iWeb and Beyond

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UPDATE: Read more about an iWeb replacement coming out soon.

As many of you may know, Apple’s plans for iWeb don’t seem very bright.  The last update of the iLife suite didn’t include any update to iWeb and they aren’t even selling iWeb on the App Store at all. Then to push the knife in a little deeper they announced with iCloud that iWeb publishing will be discontinued as of June 2012.  So…the question then comes to be, what happens now.  So here are my suggestions for all my great iWeb fans of what to do with your websites done in iWeb and how to continue creating a great website easily.

Current iWeb Users

First off, iWeb will run on your computer for quite a while, so if you are privileged enough to have a copy of iWeb on your Mac, that’s great, and you will be able to continue to use it, however you just won’t be able to publish to MobileMe in the future.  So if you have invested a lot of time in your iWeb site or want to continue to develop and build your site in iWeb that is totally fine, however just be sure to make the plans and arrangements to host your website somewhere other than MobileMe.  My suggestions would be to get a web host somewhere such as RAGE iWeb Hosting (iWeb Optimized Hosting).

So as you can see you’ll still be able to run, create, and manage your site with iWeb for some time if you already have it.  The problem is…that iWeb will most likely not be getting an updates or any further development.  When that happens with software that means that it’s shelf life clock has started.  There will come a time where your current version of iWeb won’t be compatible with your operating system or hardware and you’ll have to make a decision to move your site to a different platform, or simply not upgrade your system. My suggestion is always to keep your system current, so then the question then comes…what are my alternatives to iWeb?

iWeb Alternative

There are many other options for those that want to switch to a different platform to host their website.  The success of iWeb has been that it’s simple and easy to make a website.  That’s been the whole motivation and drive for me to run this website.  I being a web developer and an ex-apple employee have loved developing websites with iWeb, but there came a time when my clients wanted a site that had more features, and a web-based backend to manage the site, a more powerful blog, etc. etc.  It was then that I started developing website with a system that has now become my favorite web development platform and tool.  That platform is WordPress!

WordPress

Some of you may of heard of wordpress and other’s it might be something totally new.  WordPress is a free, Web-based software program that anyone can use to build and maintain a website or blog. It was originally intended as an easy way to set up a blog. But, thanks to the efforts of a large “open source” community of WordPress programmers working to extend and improve its capabilities, WordPress has become much more than just a tool for bloggers. Today’s WordPress is really a “content management system” (CMS), which means that it can be used to run full-sized, social media-rich business websites.  This website here is actually a WordPress website, not an iWeb website.  By just browsing this website you can see the great features that WordPress as a CMS can be for those who want websites.  So then the question comes, “I’ve been using iWeb for so long and I’ve never touched WordPress, how do I learn such a system?”, well ask no longer, I’ve been working on a new website to continue this website with the focus being on WordPress.  So I’m launching the site called Learn2Wordpress.com to help those of you who wish to transition from iWeb to a more powerful web publishing platform.  It’s still pretty new and I’m adding more content all the time, but it’s goal is to help my iWeb users and fans to transition into learning how to use wordpress to develop their own sites.  So I urge you to visit my new site and let me know what you think.

Visit Learn2Wordpress.com »

Other iWeb Alternatives

There are many other iWeb Alternatives out there for those looking to replace iWeb.  Here’s my list of some of my favorite apps that I’ve tried out that are fairly similar to iWeb:

  • EverWeb – EverWeb is like a new, modern version of iWeb. Everything you loved about iWeb but with new features like mobile sites, drop down menus, built in SEO and more.
  • RapidWeaver from RealMac Software – This one was alive even before iWeb came to be.  In fact when iWeb first came out I remember thinking, this is a lot like RapidWeaver.  RapidWeaver continues to be developed and is a great option for those that are very familiar with iWeb.
  • Sandvox from Karelia Software – This is another one that is very similar to iWeb.
  • SquareSpace – Squarespace is a nice and easy onlinepaid subscription service that lets you easily create and manage a website. They take all the headache out of building your own site.  There are some limitations, but it’s pretty expandable to create what you want.  The only problem is that it’s a monthly subscription service in ultimately it’s the most expensive option in the long run.

There are of course many other options to create website easily such as Freeway, Posterous, Tumblr, Blogger, even Facebook as a Page, but these above are my top options if you are looking for easy software similar to iWeb.  But of course as I mentioned above I think WordPress is by the far the best publishing platform for building a website.  For that reason I created a whole new website Learn2Wordpress.com where I’ll continue to teach you everything on how to get a website running with WordPress.

