Want to create or revise a website while working with both its layout and markup? Microsoft Expression Web combines visual page editing with direct access to HTML and CSS, along with tools for checking pages before publication.
Design and code views
Expression Web provides a visual workspace for arranging page content and editing HTML and CSS directly. Switch between the design and source views to adjust a page’s appearance or work on its markup. The visual view supports placing and editing page elements, while the code view gives direct access to the underlying files.
The editor supports HTML and XHTML alongside CSS and JavaScript. This suits projects where page structure, styling, and scripts are maintained as website files.
Web languages and controls
The editor also includes support for PHP and ASP.NET technologies, including ASP.NET AJAX. Server controls and user controls can be added to pages, and the program includes tools for user account management and data access.
For page construction, toolbar items can be dragged onto the design surface. Available elements include lines, divisions, and forms, giving a direct way to add common page components while editing.
Page validation
Expression Web includes checks for accessibility, browser compatibility, and style-sheet errors. These tests can flag issues in a page during editing, before the site is published.
- Use accessibility checks to identify page issues affecting access.
- Run browser compatibility tests on the page.
- Check CSS for style-sheet errors.
Pros
- Design and code views for editing page layout and markup
- HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and ASP.NET support
- Accessibility, browser compatibility, and style-sheet checks
Cons
- Microsoft discontinued Expression Web in 2012; it no longer receives updates
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8 · 1 GHz or faster processor · 1 GB RAM or more · 2 GB or more available hard-disk space · .NET Framework 4.0 · Silverlight 4.0
Can Microsoft Expression Web edit HTML and CSS directly?
Yes. It provides code editing for HTML and CSS as well as a visual design view.
What page checks are included?
The program can test accessibility, browser compatibility, and style-sheet errors.
Can I add forms and other elements from the toolbar?
Yes. Drag toolbar controls onto the page; supported examples include forms, lines, and divisions.