No HTML required!
This is the first thing you see as you pick up the box for Serif WebPlus X4.
Now I’m not a HTML wizard by any means but in order to design a web site i need a sleek user interface. Plenty of dragging, dropping and resizing calls for simplicity and style. WebPlusX4 seems slightly cluttered.
Now i have no problem with the look, It’s just the functionality. I like to feel like everything has its own little section that i can move my mouse to and use. WebPlus X4 does that to an extent but everything is on screen by default. In turn this makes the preview window suffer. I’m viewing on a 19” monitor, which is staple for most users, and the page preview is tiny. Granted you can zoom in the normal fashion but that is just more keys and buttons to have to press.
The reason i mention this is that WebPlus X4 is marketed to the user with no previous experience. I just feel the functionality of the UI doesn’t reflect this.
From here on though, things improve greatly.
This program certainly makes up for things with its features. WebPlus X4 comes a good range of design templates, that can be opened from the start screen, each with their own dedicated colour schemes. The templates aren’t cutting but they are clean and usable.
What strikes you when you start creating is how rich your site can be. They really have thought of everything in depth. The quick builder bar makes it simple to add text frames, images, flash, nav bars, pages, photo galleries and Smart Objects. Smart Objects are widgets or plug ins hosted by Serif themselves.
Other features include:
- 18 months free web hosting with WebPlus’ dedicated servers.
- Advanced image editing with built in effects.
- Image Cut-out Studio to remove picture backgrounds.
- Online room, table and general reservation system
- PayPal, Mal’s & RomanCart e-commerce wizards
- Unlimited e-commerce items and pages.
Speed is always a worry when creating a site but WebPlus X4 has automatic optimisation for sites and images improving your ranking on popular search engines.
I must say that support is great. Their website offers video tutorials on everything you need to know about the software. They are well presented and easy to follow.
WebPlus X4 certainly is the richest WYSIWYG website creator out there certain areas of interface do let it down. Will it take over from Adobe Dreamweaver? Probably not. Is it the best of the rest? Absolutely.
Features: 10/10
Interface: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Price: 8/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Dan Valverde
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“- 18 months free web hosting with WebPlus’ dedicated servers.” – w00t – Great review !
I bought my copy by download and I love this program. It's the best web site creation software I have bought so far and I have bought many programs. If you know a little about creating web sites this program has it all. You are going to love all the features.
How does it compare to SiteSpinner?
Very interesting review.I love the features like Online Bookings,Integrated Photo Editing,Flash Navigation Bars and Google Gadgets.