Template-based web editing software
EZGenerator is a web design program created by Image-Line. The program is intended to be accessible to users with no experience in code such as HTML or CSS, and displays results in a WYSIWYG manner. EZGenerator is available for Windows operating systems.[1][2] As of February 21, 2017, EZGenerator is no longer being developed, nor is it available to download unless done by an existing customer through their personal licenses page.[3]
History
EZGenerator was initially developed for Image-Line software in order for the company to maintain and set-up their own websites, such as the website for FL Studio and SampleFusion.com. The company eventually commercialized the program.[4] Upon its release, EZGenerator was awarded 5/5 stars at Tucows[citation needed] As of June 2011, it was ranked #12 for web site tool downloads on CNET.[5]
There have been four major version updates as of 2017.[5][6] There was a one-time purchase to use the program, with no monthly fees.[1][2] There was a yearly maintenance fee in order to continue downloading templates, etc.[7] The free trial version[2] contained an extra footer and a watermark on output.[5]
Development was officially cancelled on February 21, 2017.[3]
System requirements
EZGenerator works on Windows NT / 98 / 2000 / Me / XP / Win2K3 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1.[5][8] As of January 2011, it requires Pentium II or higher, and Internet Explorer v5.0 or higher. It also requires a screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels or higher, and a screen color mode of 16 bit (65536 colors) or higher.[8]
Product overview
The program operates on the principle of WYSIWYG, (What You See Is What You Get),[1][9] and allows for the creation of multiple websites by users with no technical skills or knowledge of HTML.[1][2][10]
Publishing
EZGenerator uses FTP settings for publishing to the internet and uploading changes,[11] meaning the websites can be hosted on any server or hosting company.[2][8] There is a login feature that allows users to edit web-editable pages created from the program from any PC.[9] Using FTP, the program also determines which files need to be uploaded for an update.[1] The program has a test server so websites can be viewed before they are launched on their actual hosting accounts.[9] EZGenerator is built in with tools to make it search engine friendly, with automatic meta descriptions, <h1> tags, and alt image tags, and file names for SEO.[9]
Creation
The program includes a Wizard[8] that allows users to pick a project type and complete a working website in 15 minutes or less.[8][11] EZGenerator includes over 3,000 free web templates,[11] and each one is customizable.[12] Pages can also be built from scratch.[2][13]
EZGenerator works with Google features such as Adwords, Google Checkout, Google Analytics, and Google Maps.[2][11] It has an e-commerce model that allows for products and services to be listed in a catalog,[2] and allows for accepting credit cards and PayPal payments via the site.[8] Other features include a built in search function and hit counter,[1] PHP contact pages with captchas,[9][12] and RSS publisher, a calendar, and a guestbook, newsletter management, and interactive Flash polls for surveys.[2] The websites can also be made into blogs and photo-blogs.[2] The program generates its own XML sitemap for the websites.[9]
- Media
Images are automatically scaled to be a web suitable format,[2] and the program as built-in image editors to allow for cropping, text additions, manipulation of image properties, and effects.[1][9] Images can be displayed in slideshows, image pop-ups, or thumbnail modes.[2][8]
The program has a built-in podcasting[2] and video-casting module. Flash media-players can display mp3s and video, and stream them directly from YouTube or Google Video.[11]
Support
Image-line has an online support forum where employees post answers to questions within 24 hours.[9]
