Adobe InContext Editing - An Introduction

By David Roe (@druadh20) Jul 10, 2009

4 comments

Adobe InContext Editing - An Introduction In April this year there was so much huffing and puffing about the fact that users of Adobe InContext Editing would probably have to pay a monthly fee for it, Adobe (news, site) had to clarify some of the issues.

First, it was explained that InContext Editing is not a paid additional feature of Dreamweaver, but is, in fact, a standalone editing service even though it provides integration features for Dreamweaver CS4 using its design view and commands.

Second, they explained that the monthly fee would entitle websites of smaller businesses, or non-profit organizations, to update and edit their websites at a relatively small fee compared with other solutions built for large websites, whose costs are not justifiable for smaller ones.

So, with all the dust settled, what is it that InContext Editing does?

First, let's also be clear on this, InContext Editing is also separate from Adobe Contribute, Adobe's answer to creating and editing web pages in the browser (see our recent Adobe Contribute review).

InContext Editing is an online service that allows clients make their own content updates, while enabling designers maintain the integrity of their Dreamweaver-built website.

Adobe has recently updated InContext with a number of new features, along with fixes for the previous version that was released last September, based on contributions in their product forums.

InContext Updates

The basic idea of InContext Editing is that a site's editable content is mediated by an Adobe server, configured to have FTP access to the site. Edits are performed on the Adobe server, using a browser and pushed back to the site on completion, review and acceptance.

Adobe InContext Editing — Homepage

It does this by enabling Dreamweaver designers to designate editable areas within their web pages that non-technical clients can update in the browser from any location.

And because the software is delivered as a service — to be paid for on a monthly or yearly basis — this can be done without having to install software that comes with an interface similar to other word-processing packages clients would be used to working with.

[Editor's Note (29-Aug-2009): Adobe's InContext Editing service is currently being offered as a "Free Preview". It is not entirely clear when Adobe will begin charging for the service. The InContext Editing FAQ explains some of the planned payment details.]

Three New Features

With the new 1.5 version, which has been getting some decent reviews despite the pricing issue, there are three principal features that are being touted as new.

These include;

Ability to create and define editable regions directly in a browser
Easy-to use administration controls
New permissions assigning

These come with at least ten new fixes on the previous version.

To get into the editing mode, clients are sent an invitation by email to update their site. They are previously assigned specified areas to edit by the client. The client has access to these areas of the site only so that the integrity of the site design remains intact.

InContest_servder landing page_2009.jpg
Adobe InContext Editing — Landing Page