First Look: RapidWeaver 4

Back in 2004, Realmac software released the first version of its popular RapidWeaver web development software.  Since its initial release, it has won many awards from Mac publications all around the globe, and still continues onward with that trend.  Just a couple months ago RapidWeaver 4 hit the streets, and is already changing the way consumers create websites.  From its more professional iWeb-like templates to its ease of creating pages, RapidWeaver 4 is sure to be an instant hit for people who want a simple way to create professional looking websites.

Make a Site.

It couldn’t be any easier. You simply click file > new project, and a new project will form. Once you complete that, whenever you want to add another page, you simply click the button in the top left hand corner.  It will ask you what kind of page you want - From Blog and Photo pages, to Blank and Contact pages as well. Simple as that. You can now choose from the abundance of themes that RapidWeaver has to offer, or you can download more themes form the Realmac website. Editing your site is also very easy and straightforward. You simply hit the edit button to edit the photos and text on the current page, and if you want to see a preview of your site, just click preview to see a version of your site as it were already online.

Publish a site.

To publish your website you created with RapidWeaver, you press the publish button.  From there you are presented with two methods of publishing. You can ether publish using your own domain name, or using your MobileMe account (previously dot Mac). You then fill out the form, and click publish.  Within a few minutes you have a professional looking website.

Features.

You can adjust almost anything you want about your website, whether it be the font, or coloring a section of a theme.  It’s all at your fingertips. Navigating through RapidWeaver is a breeze. It’s so simple, straightforward, and professional. The buttons are laid out perfectly, and the menus are super easy to use and customize.

Overall.

I love RapidWeaver 4. It’s so simple to use, and it gives me better results than iWeb ever will. With RapidWeaver 4, you can finally make sites with ease, and have them looking as if they were designed by a professional graphic artist. I would definitely recommend giving RapidWeaver a try, and seeing just how well your website comes out. You can try RapidWeaver for free for up to 30 days. My only gripe is that RapidWeaver 4 can only be used on a Mac running OSX 10.5 Leopard. RapidWeaver 4 retails for $79, but can be found on Realmac’s website for $59 for a limited time.

Happy Weaving!

Comments

  1. #1

    Jamie

    Yawn. More tools are for non-techie folks to create static. crap web pages. The truth is that if you are not comfortable with a text editor, you are better off sticking with blogger/flickr/myspace/facebook services as they offer many more features, plenty of templates and no hosting hassles. Anyone else, should either buckle down and learn some basic HTML/CSS (which really are not that difficult to master) or pay someone who’s mastered these.

  2. #2

    Lee

    I can design basic web sites in HTML but would still rather use Dreamweaver.. However basic or technical it is.

    Glenn, how do you rate RapidWeaver 4 with Dreamweaver?

  3. #3

    Jamez → thebestandworstofthings.com

    I made the mistake of buying iWeb first. Strange that Apple’s own program is very crappy. When I looked to “upgrade” to RapidWeaver 4, I just don’t have the cake to pay a 500 for Dreamweaver or whatever the hell it costs. To me the idea of paying that much for ANY program seems nutty. Since RW really is in it’s infancy as a program, perhaps you need to give them bit more time?
    Jamie sounds like a kid, who I suppose is a good programmer? I use RapidWeaver and I like it a lot. What CAN’T you do on it? I can see how if you have complete and totaly control over programming you might find RW4 subpar, but I guess if I were in your shoes I would feel the same way about DW? Using a text editor has its drawbacks as well. I used one constantly for iweb and it was a major pain. Every make a mistake using a text editor? Sometimes you just have to start over and cut and paste back to your original HTML. UNless of course you love migraines..

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