Use existing image file as site template

hperkins

I have designed a new site for myself in Photoshop - I have the look, interface and navigation. I don't want to use Flash, so am replacing my old site.

I have a single panel with buttons - I suppose I could use image mapping to just make them active. But I did download the Rapid Weaver demo, and it looks good - soo... I want to code it using Rapid Weaver, but I cannot find a way to just import the image file and add functionality to it. I have looked at the manual and scanned the forum, but was hoping there was a quick answer to let me know if this is even possible. It looks like you can only use templates - so - can I make my own template? (Rollover states, sound and animation are also wanted, but right now I just need a basic 5 page site!)

I did try to hire a couple of designer friends, but they are too busy, and I am a DIY kinda gal, so... anything I am missing? Can I even DO this?

I am a composer and sound designer, not a web designer - so be kind! : )

- Heather

tsilva

Hyperkins,
You can create an image map in RW with just drag and drop simplicity- no coding. You will need a plugin called "Stacks", then a third party add-in to the plugin called "Image Mapper Stacks". It's super easy to implement.
Good luck and hollar if you run into any stumbling blocks.

hperkins

Cool, thanks! Will try that. Used to hand code it all in HTML, and the I used Flash, but things are so different now. Plus, seems that Flash is a bit passe as a web-design tool... what do you think?

Thanks again.

- H

hperkins

Got Stacks ($30) and Image Mapper" (Another $7.00) and installed them.

Looks good, but I find I am supposed to enter in coordinates by hand for each map area, which for me (remember, I am a SOUND designer) is not intuitive. I used to do this in a free WYSIWYG image mapper freeware app, which had a true drag&drop interface and was much easier. Unless I'm missing something here.

Oh, well. Will keep digging for that old app, but it was at least 10 years ago that I used it.

hperkins

MapSpinner! Not what I used before, but the same basic idea. Generates the code and coordinates for image maps.

thinkfilm

You may be shelling out more than you planned but you might want to also check RAGE Mapdesign -- http://www.ragesw.com/products/mapdesign.html.

I find it fairly intuitive and simple to use. Plays well with Rapidweaver too.

hperkins

NICE - Rage allows me to do over and down states, which I don't think MapSpinner does. Thanks!