.FWTB File Extension
What is an FWTB file?
The .FWTB file extension stands for Freeway Template Bundle, a file format associated with Freeway, a web design application developed by Softpress Systems.
Freeway is known for its user-friendly, drag-and-drop approach to web design, which allows users to create professional-quality websites without needing to write code manually. The .FWTB file type is used primarily to store templates for Freeway projects.
A Freeway Template Bundle (.FWTB) file contains a pre-designed template that can be used as a starting point for web design projects.
These templates can include layout designs, pre-defined styles, and embedded assets such as images and fonts, which streamline the design process and ensure consistency across multiple pages or projects.
More Information.
The initial purpose of the .FWTB file format was to support Freeway’s template system, which allows users to create and share reusable design templates.
Before the introduction of .FWTB files, users of Freeway had to manually recreate design elements and styles for each new project, which could be time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies.
The .FWTB format aimed to address these issues by enabling designers to save their work as templates, which could then be easily applied to new projects.
This feature not only sped up the design process but also ensured that all projects adhered to a consistent visual style.
Over the years, Softpress Systems continued to refine Freeway and its template capabilities, further enhancing the usefulness of the .FWTB format for web designers.
Origin Of This File.
The .FWTB file format was introduced by Softpress Systems as part of the Freeway suite of web design tools.
Freeway itself was first launched in the early 1990s, and over the years, it evolved to include various features to simplify web design.
The .FWTB file format was developed to facilitate the reuse of design elements and templates, enhancing productivity for web designers by providing a structured way to manage and deploy templates.
File Structure Technical Specification.
A .FWTB file is essentially a bundle file that contains several components:
- Template Design: This includes layout information, design elements, and styling rules used in the template.
- Assets: Any images, fonts, or other media included in the template are stored within the bundle.
- Metadata: Information about the template, such as its name, author, and version, is also included.
Technically, .FWTB files are structured similarly to other bundle files in that they encapsulate multiple files and folders within a single package.
This bundling ensures that all necessary components for the template are kept together, making it easier for Freeway to access and use them.
The technical specification of .FWTB files is tailored to the Freeway application, which means they are optimized for use within that environment.
The files are not directly editable outside of Freeway, but they can be used to create new projects or modify existing ones.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .FWTB files to other formats is not straightforward due to their specific association with Freeway. There are a few approaches to consider:
- Exporting Content: Users can open .FWTB files in Freeway and export the content as HTML or other web formats. This allows for the reuse of the design elements in other web design tools or environments.
- Manual Recreation: Another approach is to manually recreate the design in a different web design tool by referencing the template’s layout and styles.
Converting .FWTB files directly to other file formats while preserving all design elements and functionality is challenging due to the proprietary nature of the format.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: Using .FWTB files allows designers to quickly start new projects with pre-designed templates, saving time and effort.
- Consistency: Templates ensure that design elements and styles are consistent across multiple pages or projects, which is crucial for maintaining a professional appearance.
- Ease of Use: Freeway’s drag-and-drop interface, combined with .FWTB templates, simplifies the web design process, making it accessible even to users with limited technical skills.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Compatibility: The .FWTB format is specifically designed for Freeway and is not natively supported by other design or web development tools. This limits the ability to use or modify .FWTB files outside of Freeway.
- File Size: Because .FWTB files can include assets such as images and fonts, they can become quite large. This can be an issue when sharing templates or managing storage.
- Dependency on Freeway: Users must have Freeway to open and use .FWTB files, which can be a drawback if they need to collaborate with others who do not use the same software.
How to Open FWTB?
Open In Windows
- Freeway is not available for Windows, so users cannot open .FWTB files natively on this operating system. However, users might consider using virtualization software or emulators to run macOS applications on a Windows machine, though this is a more complex solution.
Open In Linux
- Similar to Windows, Linux does not support Freeway natively. Users on Linux would need to explore virtualization options or look for alternative web design tools that can handle similar tasks.
Open In MAC
- Freeway is a macOS application, so .FWTB files can be opened directly on a Mac computer with Freeway installed. Users can simply double-click the .FWTB file to open it in Freeway.
