How do I get the same base template to run on multiple pages?

[Swandive stream]

I'm rather inexperienced with website design. I want to have the header (e.g. navigation bar) and footer to be identical on any new pages I create and updated when I update the menu so I don't have to do it per-page. How do I achieve this? Like a single separate file that all the other pages read from.

Thanks

[Nancy OShea]

Assuming you've already done your homework:

1. Defined a local site folder (Site > New Site)

2. Created a dummy page with all sitewide elements,

3. Added Template Editable regions for content that changes,

4. Saved .dwt file to the Templates folder of your local site.  (File > SaveAs Template)

5. Go to File > New > Site Templates.

6. Choose Site and Template you want to use.

7. Hit Create button.  This spawns a new child page based on your original Template.

8. Save As Index.html. 

Repeat step 7 for other site pages -- About, Contact, etc...

For more tips on working with Templates, see helpX article below:

https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/using/dreamweaver-templates.html