DON’T FORGET TO UNMUTE AUDIO
THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PLAN:
The Future of Web Design: Why a Shift to Rapidweaver Elements is the Right Move
The web design landscape is constantly evolving. As technology advances, the tools we use must also adapt. For many, the Rapidweaver Classic and Stacks ecosystem has been a reliable foundation for building websites. However, this legacy system has reached its limits, and a strategic transition to the new Rapidweaver Elements platform is not just a good idea—it’s an essential one for long-term stability and creative freedom.
This important discussion will explore the reasons behind this necessary change and provide a clear roadmap for a successful migration, addressing key concerns like managing large photo libraries.
The Limitations of a Legacy System
The classic Rapidweaver model, which relies on third-party add-ons, has become a patchwork of different tools and plugins. This approach, while initially providing flexibility, has led to a number of significant drawbacks.
A Fragile and Fragmented Ecosystem
A primary challenge with the Classic and Stacks model is its reliance on a "fragile web of dependencies." The system's stability depends heavily on the continued support of numerous independent, third-party developers. When a crucial developer stops maintaining a plugin, any website built with that tool can become unstable or "un-futureproofed."
This fragmentation also leads to a costly and inefficient workflow. Building a modern, custom site in the old system required multiple separate purchases for things like forms, galleries, and content management systems. This created a multi-layered ecosystem that was not only expensive but also technically fragile.
An Outdated Workflow
The workflow of the Classic model often involved a frustrating edit-and-preview cycle, where changes were made in a schematic view and then checked in a separate preview window. This constant context-switching was a major pain point and a significant step back from modern, live-editing tools.
The foundational paradigm of the original Rapidweaver was simply no longer suited for modern web design. The system was built to add content to a pre-defined theme, and achieving true design freedom required a complicated setup of multiple plugins and frameworks. This made the entire process more complex and less intuitive than it needed to be.
Why Rapidweaver Elements is the Future
Rapidweaver Elements represents a fundamental architectural shift. It moves away from a patchwork of third-party add-ons to a unified, all-in-one platform built on modern web standards.
A Unified and All-in-One Solution
Rapidweaver Elements eliminates the need for a fragmented, expensive collection of third-party add-ons by integrating all essential tools directly into the core application. Forms, responsive galleries, and a content management system (CMS) are now native components of the platform.
The system is built on a new, intuitive design model using Components, Templates, and Global Templates. This approach provides a centralised collection of settings, giving builders the power and consistency previously only available through costly third-party frameworks. With everything built into a single platform, Realmac Software takes full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and long-term viability of the product.
Modern WYSIWYG Web Design
A key advantage of Elements is its true What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) editing experience. The platform offers live, “pixel-perfect” editing that allows designers to drag and drop anything and arrange it in a live environment, with instant feedback. This eliminates the guesswork and makes the design process significantly more fluid and enjoyable.
Elements is also a "mobile-first" design system, built on the industry-standard Tailwind CSS framework. This ensures that websites are built from the ground up to be accessible and performant on all devices, from the smallest screens to the largest desktops. The resulting code is clean and modern, leading to faster loading times and better overall site performance.
Long-Term Stability
The modern architecture of Elements is a foundation for continuous improvement. A dedicated development team provides weekly releases and is highly responsive to community feedback, offering a clear path for long-term viability.
This continuous development stands in stark contrast to the often infrequent or fragmented updates of the Classic ecosystem. The platform’s use of industry-standard frameworks ensures that it is not only modern today but also extensible and positioned for future growth.
The Transition Roadmap: From Legacy to Modern
It’s important to understand that the transition to Elements is not a simple import. Because the applications are built on "completely different architectures," a full rebuild of existing websites is necessary. However, this is not a drawback but rather a fundamental benefit. It’s an opportunity to refresh an existing website and bring it up-to-date with modern web technologies and standards.
Navigating the Learning Curve
While a learning curve is present, it is manageable. The key is to master three core concepts: Components, Templates, and Global Templates. Components are the fundamental building blocks of a page. By learning a core set of common controls that apply to many components, the learning curve is significantly reduced. This is a deliberate design choice that makes the platform intuitive despite its power.
A Phased Implementation Plan
A phased approach is highly recommended for a smooth transition.
Step 1: Audit and Plan.
Begin by conducting a thorough audit of the existing Rapidweaver Classic site. Make a note of all pages and any special functionality that relies on third-party stacks. This will serve as a comprehensive checklist for the rebuild.
Step 2: Start Side-by-Side.
Rapidweaver Classic and Elements can be installed and run simultaneously on the same machine. Start the rebuild process using the trial version of Elements, which provides access to all core features for up to three pages. This allows you to get comfortable with the new workflow without any pressure.
Step 3: Rebuild, Section by Section.
Recreate the website piece by piece, starting with a single page to get comfortable with the new paradigm. Leverage the built-in Components and Templates to build out new sections and focus on mastering the use of Global Templates for shared elements like headers and footers.
