I was very excited to install my first new DNN 6 portal and love the new skin features.  But, I am one of those that prefers to create my skins in HTML and not ASCX and I was CRUSHED to see that the Dark Knight Skin that ships with the portal did not have any HTML Files.

I've heard the pros and cons of both methods, but the bottom line for me (and others I hope) is that it's easier to develop in HTML because you can see the formatting much better in Dreamweaver or other HTML Editors.

Is there a set of Dark Night Skin Files out there in the HTML Format?

PLEASE don't abandon us.

Bummer.  But thanks for the response Will.

I don't really have a problem with most of the technical aspects of editing ASCX files.  It's just that when working on a design using the HTML approach it allows me to see the visual effects of a layout fully populated with graphics.  Working on the same skin after being processed into an ASCX file is just a bunch of lines for me in Dreamweaver.

Plus, I work with two design companies and one marketing firm and when collaborating with them I can give them something that is familiar and, again, looks like a design template when they open it in Dreamweaver or other HTML Editors.  They're all Mac shops and I don't relish having to say, oh you'll get used to the "Microsoft" formatted ASCX files that look like just a bunch of lines when you open it.  Don't worry, the design and layout is in there somewhere.

In summary, I just think it's much easier and intuitive to "design" where I can see what I'm doing.

Please let me know if I'm missing something.  Is there an ASCX editor that will display the layout graphics and formatting the same way as HTML?

As Ralph said, neither way is right or wrong.  It's once again mainly an issue of comfort level.  In your case, it's not just the comfort level of yourself, but also your clients.  

I know Ralph.  He is indeed a designer, and not a programmer (yet).  In fact, he built the skin for my blog site, and the Day of DotNetNuke.  What he said about having a local installation of DNN is a great suggestion to try and overcome any issues in building the ASCX way.  

I don't think either of us are trying to steer you in either direction.  Just trying to be helpful and informative.

As to your original question and issue, and to the point of my earlier question, are you comfortable enough to translate the original skin files to HTML?  It can be done - for some it's easier than others.

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Will Strohl

Upendo Ventures DNN experts since 2003 Official provider of the Hotcakes Commerce Cloud and SLA support