> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/switch-to-elements/rapidweaver-elements-vs-classic.md).

# Switching to Elements

Switching from Classic to Elements might feel like a big step, but the improved performance, future-proof tools, and enhanced creative freedom make it well worth the journey. Plus, the supportive [Elements community](https://forums.realmacsoftware.com/) is here to help you every step of the way.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}

## Switch from Classic to Elements <a href="#undefined" id="undefined"></a>

For a limited time, you can [Crossgrade to Elements and Save 45%](https://www.realmacsoftware.com/ads/crossgrade/?coupon=crossgrade\&utm_source=newsletter\&utm_campaign=crossgrade)
{% endhint %}

### Moving from Classic to Elements

The video below will give you a good overview of how Classic and Elements differ. We'll walk you through each difference to help you get more comfortable building websites in Elements.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/7oEBQBt9le8>" %}

If you have Elements installed already, you can [open the Elements Demo Project](elementsapp://downloadDocument/1zEzECPB5kCV) featured in the video above.

### Moving from Stacks to Elements

The following video is a more direct look at how the Stacks plugin in RapidWeaver Classic compares to the Components in Elements. If you are currently using Classic + Stacks we'd highly recommend watching this video.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/28KsND9e6EQ>" %}

#### Users who have already made the switch

Over 1,000 Classic users have already made the switch to Elements, here's just a small sample of what they're saying.

> *"I have been on the beta for some time and I must say that going back to RapidWeaver Classic and Stacks every now and then to do updates etc on sites developed there, seems as if one is going back in time somehow.*
>
> \
> \&#xNAN;*Elements is truly forming to be an incredible web design app and I am excited for what is still coming! Keep up the great work Team Realmac!"* — Gunther Schenk

> I used RapidWeaver Classic for years, invested a lot (!) of money in frameworks, cms solutions and 3rd party stacks which all had a different way to name or sort their settings. That already drove me nuts.
>
> There’ll sure be some 3rd party additions to Elements, but even in it’s current state it can do more than I was able to do with RW classic + Foundry + easyCMS + lots of 3rd party stacks or even Blocs. Yes, there’ll be a learning curve, but it’s worth it.
>
> I could’ve stayed with Classic, but being forced into the terrible UI/UX from Stacks to create a website… no way. And even more so if you switch back from Elements (or blocs, where I now come from) to RW classic and stacks. I can’t imagine that for the life of it.
>
> Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed, and the forums and especially the developers offer a ton of help if you get stuck. — Fynn via the Forums.

> *"I'm planning on writing up a report on building out this new site as it was a real revelation what you can accomplish with Elements. The quality of the sites is so much higher than when I was dealing with Stacks.*
>
> *For one of the projects I was extracting a lot of content out of a Classic/Stacks project and it was amazing how painful it was after working with Elements for these last 9 months.*
>
> *You should be really proud with what you are creating it is amazing."* — Robin Muir

> *This is the web design tool I have been dreaming of for over 20 years! Finally it appears my dream is becoming a reality! I am currently building a large website for a client using RapidWeaver classic and the stacks plug in and it is a daily struggle with these antiquated tools! Sometimes it is so incredibly frustrating when I am trying to accomplish what I thought was a simple task which becomes a three day ordeal just to try and get the stack to perform what I have envisioned. The constant back and forth between edit and preview is enough to make you want to pull your hair out!*
>
> ***I am genuinely excited to leave Stacks behind and begin designing professional sites in Elements!*** — @RockNRollSoul69 via YouTube

> *"'After many years of building websites using Rapidweaver Classic, I eagerly anticipated the release of Elements, the next-generation website builder. The two-way engagement has been a refreshing experience. The support provided by the Realmac team has been exceptional, exemplifying how to effectively interact with customers."* — Steve Woodgate

> *"*&#x45;lements is a huge leap up from Rapid Weaver Classic. It’s so cool to design a website where all the basic design stuff is right there in the App, without having to use third-party add-ons. The ability to quickly make custom components is a huge plus. The beta has been a a refreshing experience because the development team has been super open, flexible, and very responsive to our feedback.*"* — Jon

> *"I discovered RapidWeaver through a monthly Dutch Mac magazine, and it has since become my most-used app. In my spare time, I volunteer to build websites for smaller organizations.*
>
> *Inspired by the weekly developer videos and forum discussions, I started experimenting on my own in Elements. With the help of AI, I’ve been able to achieve solutions that, as someone with no programming background, I never thought possible. I’m now creating my own components for Elements that previously required me to purchase Stacks in RapidWeaver Classic." —* Bart Vosters

[Read more user testimonials and reviews on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/elementsplatform.com).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/switch-to-elements/rapidweaver-elements-vs-classic.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
