Realmac Software has recently released the fourth major version of their RapidWeaver website creation software. RapidWeaver definitely gives a whole new meaning to "drag and drop," as you can create whole websites by dragging and dropping files onto RapidWeaver. As soon as the Realmac website was updated I downloaded the software so I could get a hands on review of version 4. We took a look at three different categories: features, user interface and usability. 
More after the break.
Features
In version 4, RapidWeaver converted over to an open XML file format for saved files. The new "bundle" format should make developers and users alike happy as it opens the doors to allow third party developers to create applications that can interact with RapidWeaver files (which can now be done without developing RapidWeaver plug-ins).
In addition, RW 4 provides 4 additional themes, bringing the total number of themes up to 40 (wow, there's too many 4's in that sentence, eh?). In addition, you now have true, one-click publishing from within RapidWeaver 4: .Mac, FTP, and SFTP are built right into the application.
User Interface
RapidWeaver 4 really shines in the user interface category. RW was revamped for this new version with a completely redesigned interface. Building on Apple's Mac OS X Leopard standards, RW 4 brings a whole new game changing application to the web design application category.
Usability
RapidWeaver just feels like a professionally designed application from the moment that you open the dmg file and drop the application into your Application's folder to the moment you upload your website to .Mac or your own server. In using RW 4 for a couple days, it performed seamlessly. Not only does RW have some new features, new interface, but you get the feeling that you are using a well designed piece of software -- RW 4 begs to be used regularly!
Overview
If you are looking for an alternative to iWeb that has more features, or want to step into the wonderful world of creating your own websites/webpages, then I would definitely recommend giving RapidWeaver 4 a try. Realmac Software allows you to try out RapidWeaver 4 for free. RW 4 is a free upgrade to users of RW 3.6 and higher; however, if you will require a new license, pricing starts at $59 for a single user license. You can find out more information about RapidWeaver 4 on the Realmac Software website.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-02-2008 @ 11:20AM
chrisj said...
Is TUAW written using RW?
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6-02-2008 @ 2:55PM
Adam S said...
TUAW is a weblogs.com weblog, so no, it's templated on an shared internal engine. Check out Slashfood or Engadget or any of the other sites at the bottom of the page, they're all very similar.
6-02-2008 @ 11:20AM
Anthony Gajkowski said...
Thanks for the review Cory. Sounds as though version 4 has a ton of behind-the-scenes upgrades to make RW more expandable in the upcoming months. The third-party developers and forum community really make RW what it is. Guess I'll make the leap and try it out.
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6-03-2008 @ 3:46AM
Isaiah said...
As one of the 3rd party developers I can honestly say that this is the biggest release that's come in the past 3 years. This release will surely be the cornerstone to some great new themes and plugins.
Isaiah
6-02-2008 @ 11:27AM
AlphaDeltaVIII said...
As great as RapidWeaver looks, I think I'll stick to CS3/TextWrangler. It seems to much like an iWeb type application, even with the ability to edit code. It looks great for a basic site, but as a more advanced web developer, it looks to basic/lacking for me.
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6-02-2008 @ 11:52AM
Zimmie said...
Check out the RapidWeaver Showcase:
http://www.realmacsoftware.com/showcase/
There are some fairly high-profile sites that are built and maintained with RapidWeaver. I use it a lot myself because it makes it just so easy to build a quick photo gallery or what-have-you.
6-02-2008 @ 11:49AM
bonkypal said...
Not enough new features, to warrant the upgrade from 3.5.
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6-02-2008 @ 12:51PM
jollyllama said...
Keep in mind that they paid upgrade from 3.5 was actually 3.6. 4.0 is a free upgrade. Thereby, you should check out all the features that were added in 3.6 as well. Between those and 4.0, RW has come a long way since 3.5.
6-02-2008 @ 12:17PM
Blaze said...
RapidWeaver it looks like a great app.
Pretty weak review, though. You barely scratched the surface.
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6-02-2008 @ 12:18PM
wdympcf said...
Not much of a review. You make a few observations without supporting or justifying your opinions with examples. Perhaps you should use the software for a week or two before writing a detailed review. Or rename this post to "a first look". Either way, this post does not give me anything to go on.
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6-02-2008 @ 12:31PM
Robert Stack said...
I was considering to bring some of my web authoring tools to other programs besides Dreamweaver. But RapidWeaver's site says their Plugin SDK for developers is coming soon. Does any know when it might be available? also, is this something new, because I don't remember seeing a developer's kit before. Anyway, I've been developing new web authoring tools called StackSite to help advance website accessibility, graphics, and navigation. My tools allow both novice and advance user to freely create graphically rich accessible websites. So if anyone has any info about this, please let me know. Thks..
Robert Stack
Zoshe Foundation
http://www.zoshe.com
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6-03-2008 @ 3:46AM
Isaiah said...
You should contact them directly.
Also, if you're a developer, just open it up and read the headers. If you have questions ask on their forums. All the 3rd party devs (myself included) are quite open about how to get things done. I bet you could have a new page style compiled and running in no time.
6-02-2008 @ 1:09PM
Quix said...
I look forward to giving RW4 a test drive. My gripes about previous versions was the overabundance of lackluster (read: amateurish) themes, with the "good" themes being offered only as for-pay additions.
iWeb may lack the power and flexibility of RW4, but the bundled themes, while fewer in number, are definitely a notch above in polish/professionalism than what RW4 offers.
I wish they had thrown in the Smooth Mac theme with RW4 - which is no longer available for individual purchase as the theme creator now works full time in Realmac development.
And while I'm in "wish" mode - I wish Realmac would acquire and integrate Blocks and BlocksBox into RW, as many users swear they are "must have" components anyway.
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6-02-2008 @ 1:30PM
kakapo said...
I think one of the things that might be an important thing to note in your review (not that I want to tell you what to say and not say in your brief pseudo-ad) but as a MacUpdate licensee of RW and having a copy of version 3.6.6 - this upgrade is FREE!!! Your serial number for 3.6.5 works with this version.
Now that is sweet.
(And it says so on the splash screen of the website.)
But who am I to judge,
I do like what you said - basically - but as some have said, I would like to have had some more meat with my potatoes.
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6-02-2008 @ 1:33PM
kakapo said...
Oops... sorry just read the last sentence again...
You did mention that it was free to 3.6 and higher...
Sorry - it is difficult to admit publicly to a major gaffe... Just ask any politician. :)
My humblest apologies.
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6-02-2008 @ 1:48PM
Lawrence Mannino said...
I looked at Rapidweaver a few months ago, along with Sandvox and Freeway Pro - was using Dreaweaver (mx) but it was cumbersome for my needs - finally settled on Freeway Pro (now 5) - excellent program worth checking out before you decide - definitely deeper than Rapidweaver and iWeb, yet uses a dtp interface that many are familiar with - just my 2 cents
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6-02-2008 @ 4:48PM
DaveF said...
So how does it work? Is it a HTML code editor app? Or is it WYSIWYG like iWeb? Can it import existing HTML code? Does it produce code that works for all major browsers?
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6-02-2008 @ 6:52PM
geochick said...
Not much of a review but Rapidweaver 4 is worth switching from Dreamweaver for me.
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6-02-2008 @ 7:54PM
Ricky said...
Does anyone know if RW 4 is compatible with RWThememiner still? I just need to be sure no compatibility was broken in the upgrade.
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