Getting Started

Moving from RapidWeaver Classic? We'll walk you through it, one step at a time, at your pace.

This guide will help you successfully migrate from RapidWeaver Classic to RapidWeaver Elements.

Elements is a fresh and modern way to build websites, but you're not starting over. Most of what you already know still applies, it'a a just a new more modern way of building websites. This is everything you need to make the move, all in one place.

Best of all Elements comes with a whole host of new features and improvements to the RapidWeaver experience. It makes building and maintaining websites much easier once you get the hang of it.

Four things to get you started

Moving from RapidWeaver Classic? We'll walk you through it, one step at a time, at your pace. We've put togther four sections that you can dip in and out of as you start to learn Elements. And don't forget we have an in-depth manual (with videos) that will help you dive deeper into all the new exciting new features of Elements.

The videos in this guide will be slower and more in-depth than our general tutorials for more seasoned users. This is to ensure new users have time to follow along and fully understand what’s going on at all times. If you do get stuck, just ask over on our forum where we're always aroud to help out.

01: The Phrasebook

There's an always a learning curve when moving to new software, and the transition for Classic to Elements is no different. But we promise you, the transition will be worth it!

There's new words for things you probably already know, for example stacks become components, and partials becomes globals, here's the quick translations to make moving to Elements a little easier. → Read the Phrasebook

02: Switching to Elements

A slower-paced video series that assumes nothing. Build your first project, style it, make it responsive, and publish, from start to finish. → Watch the videos

03: Starter Projects (coming soon)

Ready-made projects covering the sites people build most. Open the one closest to yours, follow along, then make it your own. → Browse Starter Projects

04: Bring Your Project Over (coming soon)

Move an existing Classic project into Elements. We'll tell you honestly what carries over, what doesn't, and how to handle the bits in between. → Start importing

Remember to take your time

RapidWeaver Classic isn't going anywhere. Your existing sites will keep working, and you can keep using Classic while you find your feet in Elements. You can move at your own pace, one project at a time when you're ready.

Are you still feeling stuck?

If you have a specific website conversion or layout you’re struggling to recreate, just ask on the forum. Share a screenshot or describe what you need and we'll guide you to the best solution in Elements. You’ll be amazed at how much Elements can do right out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing RapidWeaver Classic themes be compatible?

Elements doesn't support Classic themes. It’s been a tough decision to make, but ultimately we think Elements is a much better product as we built it for the future of web design.

Can I import my RapidWeaver Classic projects into RapidWeaver Elements?

Yes, but you'll need to do some work. It can bring over the page structure and settings from your Classic project, but content import is less reliable because many page types cannot be mapped directly to Elements components. You can learn more about it in the Import Classic Projects section.

Is it possible to use RapidWeaver Classic and RapidWeaver Elements side-by-side?

Yes, you can install and run both applications simultaneously on your Mac. We anticipate this scenario to be quite popular as it allows users to manage older projects in Classic while simultaneously migrating and developing newer projects in Elements.

Will RapidWeaver Classic be phased out and replaced by RapidWeaver Elements?

No, both versions of RapidWeaver will coexist as they cater to slightly different customer needs.

RapidWeaver Classic continues to serve thousands of customers who maintain and build existing websites using a variety of legacy plugins and addons. We will continue to develop and update RapidWeaver Classic to support this "classic" workflow. RapidWeaver Classic requires macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or a newer version.

RapidWeaver Elements represents our vision for reimagining web design on the Mac, it's easier and more powerful than ever before to build no-code websites.

Do I have to switch now?

No, RapidWeaver Classic isn't going anywhere. You can keep using Classic while you find your feet in Elements. There's no switch-off date, move one project over when you're ready.

Will my Classic add-ons and stacks work in Elements?

No, but Elements differs to Classic as it has everything you'd need to build a complete website. If you do need a specific feature that's not built-in, there's now a thriving third-party community of developers building and selling add-ons to enable you to build just about anything.