Labs

XSite Pro takes a different approach to other package here, except Mr Site Takeaway, which is similar in intent if not execution. Instead of a WYSIWYG area, a code area and so on, the program presents a series of tabs, most of which contain drop-down menus.

The design process works as follows. In the tab page layout, you use the left-hand menus to specify which elements you want on your template page (header, footer, left-hand navigation and so on) and how they should look, their colour and layout, the attributes of sub-elements and so on. Unless you specify otherwise, each page you create thereafter will use the template you have created.

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If you want to create a page that doesn't conform to the template, simply select Ignore Page Layout Settings on the New Page dialog. It's easy to specify which pages should be included in your navigation system and whether they will be main pages or subpages, and the program automatically creates a site map for you.

This method of design is a little restrictive, but not as much as it sounds. In most cases you'll end up with a fairly standard c-frame design, with a header, left-hand navigation and footer. However, the program offers a surprising degree of customisation, including the ability to create pop-up windows. If you run a small business and you want to get a respectable-looking site up and running quickly and be able to maintain it without learning web design, this approach works well.

Our one reservation is with the design ethos imparted in the manual. With so little room for artistic flair, it's easy to create clunky, blocky-looking pages. There's no need to exacerbate the problem by using the Courier font or red, centred headlines.

If XSite Pro were cheaper, it would be a good choice for small businesses that value ease and control over creativity. However, at this price we can't recommend it.