Basic Frame Layouts
Frames allow you to divide a browser window into multiple regions, each of which can display a different HTML document. In most common uses of frames, one frame displays a document containing navigation controls, while another frame displays a document with content.
A frame-based website involves three basic parts: a frameset page, the individual HTML documents that are to appear in each frame, and target names for each pane of the frame layout.
Choosing a Frameset
1. Dreamweaver provides a number of "Framesets," or document templates that contain various configurations of frames. To find a frameset to start with, click the File menu and choose New.
2. Choose a frameset style by clicking the General tab at the top of the window, then choosing Framesets from the left-hand menu. In the center menu, scroll through the available framesets and choose the one that best fits your needs. When ready, click Create to go to your new frame documents.
3. Note that at first you are viewing the Frameset page. This page is the page that holds the information necessary to call on the various HTML pages that will appear in your individual frame panes. Remember the name of this document when you save it (often index.html or Default.html) as this is the page that should be referenced when you want to link to your entire framed website!
You will know that you working with the Frameset page by checking the title bar of your open window, or by checking the Properties window.
4. To switch between the different parts of your frame layout, it may help to bring up the Frames window, which can be found under the Window menu. Clicking within the Frames window allows you to switch between your frames and change the properties of each one, including the main Frameset page.
Working with Individual Files Within the Frameset
You can begin working with any of the individual pages that are part of the frame by clicking inside its corresponding pane. Remember that each pane is an individual HTML file that must be saved separately!
Click here to watch a video demonstrating switching between different documents within a frameset
Setting Targets for Links Within the Frame Structure
Many people who work with frames wish to use one frame as a navigation menu, with content appearing in a different pane within the frameset. To accomplish this task, you must set targets along with your links.
Note that each frame pane has a name -- by default these are usually MainFrame, LeftFrame, and so on. You may change these names if you wish by choosing the frame from the Frames Window (see above) and altering its name in the Properties window.
When you create a link, you must set a target for that link if the linked content is intended to appear in a different frame pane. So, if you have a link in the left-hand pane that, when clicked, should show its content in the right-hand pane, you must set the target to the appropriate frame pane. To do this, as you are creating the link, make sure you check the Target popup menu and select the correct frame for the link to appear in. For more information on creating links, see the Hyperlinks section.
- The _blank target always indicates that the link will open in a new window.
- The _parent target always indicates the the link will open in the parent frameset of the frame the link appears in, replacing the entire frameset.
- The _self target opens the link in the current frame, replacing the content in that frame.
- The _top opens the linked document in the current browser window, replacing all frames.
- The names of each of your frames will appear in this popup menu for you to choose from as long as you are working within the frameset document.
