Understanding Site Mode vs. Explorer Mode
The Publish window has two modes: Site Mode and Explorer Mode. Which mode is initially active when you open the Publish window depends on whether a local siteA managed collection of documents, folders, and resource files on the local file system that you intend to publish as a Web site. is open in the Site Manager. If a local site is open, the Publish window will initially be in Site Mode, but you can switch to Explorer Mode. If no local site is open, the Publish window will be in Explorer Mode, and you cannot switch to Site Mode.
Explorer Mode
In Explorer Mode, the local pane of the Publish window displays all the files and folders on one drive on your computer. (You can choose the drive using the drive box in the top right corner of the pane.) In this mode, you can upload any file or folder on your computer to a remote site. Even if you are not working with a local site managed by Namo WebEditor, you can publish your site files in Explorer Mode.
The local pane of the Publish window in Explorer Mode
Site Mode
In Site Mode, the local pane of the Publish window displays only the files and folders that are part of the current local site. This makes it easier to find the files you want to upload, but the major advantage of Site Mode is that it enables the Mirror Upload command, which is not available in Explorer Mode. With Mirror Upload, you can select files and folders anywhere on the local site and, with one click, upload them to the matching locations on the remote site, without worrying about which folder you are in on the remote site. (See “Uploading to a remote site“.)
The local pane of the Publish window in Site Mode
To switch between Site Mode and Explorer Mode
Do one of the following:
- On the toolbar, click
(Site Mode) or 
(Explorer Mode).
- On the View menu, click Site Mode or Explorer Mode.
(You can only switch between modes if a local site is open in the Site Manager.)