How to Write for the Web

Creating: Choose Your Software Tools

A critical step in creating your site is choosing the software you'll use to create your pages. You can choose from word processors such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, Web editors such as Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage, and simple text editors such as Notepad. If you choose a word processor or a Web editor, you can create your site without knowing anything about coding. For most writers—and in particular for writers who do not know the HTML coding language—this is the best option.

Most student writers will find that Microsoft Word or WordPerfect are more than adequate for creating attractive and effective Web sites. You'll find information in this guide about using Microsoft Word to create a Web site. If you'd like, however, you can also learn how to code a Web site using HTML.