Conclusion

All in all iWeb is and has been an incredible tool and I really wish Apple would continue to develop it as I think there is so much potential there.  If you think about it iWeb is the only iLife application that doesn’t have a pro application counterpart.  iPhoto has Aperture, iMovie has Final Cut Pro, Garageband has Logic Pro, iDVD has DVD Studio Pro, and iWeb has…nothing.  I think if Apple were to serious invest in creating a pro iWeb application it would soar through the roof.  I hope that they realize that, but until they do I will continue to add great iWeb tips and tricks here on iWebUnlimited.com and will start to build more content on Learn2Wordpress.com to help those who want to go to the next level in web development.

56 comments

  1. Marc Matoza 24 July, 2011 at 07:59 Reply

    Agree – if Apple would build a Professional version of iWEB – it would sore off the charts.

    THANK YOU for the iWEB and Beyond site – it has been extremely helpful to me.
    AND
    APPRECIATE the Learn2WordPress site

  2. welovechoccy 25 July, 2011 at 07:18 Reply

    I’ve been using iWeb for around 12 months. I’ve even been paid to produce several websites! I find iWeb incredibly easy to use and was shocked to read here that it won’t be continued. I would pay many hundreds of dollars for a Pro version of iWeb !!!!
    You have produced an awesome site here, and for the tips I’ve gained from here I thank you very much indeed!

    I look forward to learning about WordPress from you, and sending $$ your way as I learn.

    Thankyou sincerely,

    You are an extremely valuable source of sensible, useful, empowering information.

  3. Rodrigo Hernández 27 July, 2011 at 04:00 Reply

    First time, say you THANK YOU!!!!
    This site it has been extremely helpful for me as well. I learn a lot of things really important for design web sites. I use Iweb from 3 o 4 years and for me its the best program for a web creators. If there any similar apps for windows would be one of the most popular in the world. I dont understand why apple update this application.
    I will be an habitual in you new web Learn2WordPress, thanks for this knowledge and sharing.
    People like you are making posible the Internet evolution, Thak you again.
    Sorry about my english.

  4. BillR 29 July, 2011 at 09:27 Reply

    is there any way to continue developing and maintaining an existing site that was created with iWeb or do we have to start all over?

    Thanks for your very informative web sites.

  5. welovechoccy 31 July, 2011 at 08:09 Reply

    I’ve already purchased Rapidweaver, and I have to say i don’t like it at all. Also, for anyone who is wondering, you cannot import an iweb created site into Rapid weaver, and need to essentially re-create the site in Rapidweaver, again. Rapidweaver on its own appears more limiting than iWeb, and only expands with third party plug-ins themes/templates and Add-ons. You only have to look at how often PC windows type applications crash to know what this does to the much discussed stability of Rapidweaver.

    I am sincerely hoping that Apple are going to announce that they will replace iWeb with a newer/bigger/better application, rather than just dump it. It is too big a draw card to simply get rid of it. Our local state primary school has recently bought an Apple Mac, for the sole purpose of using iWeb.

  6. Priscilla Whiteside 1 August, 2011 at 21:38 Reply

    Hey I just wanted to say you ROCK and have been so helpful. I seriously started to cry when I read your post… iweb and your help has been my main work for 2 years. I don’t want our virtual relationship to end… :( So, off to WordPress, eh??? I guess i will follow you….

    Blessings to you
    Priscilla

  7. Thomas 3 August, 2011 at 05:02 Reply

    I’m new & just started making my site with iWeb, however have also already moved it to iPage server, a good deal I think. I am very intrested in all that you share & was wondering how long this site iwebunlimited will be up? I don’t get much time on the computer & you have so much good info to digest.
    Thanx for all that you do,
    Waneeshee,
    thomas deerheart

  8. TheOldGuy 6 August, 2011 at 11:00 Reply

    Just when I got really comfortable. I agree that I Apple should carry it forward.

    Your site as been a blessing to me. I have 4 sites that I work on with iWeb. The best one is yet to come.

    Thank Your iWebUnlimited.

    TheOldGuy

  9. Patricio Murua 6 August, 2011 at 13:03 Reply

    To all iWebUnlimited.com community:

    Let’s sign a letter to Mr. Jobs showin’ that there are places, people like us around the world that appreciate and supports a great software like IWeb, including all the reasons you posted before (and will post surely in the future).

    Why don’t we show in an official way that we’re really concerned about what Apple is gonna do with such a great application and even more important what about the respect shown to the million of users around the world that had confidence in its products.

    By the way, the site http://www.atcchile.cl is my first IWeb site, it took just a couple of weeks to make it…..a great help was this great site of course and all tips I found…..

