RapidWeaver 3.5.0: A WYSIWYG editor I'd actually consider using

Filed under: Developer, Internet, Macintosh, Blogging

RapidWeaver 3.5.0: A WYSIWYG editor I'd actually consider using

by Amber Rhea Sep 7th 2006

Realmac Software has released version 3.5.0 of WYSIWYG editor RapidWeaver. The new version is Universal Binary, meaning it will run natively on Intel Macs. New features include CSS-based photo albums, SFTP support, improved blog functionality, and of course, more themes. As in previous versions, there is also easy integration with iLife and .Mac.

Given my general view of WYSIWYG editors (with which you became familiar on Tuesday, if you weren't aware of it already), I tried not to let RapidWeaver's self-congratulatory list of features sway me. I downloaded it with an open - but skeptical - mind.

Well, color me pleasantly surprised! Turns out RapidWeaver is more than just a WYSIWYG editor. You can use the WYSIWYG features if you want, but you can also code by hand. Also, the pre-set templates are much more robust and useful than I've seen in any other site creation tool. For example, the Contact Form template requires PHP - but those who are wary of server-side programming don't have to do the dirty work themselves.

But let's get to the code generated by the WYSIWYG interface, since that's always my bone of contention with "web site creation software." I can hardly believe it it myself, but... RapidWeaver doesn't use tables for layout. And it also doesn't make up for the lack of tables by resorting to divitis. It's not perfect, of course; but then neither is every piece of code I've ever written by hand. All in all? It's as if RapidWeaver is actually an editor of the 21st century.

Let this be a not-so-subtle message to other software vendors: it is possible to create a WYSIWYG editor that doesn't suck.

Tags: css, html, RapidWeaver, RealMac, web sites, WebSites, WYSIWYG

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Qwfwq said 11:33PM on 9-07-2006

Hey Amber, how about covering Microsoft's Expression Web Beta. PC Magazine had some nice things to say about it, but their review sometimes sound too much like blurb, so I would like to know your opinion.

Amber Rhea said 11:34PM on 9-07-2006

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll plan on it!

Keir Smart said 7:34AM on 9-08-2006

Good review.

I have been using Rapidweaver for a year or so and can highly recommend it. Not only is the programme the best I have come across and suited to lazy and less skilled people, it has the best support forum I have experienced. Any issues and they answer within the hour.

Keir

mac-lender said 12:20AM on 9-09-2006

How does a program like this compare to Dreamweaver or GoLive?...

David Meyer said 10:46AM on 9-09-2006

Rapidweaver is under $50, Dreamweaver is well over $100 ... GoLive? There are another $50 worth of totally optional 3rd-party plugins for Rapidweaver that boost its capabilities significantly - but you don't need any of them. Recommend 'Blocks' in any case. Dreamweaver can do more, the important question is "do I need any of Dreamweaver's features an extra $50+ worth?". If you intend to make money off web site creation the answer is obvious. If not, also obvious.

Baron Ken said 2:54PM on 9-11-2006

Go check out the tutorial videos for RW3.5 (hosted by ScreenCastOnline). It has a code for a 20% savings.

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