Library verses Template in Dreamweaver 4?

Ahh, DW 4

Ok, it depends on what you want it for...

If its ONLY for the navigation (right or left column) then using a library is the best bet. You make the menu as normal in one of your pages, select it then add it into your library menu. Once in there you insert the library into each of your webpages and when you update the menu itself, the rest of the pages gets updated.

Using a template is a different thing...

Templates take an entire structure of the site and then base all other pages off it. Heading, menu style, the lot. Take a look at stclandirectory.com/index1.htm everything APART from the center text content of the site is all in a template.

Using a template meas that if you change the design of your site or the menu of your site then the rest of your site gets completely changed as well.

Using a library is more flexible, if you want your pages to look different then using a library item for your menu would be more easier. However if you want all of your pages to have the same layout and design as your index page then you should really use a template.

Cheers for such a helpful and comprehensive reply Katie much appreciated.

My Site has a navigation column left and right. A graphic header banner to the top and another navigation "footer" row at the bottom of the page. All these will stay constant from page to page, only the centre of the page (the text content) will change.
Please see http://www.dannybaker.force9.co.uk/stmarys/school.gif

Given what you're saying am I right in assuming that for a site like this a template would be the better option?

Cheers

Andrew

Template it....

Get the index file, save it as a template, then set an editable region right in the middle where all your different content goes...

You HAVE to make sure though that any pages you make is made FROM the actual template...

Cheers Katie

Regards

Andrew