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Using Templates in Dreamweaver

As discussed in our previous tutorial on Templates, templates are an effective way of keeping your web site organized and looking consistent within all you site files. Now lets get on with the topic on using templates in dreamweaver.

In this tutorial we'll cover how to update your template, how to create new pages from the template, how to apply your template to an existing page, and how to update a single page with the template changes you make.

Updating Your Template:

The template you have created by now should be in the Templates folder that dreamweaver has created for you. Begin by opening that page. Once you open your template make your changes to the file and then hit save. A pop up window will appear asking you to Update all files base on the template. If nothing comes up, it just means you haven't created any pages based of the template.

A screen shot of the pop up message:

Once this pop-up window shows up, choose Update and then wait for the support files to update.

Creating New Pages Based On Your Template:

Step 1: Go to Windows -> Assets this panel should open on the right hand side.

Step 2: Choose the 2nd to last icon in the Assets Window. Your template name should now appear in the empty white area of the panel.

Step 3: Select the file by right-clicking and then choose New From Template. This will then open a blank page with your template structure in place and an editable region to type in.

How To Apply Your Template To A Page:

Applying a template to a page is very simple. Open the file you want to attach your template to, then choose Modify -> Templates -> Apply Template to Page...

Updating A Single Page With Your Template Changes:

When working with a template, it is wise to make your changes then update a single page with the template changes and see if it looks good before you go ahead and update all of your site files with the new template changes.

To do this, open up a site file after you have made the changes to the template. Then choose Modify -> Templates -> Update Current Page. After you have made the update and everything looks good, go back to your template and choose: Modify -> Templates -> Update Pages... This will then go ahead and update all of your site files that use this template.