Terry's TMG Tips

Second Site Basics

This page updated 8 Jul 2007

Version note: Applies to TMG 6 & 7, and Second Site 2
Second Site 2.1 or later required for TMG 7

This article provides a few tips on some basic functions in using Second Site to create webpages that can be shared by CD or by posting to a website. It is based on John Cardinal's 6 Steps to Second Site, which you may prefer to consult because it has links to other helpful pages on John's site.

John's recommended six steps to create your first site are:

1. Start the program

TMG should not be running when you use Second Site.

2. Make a "Site Definition File"

Use the File > New... command to make a new Site Definition File (SDF). Second Site stores the options you select to customize your site in this file.

After you specify a file name the "Read default values from:" prompt will appear:

Select "English - Standard" unless your TMG project is working in another language.

3. Identify your TMG database

Click the "Set Database..." button in the Data > Database section, navigate to your TMG database in the File Open dialog, and click "Open."

4. Give your site a name

Key a title, in the Title field on Pages > Site screen. Add a subtitle if you like:

In the screenshot above I'd entered a Title and Subtitle.

5. Identify yourself

Key your name in the Name field on the Pages > Compiler screen. Fill in the other fields in that section if you want:

In this screenshot I've entered my name, address, and e-mail address.

6. Make the site

Use the File > Make Site command, or click the "Make Site" button on the toolbar, to make the site:

When Second Site is done making the site, a window will open with some status messages and some command buttons. Click the "Browse Site" button to open the main page of your site:

That's all there is to it! Your site is done, ready to review. After looking at it, you may want to look at John's very helpful website for more details about how to refine the site to your preferences, starting with his Using Second Site page. You may also want to look at my article on Refining Your Site for some additional suggestions.

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