Elements is good but the explanations have left me behind

Elements
1

Hi, this is more feedback for RealMac rather than a question. I hope it’s ok to post it here. If not please do remove.

I really like the Elements product just as I liked RapidWeaver Classic. I’m not a web developer, just a speaker who needs a website. I think the elements video and the Manual are perhaps too advanced for me. The Rapidweaver ones started at ground level and I could clearly see what I needed to do. The Elements video often start after the basics and I can’t get to the start point.

As an example, I tried to password protect a section and I’ve watched the video but it says that php must be enabled for it to work. . . but it doesn’t show how I do that. There are quite a few things which assume some knowledge. Might I put a plea in to Dan and Ben to take the extra minute or two to cover basics when possible? It would make a difference to me and possibly to other non-professional folks trying to get the best out of your superb web builder.

The community is great here and I know that I can get help and I’ll probably ask some questions soon to clarify a few issues. The product is super. Thank you.

All good wishes, Sarah

RapidWeaver Elements 1.6.3 (23992)

2

Hi welcome :hugs:

Try the beginning videos:

Setting up a basic site or converting a site

Watching Schedule - for me

First watch - just get an idea of how things work

Second watch - catch little things and details

Third time - try and pause - try and pause

3

It’s really amazing when you get going and create a ‘template’ page

Just work on one page.

Menu

Header

Content

Footer

Then turn menu and footer in globals for future use

Then duplicate page and change header and content

In no time your on your way!

4

I too was reluctant to change…

Then Dan showed me a video converting one of my sites

I saw how easy it was and decided to try

15 websites later - all my sites have been converted

5

Assuming PHP 8.4 is installed on your site’s server (it probably is), what the “PHP must be enabled” comment means that on the Inspector for the page that includes your password protection, you must change the file type from .HTML to .PHP.

6

Thanks Thominator. Do I simply have to change .html to .php on that page?

Much appreciated,

Sarah

7

You should probably also keep your Elements version up to date!? We’re already on 2.2.7 build 1.6.3 (23992) — your version is quite outdated by now.

8

Yes but remember if you published your site you may have to go to control panel and remove the .html index as the two will clash and your site won’t work.