Convert FWP to DWT

Understanding FWP and DWT file formats

FWP files are project files created by Microsoft Expression Web, a discontinued web design tool. These files store website project data, including site structure, settings, and references to web pages and resources. DWT files, on the other hand, are Dreamweaver Template files used by Adobe Dreamweaver. DWT files allow web designers to create a consistent layout and design across multiple web pages by defining editable and non-editable regions.

Why convert FWP to DWT?

Converting an FWP project to a DWT template is useful when migrating a website from Microsoft Expression Web to Adobe Dreamweaver. This enables you to maintain a consistent design and streamline site updates using Dreamweaver's template system.

How to convert FWP to DWT

There is no direct, automated converter for FWP to DWT, as FWP is a project format and DWT is a template file. The conversion process involves extracting the main HTML layout from your Expression Web project and creating a Dreamweaver template from it. Here’s how you can do it manually:

1. Open your FWP project in Microsoft Expression Web.
2. Identify the main HTML file or layout you want to use as a template.
3. Open the HTML file and copy its code.
4. Launch Adobe Dreamweaver.
5. Go to File → New → Blank Page → HTML and paste the copied code.
6. Define editable regions by selecting content and choosing Insert → Template Objects → Editable Region.
7. Save the file as a template using File → Save as Template (this will create a .dwt file).

Best software for FWP to DWT conversion

The best approach is to use Microsoft Expression Web to access your FWP project and Adobe Dreamweaver to create and manage DWT templates. There are no dedicated third-party converters for this process, so manual conversion is recommended for best results.

Tips for a smooth conversion

• Ensure all linked resources (CSS, images, scripts) are correctly referenced in your new template.
• Test the DWT template by creating new pages in Dreamweaver to verify editable regions and layout consistency.
• Consider cleaning up the HTML code to remove any Expression Web-specific markup.