    Thanks, my deepest thanks to all of you who share everyday knowledge, support and friendship through the cyberspace….hugs from Chile!

  10. Ryan 6 August, 2011 at 17:32 Reply

    hey,

    If you all want to keep iWeb alive you need to go to apple.com/feedback and write something up to keep it going. I work at apple and thats the best place to get your voice heard. I love iWeb too and have used this website over the years to show people what iWeb can do. So it will be missed. But please do yourselves a favor and complain through the feed back option to get your voice heard.

  11. Cideo Productions 7 August, 2011 at 18:52 Reply

    Can you please make a tip on how to keep the fonts same everywhere on your website? I mean I used futura on my website and I checked my school computers which didn;t have futura was completely horrifying. How can I upload the font on the website itself so that the looks don;t mess up?

  12. Jörn 11 August, 2011 at 05:05 Reply

    Hi, I’m like the rest of us sad that Apple is not going to update iWeb and I have real hopes that Apple is making something better in this area. I’ve tried many applications to replace iWeb but it’s not an easy task =). But I want to share two programs that I think are easy to use. First one is a webapplication, snappages.com. Drag ‘n drop, really easy use and nice results. With a developer account you can edit the css file to make your site reaaly yours. Free and paid versions. Second one I downloaded the other day from Appstore, Freeway express. This one is like iWeb. Not really as easy as iWeb but generates a more valid code than iWeb.

    Also checkout pagelines theme in wordpress for easy configuration.

    Thanks

  13. Christian 15 August, 2011 at 12:24 Reply

    Hi Jason,
    Many thanks for your amazing work on iWebunlimited.com which helps me a lot to build a couple of websites for friends who needs to be online with their company.
    I will stay for a while with a dedicated MacBook Pro with Leopard and iWeb installed as well as the websites I created with and uploaded to a server (not mobileMe).
    Meanwhile, I will have a close look to Learn2Worldpress.com to figure out what to do in the future with iWeb.
    Therefore you will still continue to be our unique human resources and great support with your websites.
    Thanks again so much !
    Christian

  14. Jason 15 August, 2011 at 12:45 Reply

    hi I’ve been using iWeb for a couple of years i also owned rapid weaver since it was version 3 now i own version 5, i don’t really know how to use it. it doesn’t have a simple drag and place interface like iWeb, also i looked at the plugins, all of the essential plugins cost like 5 dollars i already dropped 50 dollars on the program. so can you please make some tutorials on how to use rapid weaver i would be very grateful thank you.

    • iWebUnlimited 16 August, 2011 at 09:25 Reply

      Sorry, this site is for iWeb only. But take a look at the plugin for RapidWeaver called Blocks. It lets you have some drag and drop capability for Rapid Weaver.

    • Hocko 17 August, 2011 at 20:43 Reply

      Hi Guys, Thank you Jason for all your tips it has been greatly appreciated! As for Rapid Weaver you can drag & drop and personalise it to a large point. Blocks plugins and other third party apps are required. It is recommended to use other third party themes as well so you can have further choices in personalising them. However I still find creative barriers still, but it was until I was have some limitations in iWeb I really took the time to read, learn and understand rapid weaver. Like most blokes I also like to open up a new toy, weather it is a gadget or program and just use it without reading the instructions I guess this is why everyone love this site Jason! I also personally tend to now use iWeb for creating more graphic content in here and save as a png or pdf file as I never had the spare cash for Adobe etc. here is a couple of sample websites done in rapid weaver if anyone is interested?

      Cheers Hocko

      http://www.mandurahkia.com.au
      http://www.rockinghamwindsor.com.au

  15. Takashi Fukui 20 August, 2011 at 22:44 Reply

    I’ve read your article interesting.
    Your focus for iWeb is smart,I feel.

    I would like to read your articles!

  16. becca rose 28 August, 2011 at 05:28 Reply

    I’m really disappointed about the news -I was just getting into iweb. So I think I’m going to try the wordpress route I already have a blog, so we’ll see how it goes…I’ll check out your new site…Thanks for all the iweb help!

  17. TheOldGuy 22 October, 2011 at 14:58 Reply

    Just got off the phone for an hour with Apple Support. I used to manage 4 websites prior to updating to Lion 10.7.2 and told you can ONLY have ONE iWeb domain. Where once I had 4.

    Has any one found a work around?

    Thanks

    • Jon 3 November, 2011 at 07:43 Reply

      Are you pulling the domain out of “Your Account/Library/Application Support/iWeb and storing it somewhere else and then letting iWeb create another “Domain” file to use as another site? I’m not running Lion yet, but I don’t see why that would change.

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