table by example (selecting the number of cells wanted from a preset 3x3 grid) or by opening a table helper that allows users to insert the table, rows, and cells one at a time, complete with the elements available for that particular part of the table.

Listed in the drop-down menu under Quick, similar type helpers exist for frames, links, images, lists, forms, style sheets, scripts, and other elements, making quick work of many of those items. All are accessible by using quick key combinations, too.

The DominHTML makers have also made it possible for users to use other programs without having to leave D-5.5 through the use of customizable "helper" applications. There, users can get to their favorite photo editor, style sheet builder, image mapper, or other program simply by clicking on the application's name. When finished working in that program, users merely select the Return to Editor icon that DominHTML puts in the upper right corner of the application, returning immediately to the document that was open. D-5.5 allows users to link to as many as seven applications in that manner.

For those who find themselves using various sets of coding repeatedly, D-5.5 is a program after their heart. The program allows users to store up to 20 such coding snippets under it's Custom menu drop-down list, with each one programmable and changeable by the user.

Images selected in the file manager for insertion can be previewed in the dialog box, then opened to full-size preview by clicking on the thumbnail. Another feature that sets the program apart from many is its ability to convert selected text to tables and selected paragraphs (or lines of text) to lists by selecting the text and clicking a single button under the Quick layout option.

Making massive changes in a Web site is made simple by the program's multiple file find & replace function. DominHTML also gives users an estimated download time for a file, and enables print preview and "print as a Web page" from its integrated preview browser.

Many of DominHTML's other features are more common, but no less good to have. Drag-and-drop text editing, 256 levels of undo/redo, user definable templates, tag removal, project management, preview of graphics before insertion of coding into the document, options for all uppercase tag insertion, spell check, and thesaurus are among them.

While the full version, which costs $20 or $25 depending on whether it is downloaded or shipped to the buyer, has more options available, the freeware version provides most everything users need to build Web sites, in addition to offering the customization needed to make it even more complete.

The differences in the two versions are these:

Full	Freeware
Custom toolbar settings saved between sessions.	Custom toolbar settings not saved.
As many open files as memory permits.	Two open files at one time.
Unlimited file sizes.	10k size limit.
Tag colors display always.	Tag colors deactivate when you modify a file.
Previews files in two external browsers.	Previews files in one external browser.
Spell check & thesaurus functionality.	No spell check & thesaurus functionality.

In the end, what DominHTML 5.5 provides is a program that is easy to use, goes easy on system resources, and with its many customizable features, is a bargain in either version.

What is it called again? DominHTML 5.5

Where can I get it? http://www.fyi.net/~abass/domino/editors.htm

How much does it cost? It's free, but a full version is available for $20 by e-mail, $25 by shipment.

How big is the download? 2.5 MB.

Is it worth it? While not as fancy looking as some, it's well worth the download time or the purchase price.