FreeCode

FreeCode is new to version 4, and is the single most important feature of this release.

When should I use FreeCode

When you need absolute control over your HTML and CSS code, use FreeCode. Previous to FreeCode, Flux would generate your code for you, and not allow 100% flexibility, with FreeCode, Flux still generates code for you, but will only make the changes you request, even if your code is invalid, Flux will not change it.

How do I enable/disable it?

Choose FreeCode from the Edit menu

Benefits of FreeCode

Total Control, with FreeCode, there are no limitations to what you can create in Flux. However even with FreeCode, the WYSIWYG capability still exists, if you drag an object to a new location, or to stretch out it's padding, Flux will still alter your code for you, but only that element, the rest of your code will remain unchanged. The same applies in CSS, if you make a change on the page or using the Inpsector, the CSS will still be changed, just like it would be without FreeCode, however, only that section of CSS will be altered, everything else will remain exactly how you left it.

When not to use FreeCode

If you are just starting web design, and are not confident creating valid HTML and CSS, then it's best not to use FreeCode, as it won't stop you making mistakes.

WYSIWYYG text editing is not supported in FreeCode, this is because an on-screen stylistic representation cannot adequately show the hierarchical structure of a web page.

Can I change a page to use FreeCode?

Yes, however there are some caveats...

If you switch a normal page to use FreeCode, no changes are made to the page, other than it's marked in the files' metadata that it is now a FreeCode page. Any future changes will be done using FreeCode.

What about switching back?

If you switch a FreeCode page to be non-FreeCode, it's possible destructive changes could be made, and your code formatting will almost certainly change. Any code that Flux doesn't understand could be lost.

Sometimes Flux says that it cannot make a change in FreeCode?

FreeCode is very powerful and capable, however, sometimes code is so invalid, broken or corrupt, that Flux cannot find the section of code that it needs to change.

Tip

To help Flux find the code, give the element a unique id attribute, this will help Flux find objects in messy code.

If you think Flux is failing on valid code, then please report this to us@theescapers.com, including the affected HTML page.

How does FreeCode affect external CSS files?

FreeCode can also make changes to external CSS, just like it can with HTML, however, it's important if you do this, that all HTML pages that use the .css file all use FreeCode. If they do not, if you make edits on a non-FreeCoded page, then destructive changes could be made to the .css file.

Tip

As a general rule, switching a page to FreeCode is harmless, but switching back can occasionally produce undesirable changes.

Identifiying FreeCode files

FreeCoded files are underlined in the Site Manager.


You can also setup Flux in the Preferences to open ALL files in FreeCode.