Compare iWeb, Dreamweaver, RapidWeaver & More to the Flexibility of UltimateWB
Thinking about using a downloadable website builder to get your site online? Maybe you used to work with iWeb, Dreamweaver, RapidWeaver, EverWeb, or another offline website tool and are looking for something similar – or something better.
While desktop website builders can offer some appealing benefits, they come with major limitations that can hold your website back in today’s web environment.
Here’s how they compare to a modern, flexible, fully featured platform like UltimateWB – which gives you full control, power, and scalability without being stuck on one device or in outdated software.
What Are Downloadable/Desktop Website Builders?
These are tools you install on your computer to build websites offline. Some of the most popular examples include:
- Apple iWeb – Discontinued in 2011; used to come bundled with iLife on Macs. No longer supported or secure.
- Adobe Dreamweaver – Still around, but mainly focused on manual HTML/CSS coding. Requires a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
- RapidWeaver – Mac-only desktop builder; offers themes and add-ons, but many key features (like blogging or contact forms) require paid plugins.
- EverWeb – Marketed as an iWeb replacement; RAGE Software designed EverWeb to replicate iWeb’s drag‑and‑drop interface .Paid software with limited flexibility unless you purchase multiple add-ons.
- Mobirise – A free downloadable site builder, but locked into their hosting unless you know how to export and upload manually. Limited customization.
These tools appeal to users who want:
- Offline editing
- Ownership of files
- No monthly SaaS fees
But most come with hidden costs, limited scalability, and outdated practices.
Common Drawbacks of Desktop Website Builders
While downloadable builders may give you basic website control, they fall short in key areas:
- ❌ Stuck on one device – You can’t log in from another computer or device to edit your site.
- ❌ No real-time collaboration – Clients or team members can’t easily help manage content.
- ❌ Limited built-in features – Want a blog, e-commerce, social networking, or SEO tools? Often you need separate plugins or extra software.
- ❌ Manual uploading – You have to export your site files and manually upload via FTP. It’s easy to break things.
- ❌ Security and update issues – If your software is no longer supported (like iWeb), your site becomes a risk.
And that’s not even mentioning the learning curve with tools like Dreamweaver, which assume you already know how to code.
The Better Alternative: UltimateWB
UltimateWB offers the control and freedom of downloadable builders – but without the trade-offs.
✅ Edit from anywhere – browser-based, not locked to one device
✅ Built-in dynamic features – blogs, ecommerce, membership, SEO, forms, and more
✅ Full customization – you can add or edit your own code, and customize everything through the built-in admin panel, no coding required.
✅ No forced plugins – features are modular and built in
✅ Works on your own hosting – full ownership, no platform lock-in
✅ Mobile responsive – design once, works across all devices – easy with the built-in Responsive app
✅ One-time fee license – no subscription needed
Whether you’re a beginner or a developer, UltimateWB is built to scale with you.
Related: Why Avoiding Third-Party Plugins Makes Your Website Faster, Safer, and Easier to Manage
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | iWeb / Dreamweaver / RapidWeaver / EverWeb | UltimateWB |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Editing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Online, browser-based) |
| Must Manually Upload Files | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (edits go live automatically) |
| Access from Any Device | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Blog | ❌ Limited / Requires plugin | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Member Tools | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (User registration, login, profiles, etc.) |
| Built-in Photo Galleries / Slideshows | ❌ Plugin or manual HTML | ✅ Yes (with customization options) |
| Built-in Photo Collage / Layout Tools | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (customizable, prebuilt layouts, no coding needed) |
| Built-in Ecommerce | ❌ No or via plugins | ✅ Yes |
| Contact Forms | ❌ Plugin or manual setup | ✅ Built-in |
| SEO Tools | ❌ Basic or nonexistent | ✅ Integrated |
| Responsive/Mobile Design | ❌ Often requires manual tweaking | ✅ Built-in Responsive app |
| Code Access & Customization | ✅ Yes (depends on builder) | ✅ Yes – add your own code and use the admin panel |
| Hosting Flexibility | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Team Collaboration Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Active Development & Support | ❌ Often discontinued or limited | ✅ Yes |
👉 Full chart and comparison here: Compare UltimateWB vs. Downloadable Builders
Still Using iWeb?
You’re not alone. Many users still search for iWeb replacements. But if you’re still building with discontinued software – or exporting static files by hand – it’s time to move on to a more powerful, future-proof solution.
UltimateWB offers all the benefits iWeb tried to provide, plus:
- Full mobile responsiveness
- Built-in SEO
- Real-time online editing
- Optional blogging, ecommerce, and more
- Easy hosting integration and updates
Conclusion
While downloadable website builders had their moment, they’re no longer the most effective way to build modern websites. They limit you to one device, lack dynamic features, and often require tedious manual work.
UltimateWB gives you the best of both worlds – all the control of a downloadable builder, but with the power, flexibility, and ease of a modern web platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Apple iWeb still usable in 2025?
A: Technically, you can still use iWeb if you have it installed on an older Mac, but it’s discontinued and unsupported. It lacks mobile responsiveness, security updates, and modern web features, so it’s not recommended for new websites.
Q: Can I still build websites offline in 2025?
A: Yes, offline website builders exist, but they come with many limitations such as manual uploading, lack of real-time collaboration, and difficulty adding dynamic features. For most users, a modern web-based platform like UltimateWB offers greater flexibility without sacrificing control.
Q: Are downloadable website builders better than online platforms?
A: Downloadable builders offer file ownership and offline editing but can restrict you to one device and often require manual uploads. Online platforms like UltimateWB provide accessibility from any device, real-time editing, built-in features, and seamless updates while still giving you full control over hosting and customization.
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