DWT stands for "Dynamic Web Template" - a highly-specialized template that has been available to users of some programs for some time, and is now available to FrontPage users with the release of FrontPage 2003.  Those familiar with the DWT used in other programs will be happy to know that the FrontPage DWT designs work precisely the same way.

DWTs vs. Prior FrontPage Templates

There is no comparison between Dynamic Web Templates and any template you have used with FrontPage in the past.  The concept is entirely different.  If you have ever used a third-party template design in FrontPage, and are unfamiliar with DWTs as used with other programs, you will have a bit of a learning curve.

Is it worth the trouble?  YES!!!  With the old web templates, you first built a new web with the template, then copied your content from your existing web into the appropriate areas of the new web.  You had to build the Navigation Structure all over again.  When you made updates you wanted to appear on all pages, such as changing the Copyright year, or perhaps the company address, you had to change every page UNLESS your web used included content for that area.  Six months later, when you wanted to change the design of your web, you had to start all over - from scratch (just start back at the beginning of this paragraph and reread).

Why are they "Dynamic"?

The DWT is called Dynamic because it IS dynamic, meaning, if you make a change to the actual .dwt, that change will apply across your web to all web pages that have the changed .dwt attached.  Those familiar with FrontPage's "included content" abilities will understand this concept more easily.

All areas of the DWT not specifically defined as Editable Regions (see DWTIG & Regions for more info) are known as "Non-editable Regions."  Non-editable Regions are not editable from the web page to which the DWT is attached; however, they ARE editable on the actual .dwt file, and when made, the web will "dynamically" be updated with the changes.