An easy to use Web design package that doesn't need any programming skills
The last time I looked at WebSite X5 it had a somewhat dated look about it, with an interface badly in need of an overhaul. In fact the best way to describe it was, 'clunky'. However, I'm pleased to see that Incomedia are obviously a forward thinking company, because they've addressed some of these issues with a new release.
WebSite X5 is available in five different versions, each one designed to accommodate the different requirements of its users. These range from a completely free version - that allows you to create a simple website of up to 10 pages - to a professional version, incorporating over 1500 templates that are also mobile ready, and comes with 12 months free web hosting. In between these are Evolution. Compact and Home versions, with features and templates commensurate with their price.
This review is based on the Evolution product, aimed at the semi-professional or home designer who wants a slick and professional looking website, but who doesn't need the extra facilities that comes with the Pro version. Although just one step down from Pro, I feel Evolution represents good value. It has most of the Pro features and comes with Web Hosting for 12 months, but at almost a third of the price.
As I said earlier the interface has had a complete overhaul, giving it a more graphical style, while retaining the simplicity that the program has always been noted for. One of the major improvements being the addition of live previews for most of the elements you're working on, with the facility to change text and move it around on top of the page section you're working on.
This encourages you to try different fonts and effects, because you can see the changes as you work. Having said that, it's still not exactly a WYSIWYG environment -you have to go to a full page preview to see the final results of your editing - but I have to admit that, after using it for a few days, this slightly unorthodox method is growing on me. What I should make clear is that this approach provides much tighter control of the page elements, and almost infinite ways of changing the look, style and content.
The workflow is pretty much the same as in previous versions: you go through a tabbed list of forms that define the detail and overall layout of your website. During this process you have the option of starting from scratch or using one of the massive range of templates provided. These, incidentally, are infinitely customisable both in their layout and content, to the point where the finished site has very little in common with the template it was derived from. You also have access to an equally impressive catalogue of 200,000 royalty free images that you can substitute for those within the templates, or use to enhance them.
Part of the package allows visitors to your website to download an app, which is available for free for both iOS and Android devices. With that they can receive all your latest news and offers directly on their smartphones and tablets.
This update to WebSite X5 is certainly worthwhile and, as I've mentioned, before this program (above most others I've reviewed) creates very compact and efficient code. The upshot being that your website loads quicker and reacts without any lag when selecting different elements or flipping between pages.
If you want to try the product for yourself, the Incomedia website has a 14-day trial version which is free to download. There's also a range of video tutorials to get you started that supplement the comprehensive manual. Joe Lavery
A very comprehensive product pitched at realistic prices.