4Level Webs Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Extensions

Href Utility

About the extension

This Object sets an <a> tag and href from a user list selection. This extension is similiar to our Pop_to_Parent Behavior in the actual results produced, but sets the action to an
<a href="javascript:event"> instead of a function call <a href="javascript:;"onClick="event">.

What's the real difference? Which one should you use? It just depends on the application. The Href_Utilities will insert less code onto your page as there is no <head> script being inserted. It will perform the action prescribed and that's all. It is designed for single events.

If you need to apply multiple events to the link then you would want to use the Pop_to_Parent.

Another benefit of this extension is that you can set the javascript "null" link to the Property Inspectors Link field with the mouse instead of having to type it in for the first time. I know it's only a few letters but it can get annoying if you have to do this every time you open Dreamweaver.

Accessing the Interface

Access the Interface by clicking on the in the Objects Panel Common category (DW3/4) and from the Common category of the Insert Bar (MX/MX2004).

Href Utility Interface

Set Option List

Options List

Null Link

Sets a javascript null link to the object selected.
<a href="javascript:;">Your Text</a>

Sets a javascript print command to the object selected.
<a href="javascript:print()">Print</a>

Self .. Go Back 1

Like using the Back Button in the Browser window. Can be used for normal single windows or popups without chrome (controls).
<a href="javascript:history.go(-1)">Go Back</a>

Self .. Go Fwd 1

Like using the Forward Button in the Browser window. Can be used for normal single windows or popups without chrome (controls).
<a href="javascript:history.go(+1)">Go Forward</a>

Self Close

Closes the current window. (For popups and new windows launched only)
<a href="javascript:self.close()">Close Window</a>

Self Close URL to Parent

Sends a URL to the Parent (window that opened the popup) and closes self (popup).
<a href="javascript:opener.location='page1.htm';self.close()">Link to Parent</a>

Parent GoBack 1

A Back Button link for the parent, in the popup. Sends the Parent window 1 back in its history.
<a href="javascript:opener.history.go(-1)">Parent Go Back</a>

Parent GoFwd1

A Forward Button link for the parent, in the popup. Sends the Parent window 1 forward in its history.
<a href="javascript:opener.history.go(+1)">Parent Go Forward</a>

The term "popup" used here just means a window opened by another window, not necesarily a small popup window.

URL Only

A Forward Button link for the parent, in the popup. Sends the Parent window 1 forward in its history.
<a href="yourpage.htm">Parent Go Forward</a>

When option 6 (Self ..... Close URL to parent) is selected, the URL field becomes accessible.

Screen Tip

Provides a screen tip of the text you provide. See example on this Null Link.

Application

Select an image or the text you wish to apply the href link to, access the interface, select a URL option, enter a Screen Tip if desired and URL if applicable. Click Ok.