Step 4: Optimise and Upload.
Implement a pre-publishing workflow to address large photo catalogues. Batch resize and compress all images using an external application. Once the images are optimised, use Elements' built-in Resources Manager to manage and publish the clean, fast-loading files.
Addressing Large Photo Catalogues and Self-Hosting
A common concern during this transition is managing a large, self-hosted photo library. While Elements provides robust, built-in solutions, the fundamental challenge of image optimisation for web performance remains.
Elements' native Resources Manager makes it easy to take charge of images and files. The core Gallery Component allows for a streamlined workflow where a folder of images can be dragged and dropped directly into a page.
However, for optimal performance, it is highly recommended to have a pre-publishing workflow. Using a separate application for batch resizing and compressing images prior to import will ensure a fast, efficient experience on the live site. The problem exists upstream of the web design application itself; Elements facilitates a clean workflow but does not eliminate the need for an effective optimisation strategy.
For those who prefer self-hosting for reasons like GDPR compliance, relying on a third-party content delivery network (CDN) may not be a viable solution. In this scenario, implementing a disciplined, manual optimisation process is the best way to ensure the site remains fast and performant while meeting compliance needs.
Final Thoughts
The decision to switch from the Rapidweaver Classic + Stacks model to Rapidweaver Elements is hopefully the right one. Elements is not merely a new version; it is a strategic repositioning of the platform away from a fragmented, expensive, and fragile model to a unified, modern, and future-proof one. The initial time and effort required for a full rebuild are a necessary investment in a more stable and powerful foundation for all future projects. Elements offers greater design freedom, superior performance, and a clear path for continuous development and support.
DON’T FORGET TO UNMUTE AUDIO
DXO LAUNCHED PHOTOLAB 9 TODAY AND I AM CONSIDERING IT
The Strategic Value of PhotoLab 9 in a Hybrid Workflow
For a long time now, I've been using a hybrid workflow that combines the best of two worlds. My photo library is meticulously organised in Adobe Lightroom Classic, while DxO PureRAW 5 handles the initial, high-quality preparation of my RAW files. This combination has served me well, but the introduction of DxO PhotoLab 9 has me rethinking my entire process.
While some might see PhotoLab 9 as a redundant purchase, I see it as the next logical evolution. The real value it brings is the ability to take DxO's core image quality technologies and apply them with precise, local control. PureRAW 5 is excellent for global denoising and optical corrections, but PhotoLab 9 takes those same powerful tools and puts them in a comprehensive, precision-focused editing environment.
This upgrade isn't just about getting a new version of software; it's about unlocking the full creative potential of my RAW files without sacrificing Lightroom's superior cataloguing and cloud functionality. And while the perpetual licence of PhotoLab 9 may seem more affordable than a Lightroom subscription, it's worth noting that the cost of ownership isn't necessarily less expensive if a photographer updates every time a new version is released.
A Deep Dive into the PhotoLab 9 Upgrade: The Transition from Global to Local Precision
DxO has called this their "biggest upgrade to our flagship editing software of the last twenty years", and it's easy to see why. The core of this transformation is the smart integration of artificial intelligence, shifting the focus from broad, automated enhancements to granular, localised control.
The most compelling feature for me is the new AI-powered masking system. It's a game-changer, allowing for the creation of pixel-precise selections in an instant. I can hover and click on specific elements like a face or a piece of clothing, draw a box around an object, or choose from predefined "Subject Types" like sky, people, and hair.
This emphasis on intelligent masking is a direct response to a gap in my current workflow. For years, I've used Lightroom's AI-based tools for selection and masking, but now PhotoLab 9 offers a similar, and in some ways more advanced, system. The new AI Masks can be intelligently combined with DxO’s renowned U Point technology and other tools like Control Lines and the Brush tool, providing a hybrid approach that combines the speed of automated selection with the precision of manual refinement.
Beyond the masking, PhotoLab 9 also introduces a new batch renaming tool, image stacking to group similar shots, and a "Favourites" system for quick access to folders. There's also a cleaner user interface and native support for Apple’s HEIC/HEIF and ProRAW file formats.
Localized DeepPRIME and Sharpening
As someone who uses PureRAW 5, the most significant and compelling new feature of PhotoLab 9 is the ability to apply DeepPRIME noise reduction and Lens Sharpness Optimisation as local adjustments. My current workflow is limited to a global application of these transformative technologies. PureRAW processes the entire RAW file, applying noise reduction and corrections uniformly across the image to produce a corrected DNG file for further editing.
PhotoLab 9 fundamentally changes this by providing "surgical precision" over these corrections. Using the new AI Masks, I can now target noise and enhance detail on specific, isolated parts of an image. For instance, I can apply aggressive noise reduction to a subject in a low-light portrait while preserving the natural grain and texture in a less critical, out-of-focus background. This level of nuanced, selective processing simply isn't possible with PureRAW 5 alone.
