I’ve been following the development of RapidWeaver Elements for some time now — not just as a user, but as someone deeply invested in how a platform like this evolves. I want to say first that what you’re doing with Elements is bold. Building something entirely new, while shedding legacy systems and outdated dependencies, takes guts. And it shows.
Watching your team’s transparency during development — the Dev Diaries, the early access feedback loops — has been remarkable. In a world where most software emerges from a black box with a polished launch video and a parade of feature checkboxes, you’ve chosen to let us watch the sausage being made. That takes courage. It also builds trust.
I want Elements to succeed. More than that, I want it to thrive. Because I think the Mac-centric, visual-first approach has a real place in the web builder ecosystem — especially for those of us who care as much about clarity and control as we do about speed and convenience.
That said, I do have hopes for the direction Elements could take in the next phase:
- HTML Email Design Support: Right now, building a responsive email that renders well across platforms is a nightmare. If Elements can eventually offer even modest tooling for “dumbing down” HTML to email-safe code, it’ll fill a niche most web builders ignore.
- Fully Capable Out-of-the-Box: I’ve been burned before by modular pricing where core features were carved out just to be sold back as plugins. I hope Elements leans toward being powerful right out of the gate — with add-ons targeting markets, not just microfunctions.
- Smart Expansion Paths: Add-ons that unlock broader capabilities — like dynamic content, database integration, or CMS extensibility — would give Elements real longevity. Not everyone needs them, but those who do will pay for meaningful power.
- Marketing that Speaks to Us: Look at what Webflow did with McGuire Brannon’s videos. That kind of engaging, creator-driven content pulled people in. It made the tool feel alive. You may not have the budget for that now, but when you do, find your McGuire.
And a final thought: I suspect when RapidWeaver Classic finally sunsets, you’ll see a wave of longtime users come looking for a future. If Elements is ready — truly ready — with modern tooling, a sensible learning curve, and respect for the people who made RW what it was, I believe you’ll hit your tipping point.
I’ll be here watching, and cheering you on. If there’s any way I can contribute, I’m happy to help.
— Lawrence Standifer Stevens