Almost a year ago, we launched the first public beta of Elements with three simple plans: Base, Plus, and Pro. Since then, we’ve shipped weekly updates packed with major new features; including pre-built projects, panels, filters, accordions, modals, advanced form controls, and so much more.
Best of all, we’re just getting started. Right now, we’re working on exciting additions like a Markdown-based CMS and ready-to-use Template sections.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s joined us so far, your support has helped shape Elements into what it is today (and what it’s still becoming).
I have a question about the ownership of the final HTML/CSS/Other code created with ‘Elements Base’ and ‘Elements Plus’. Since the Base version does not allow you to ‘Remove Elements Branding’, and both versions prohibit you from ‘Reselling Websites’, does this mean the final code is actually owned by Realmac Software?
It seems that only the real owner (Realmac Software) can decide what can and can’t be done with the resulting code. If the user can’t control the final HTML/CSS/Other code, then it feels like they aren’t truly the owner of that code.
I don’t have any issue at all with the different pricing tiers, but I do find it concerning if Realmac actually holds copyright over the final code produced. I can understand copyright protection for project files or assets connected to the program itself—but not for the final exported code.
If there are restrictions on the final code, I think it should be stated very clearly in the product’s license agreement, with specific details about what users are and aren’t allowed to do.
So you own your website, including the code, resources, design, etc. This is part of Realmac’s philosophy which you can read below:
Just like our company, we believe the web should stay open and independent. When you post something on the web, it should belong to you, not a corporation. By joining the indie web movement, and using RapidWeaver Elements, your content stays yours and in your control.
You can post anything you want, in any format you want. In addition, you share simple readable links such as example.com/ideas. These links are permanent and will always work.
If you have any additional questions or concerns just let us know, and thanks again for your question.
Thanks for your answer.
But neither your answer or the link to the document answers my question:
How can you: “own your website, including the code, resources, design, etc.” when one can’t: “Remove Elements Branding” as it says for ‘Elements Base’?
How can you: “own your website, including the code, resources, design, etc.” when you can’t share the code, resources, design, etc with others (e.g. “Resell Websites”) as it says for ‘Elements Base’ and ‘Elements Plus’. This does not sound like open “code, resources, design, etc.”.
If your “code, resources, design, etc” is closed, just say it is closed. Don’t say that it “belongs to you”, if you put restrictions one the final output.
I would love to buy and use Elements, but it seems like you really can’t copy any code created by yourself unless you have ‘Elements Pro’? Is that the case?
What happens if you no longer pay for ‘Elements’, does the ownership of the created code etc. go back to Realmac?
In my opinion you should use some type of recognised License if the resulting code etc. is not owned by the user. If not the whole thing becomes very unclear.
Just to clarify, the exported site is 100% standard HTML/CSS. There are no restrictions on what you can do with it. If you’re on the Base plan and want to remove the branding, you’re welcome to do so manually after export. We’re simply upfront about which features are automated in which plans.
No, absolutely not, that would be absurd. Anything you create with Elements is yours to keep, forever.
Totally fair. We’re looking into publishing a clear, recognized license for the exported code to eliminate any ambiguity and give users peace of mind.
I understand where your concerns are coming from, but I want to assure you, we’re a small independent team building honest tools to help people make better websites. We don’t have investors, and we’re not trying to lock anyone in or trick anyone. If anything’s unclear, just ask, we’re happy to help clarify!
Thanks for your feedback!
I just watched all the discussions that years ago came up with WordPress and the GPL license with Themes etc. I don’t hear much about it anymore, but I think it is kind of weird that one seem to have copyrighted Themes with a program that is GPL’ed (for WordPress that is). I always think that it is important that these things are cleared up before one starts to use a product.
IMHO the differences between the different versions of RapidWeaver should be on the user side. The more expensive version should have more features built in etc; then it is easier to explain the differences between the versions.
In any case, I am happy with the answer and have now bought Elements.
I’m looking forward to using it and wish you good luck on the launch!
Except for the differences with priority support and reselling websites as seen in the license types doc and product page. Will the feature parity always remain the same between Plus and Pro going forward ?
Yes, that makes sense, and I think over the longer term, that might be what we do, but we have no immediate plans to change anything. And just to reassure everyone, whatever plan you’re on, it will never get worse (only better); i.e. we’re not going to remove any features.
Uncertain about the longer term, but we have no immediate plans to make them different.
You can always upgrade or downgrade if a different plan suits you better in the future.
The discount ends when the entire world has rolled over to May 31st
Ok, have decided to just wait for an actual trial version as the $30 savings it not worth jumping in for me. As you stated we can downgrade, upgrade, cancel anytime once onboard.
Prefer to review the app first, waiting for trial (there has been no fun in that ?!$#%&*).
Buy Elements Now
