Sothink HTML Editor

To protect against trademark problems, the name has been changed, but it's still a cute little HTML program. It's just that now, what once was known as CutePage goes by the name of Sothink HTML Editor.

The program is essentially the same, and that means it's a lot better than the name sounds. There have been some new features added to the program, including auto complete for coding, tag hints, a new interface, and toolbars that can be customized.

Those features are added to the numerous features of previous versions, including integrated widget tools (used to make menus, buttons, and animated text and banners), full-screen mode, table and frame designers, link and e-mail wizards, and unlimited undo and redo support.

Among the newer features, Sothink offers a full-range of code editing tools, including pop-up tag tips, automatic code insertion, colorized tags, line numbers, bookmarks, and user defined tags to eliminate the tedious and repetitive.

Similar to Allaire's HomeSite, Sothink offers three modes of viewing files: HTML (same as editor mode in HomeSite), design, and preview. The HTML mode shows the coding, the design mode shows how the page is constructed (including table lines), and the preview mode shows what viewers will see when the page is online.

The program's interface, while updated, remains not unlike many others. A file manager runs down the left side of the interface, while the toolbars are at the top. They can, however, be moved to where the user desires. By using the preferences selection in the menu bar, users can further customize the program to meet their needs.

In the file manager area, there are some additions that are nice for Web builders. That is where there is easy access to 15 JavaScripts and 10 DHTML scripts that can be activated by dragging and dropping them onto the page.

Beyond the file manager, Sothink features a Site Manager, too. From there, users can name a project, see the files in it, check all the links, and publish it to a server, which can be defined within the program.

The afore-mentioned widgets are a staple of Sothink. Among them are: CoolMenu 3.0, which is used to make Java menus; DHTMLMenu, used to make floating Web navigation menus; Sliding Menu, for making animated Java menus; CoolButton, used to create animated Java buttons; and CoolText, with which users can create animated Java banners and animated text. Other widgets can be found at the program's Web site.

For those who own CutePage 2.0, they can upgrade to Sothink HTML Editor 2.5 for free, and all registered CutePage widgets can be upgraded to Sothink widgets.

Perhaps the most noticeable omission in the program is the lack of a style sheet editor, which one would expect with a program this good. While experienced users won't notice that much, more novice users could use the help.

All in all, Sothink ranks among the better editors because of its many features. It comes in two version — Free and Standard.

The free version has the following limitations: Only one file can be edited each time the program is opened; a notice bar appears at the top of the edit window; a notice window appears for 5 seconds whenever the program is started, and users cannot get technical support.

Otherwise, for under $20 users can purchase the Standard version, in which those limitations disappear, and a program well worth the price remains.

What is it called again? Sothink HTML Editor 2.5

Where can I get it? http://www.srctec.com

How much does it cost? $19.99 Standard Version; Most widgets cost $25.

How big is the download? 4.3 MB

Do I recommend it? It certainly is worth sothinking about.