This targeted application of DeepPRIME and sharpening directly addresses a primary limitation of my existing workflow. I am no longer forced to accept a one-size-fits-all approach to DxO's processing. PhotoLab 9 empowers me to use DeepPRIME as a precision instrument, applying its power exactly where an image needs it most, from "silky smooth shadows to razor-sharp highlights."
PhotoLab 9 vs. Lightroom Classic vs. PureRAW 5
To understand the value of PhotoLab 9, it's essential to analyse its position within my existing three-part workflow. This comparison reveals that PhotoLab 9 isn't a redundant purchase; it's a critical, complementary piece of software that fills a significant gap.
My current workflow is built on the distinct strengths of two different products. DxO PureRAW 5 is a specialised utility designed to create a "super high quality starting point." It excels at world-class noise reduction and optical correction but isn't an image editor. In contrast, Adobe Lightroom Classic is a comprehensive, catalog-based solution that excels at organisation and versatile editing. It’s perfect for managing large photo libraries, but its noise reduction isn’t as powerful as DxO’s DeepPRIME.
PhotoLab 9's core value is its ability to take a RAW file from its "pure" state and offer a level of technical, precision-based editing that Lightroom cannot fully match. Beyond the localised DeepPRIME and sharpening, it also offers a full suite of technical editing tools, including Smart Lighting for balancing highlights and shadows and ClearView Plus for minimising atmospheric haze.
The most significant difference, however, lies in their fundamental workflow philosophies. Lightroom’s strength is its catalog-based, cloud-synced system, ideal for managing large libraries. PhotoLab 9 operates on a "catalog-free" (or folder-based) system that is best for local file workflows. This means the two can function as complementary tools, with Lightroom serving as the primary asset manager and PhotoLab 9 as the specialised, high-fidelity RAW processor.
Elite vs. Essential: The Only Practical Choice
The decision to choose between the Essential and Elite editions of PhotoLab 9 is a critical one, and for a photographer already using PureRAW 5, the answer is simple: the Elite edition is the only version worth considering.
The foundation of my existing workflow is my reliance on DxO’s groundbreaking DeepPRIME technology, which is the sole purpose of my PureRAW 5 investment. The critical distinction between the two PhotoLab editions is that DeepPRIME and its more powerful variants are exclusive to the Elite version. The Essential edition lacks the very feature that I have already deemed essential for my image quality standards.
This architectural difference means that purchasing the Essential version would be a significant step backward in image quality. I would be acquiring a new editor that cannot process my high-ISO images with the same effectiveness I'm accustomed to. This would force me into a convoluted workflow, which completely undermines the purpose of purchasing a comprehensive editor in the first place.
The Elite version, on the other hand, fully integrates and builds upon the technology I already trust, making it the only logical and practical choice to maintain and advance my workflow. It should also be noted that support for Fuji X-Trans sensors, a key feature in the latest release, is also only available in the Elite edition.
Beyond the indispensable DeepPRIME technologies, the Elite version includes a suite of other advanced features. ClearView Plus is an excellent tool for landscape photographers, and the Soft Proofing mode is essential for preparing files for print and ensuring colour fidelity from screen to paper. These features, combined with the DeepPRIME engine, underscore the Elite edition’s position as a complete, no-compromise solution for a photographer who demands the highest level of technical quality.
The Path Forward
Based on this analysis, the acquisition of DxO PhotoLab 9 is a logical and strategically sound choice. The most effective path forward involves an integrated, "best of both worlds" approach that leverages the specific strengths of each application.
My workflow would involve continuing to use Lightroom Classic as the primary asset management tool. Then, I would use PhotoLab 9 as the dedicated, high-fidelity RAW processor and technical editor. I can simply browse my folders within PhotoLab 9, process a selected set of images, and then export them as DNG, TIFF, or JPEG files back to Lightroom's catalog for final touches, creative colour grading, or publication. This workflow preserves the unparalleled image quality from DxO’s technologies while mitigating PhotoLab’s less robust organisational tools.
The decision to purchase the Elite edition is a prerequisite for someone who relies on PureRAW 5. The Essential version, by its design, lacks the very technologies that form the foundation of my current workflow. The new AI Masks and localised DeepPRIME corrections are the transformative features that turn a simple RAW conversion into a truly creative and technically superior editing experience. It makes the purchase of the Elite edition a strategic investment in the future of my professional craft.
I'm currently using PureRaw 5 and Lightroom Classic, but the decision to upgrade is complicated by the fact that my PureRaw 5 doesn't work with my latest version of macOS 26 or Tahoe. This makes the leap to PhotoLab 9 even more compelling.
What are your thoughts on this hybrid approach? Do you use a similar workflow, or do you prefer to stick with a single, all-in-one application?