Customize the design view of an element?

[mike_nitobi]

Hi,

I'm looking for a way to customize how an element is rendered in the design
view. The element is essentially a block of xml that gets translated to html
using javascript when the page is loaded. But of course, it isn't rendered by
default in Dreamweaver's design view. Is there a way I can get the xml to show
up in the design view as, at the very least, a box?

As a point of reference, I noticed that the Spry extensions have a customized
design time view. I guess I want to do something similar to that.
Thanks.

[Randy Edmunds]

Mike,

Yes, you can do that. The easiest solution is to add en entry to the
ThirdPartyTags folder, but the rendering options are very limited.
Otherwise, you'll need to create a custom Translator.

HTH,
Randy

> I'm looking for a way to customize how an element is rendered in the design
> view. The element is essentially a block of xml that gets translated to html
> using javascript when the page is loaded. But of course, it isn't rendered by
> default in Dreamweaver's design view. Is there a way I can get the xml to show
> up in the design view as, at the very least, a box?
>
> As a point of reference, I noticed that the Spry extensions have a customized
> design time view. I guess I want to do something similar to that.

[mike_nitobi]

That's perfect. Thanks!

[mike_nitobi]

I've got a couple of followup questions for y'all.

First, I've got a simple translator all sussed. The translated markup is
locked. The tag that is being translated also has a tag library associated
with it defining its numerous attributes. The problem is that those attributes
are not available in the Tag Inspector; all I get is a greyed out region and a
message (Locked Region). The markup needs to be locked, there's nothing I can
do about that (I think), but I'd also like the tag to be editable via the Tag
Inspector. Is this possible or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Question the second: I like how the Spry widgets have mouseover effects and
I'd like to have something similar. But I can't figure out how to go about it.
Are there special events I can subscribe to? I have a feeling this is
probably easier than I think, but I'm not even really sure where to start.

Thanks!
Mike.

[Randy Edmunds]

Mike,

> First, I've got a simple translator all sussed. The translated markup is
> locked. The tag that is being translated also has a tag library associated
> with it defining its numerous attributes. The problem is that those attributes
> are not available in the Tag Inspector; all I get is a greyed out region and a
> message (Locked Region). The markup needs to be locked, there's nothing I can
> do about that (I think), but I'd also like the tag to be editable via the Tag
> Inspector. Is this possible or am I barking up the wrong tree?

I'm not sure, but here's a tip that may help you find out. For Preview
in Browser, turn on "using Temp files". Notive that when you PIB, and
then View Source in the browser, all of the translated tags (e.g.
<MM:BeginLock>) are still in the page.

Now, search around in DW for other server-side elements that have the
behavior that you want, then PIB, and look at the translated source to
see how they are tranlated.

> Question the second: I like how the Spry widgets have mouseover effects and
> I'd like to have something similar. But I can't figure out how to go about it.
> Are there special events I can subscribe to? I have a feeling this is
> probably easier than I think, but I'm not even really sure where to start.

I am not sure exactly where that's done, but it's in the Spry
translation process.

HTH,
Randy