You don't need to invest if you just like an HTML editor because there are NVU and PSPad editor which are free. I prefer you buy Photoshop for your graphics.

I use dreamweaver and I like its ease of use.

Talking to more established web designers though and they usually tell me they prefer html editing over WYSIWYG.

Hi there, I get asked this A LOT.
The best software is the one you can use well. From a designers perspective I can say Xsite Pro and frontpage is a no no they are limited in compatibility and usability.
Dreamweaver and Photoshop both have free trials, go get them and try them out. Dreamweaver is affordable, as you know, Photoshop is very very expensive. I personally have the Photoshop Full Suite along with DW.

There is a program called GIMP. it is free and works a lot like Photoshop, it also edits Most Photoshop files and is worth looking into.

So bottom line, if you plan on doing client work and you will be turning the sites over to them to edit, consider which programs will be compatible with the widest range of users and skill levels. BUT also be comfortable for you

As a full time designer, I would go with Photoshop for designing and the old naked notepad for the coding part. If you ask me, no other software can compete with photoshop.

I use Photoshop and Dreamweaver. I'm used to doing a lot different types of websites, and just recently began doing more internet marketing sites, but I still love designing everything in photoshop and then writing all the script in dreamweaver. You don't need to be a pro to use it either, it virtually writes all the code for you. It's really worth the money. They have a 30 day free trial, you should try it out before you buy!

p.s. Dreamweaver has it's own FTP server sections, you don't have to download one and mess with it (like you would if you used notepad).

xSitePro of course.
contact me at lukemuhammad.com for the website URL.
I'd appreciate it.

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I use deamweaver. Go for it. it's totally worth it . It has tons of very useful tools. You will not be disapointed.

Go with Dreamweaver and photoshop they are both first class programs. You will be able to complete your work faster and produce quality sites

I started on wordpress myself and would definitely recommend dream weaver because you have the freedom to design the layout the way you want. I use fireworks for the images and graphics but photoshop is also very good. There are many tutorial videos on youtube for dream weaver. you should have a look to see what DW can do.

I just want to send a quick message to say thank you to all that replied this thread. I am looking into a number of different options but I am definitely going to be using photoshop and dreamweaver!

Thanks all

Laurian

I own Dreamweaver and it's a nightmare! So difficult to use! I love Apples's iWeb, but when I lost my hard drive, I could not get my web site back into the program. If you publish to your own site instead of theirs you CAN'T PUT IT BACK. What a horror story. I have to redo the whole thing. You can bet I won't use iWeb again.

I've tried a few and for me nothing compares to dreamweaver, master that and photoshop for graphics and you'll never look back!

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I use dreamweaver and photoshop for making an image for web.

I may be a bit biased, but depending on your level of experience and desire to get into the actual coding, Sandvox is definitely worth considering. Sandvox is a Mac web design application and iWeb competitor (for frustrated folks like rosesmith). It sounds like you have multiple customers to create sites for, Sandvox will allow you to easily create professional sites for each and quickly move on to the necessary publishing and marketing of the sites.
And if you're the type to add that touch of customization with custom HTML coding, check out the Pro edition. You can see the official tutorial screencast at sandvox.com.

LS