Existing users, 
 Freeway Express - 5.4.2Tool to create create high-quality websites. |
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Feedback Summary:
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| Overall Rating: | Not rated (0.0) | Features: | Not rated (0.0) | Support: | Not rated (0.0) |
| Ease of Use: | Not rated (0.0) | Quality / Stability: | Not rated (0.0) | Price: | Not rated (0.0) |
Key to Types of Feedback:
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Usage Tips 
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Commentary 
Featured Reviews
Good software. Subpar documentation. Great tech support 
- Version: 5.4.2, 10/24/2009 11:20AM PST
clinto--2008
Does exactly what I needed - Version: 5.4.1, 10/17/2009 10:12PM PST
SenorRamos
I had been producing graphic intensive web sites for years, but was always been frustrated by the numerous steps to get graphics, text and multimedia in the appropriate format from source data to the web page. Initially I coded my sites with html, but with changes in browsers, I kept running into compliance issues. So I gave it up for a long time until I needed to produce a web site for myself.
With the advances in WYSIWYG web development software, I was sure I would find a strategy that would help me. After trying Dreamweaver and a couple of others, I was discouraged. But just before going back to generating my own code I ran across a podcast about Freeway Express on iTunes. I watched and thought it was to good to be true. So after downloading the demo and trying it (following the podcast tutorial) for a couple of hours, I forked over the $79 bucks and have been happy as a clam ever since. I built an entire website in one night (8 hours give or take) from scratch!
Basically it take the tragedy of coding, formatting and media conversion out of the creative process. I think its fantastic and would encourage any one else to at least try it.
With the advances in WYSIWYG web development software, I was sure I would find a strategy that would help me. After trying Dreamweaver and a couple of others, I was discouraged. But just before going back to generating my own code I ran across a podcast about Freeway Express on iTunes. I watched and thought it was to good to be true. So after downloading the demo and trying it (following the podcast tutorial) for a couple of hours, I forked over the $79 bucks and have been happy as a clam ever since. I built an entire website in one night (8 hours give or take) from scratch!
Basically it take the tragedy of coding, formatting and media conversion out of the creative process. I think its fantastic and would encourage any one else to at least try it.
Freeway Express is awesome - Version: 5.1.2, 6/30/2008 05:31AM PST
(2 of 2 users found this comment useful)
ekfphoto
I cannot express my level of happiness to find Freeway Express. I am a past Dreamweaver user, and while I can't write HTML, I learned How to use it in order to build my site years ago. I needed to do an update recently, and realized that the version of Dreamweaver I had was 5 years old, and the new version was prohibitively expensive at $399.
I searched for WYSIWYG apps and settled with the Freeway Pro demo. Even that was cheaper, at $249.
Keep in Mind that every WYSIWYG editor acts differently, and as the developer points out many times, the site files from one, dreamweaver for example, are not compatible with another (freeway). So After completing the 3 tutorials, I realized that this program did exactly what I wanted to, and in a smart, intuitive way. I recreated my site in 2 days from scratch, and it is now so easily editable with the Master pages that Freeway taught me to create. Not only that, but I realized that the "Express" version did everything I needed, at only $79!!
Freeway Express is highly recommended.
As with any new program of this sophistication, don't expect to be able to use it without reading the manual or completing the tutorials.
As with a previous review, the only con for me is the lack of multiple undos. But now that I know that it does make me more careful.
I searched for WYSIWYG apps and settled with the Freeway Pro demo. Even that was cheaper, at $249.
Keep in Mind that every WYSIWYG editor acts differently, and as the developer points out many times, the site files from one, dreamweaver for example, are not compatible with another (freeway). So After completing the 3 tutorials, I realized that this program did exactly what I wanted to, and in a smart, intuitive way. I recreated my site in 2 days from scratch, and it is now so easily editable with the Master pages that Freeway taught me to create. Not only that, but I realized that the "Express" version did everything I needed, at only $79!!
Freeway Express is highly recommended.
As with any new program of this sophistication, don't expect to be able to use it without reading the manual or completing the tutorials.
As with a previous review, the only con for me is the lack of multiple undos. But now that I know that it does make me more careful.
Looks good, but with some odd omissions - Version: 5.1.2, 6/19/2008 11:59AM PST
(2 of 2 users found this comment useful)
chris540
I'm a total newbie to Freeway, having downloaded the demo of this version when it first appeared. I am an iWeb user, but I'm looking for something that gives me more control over the site and also, and more importantly, generates cleaner, more accessible, more standards-compliant code.
Having had a bash with Freeway for about 24 hours, it looks ideal. Except for some very strange weaknesses.
1. No multiple undos. How strange is this? Every modern Mac program I can think of supports multiple undos; most of the non-modern ones do too. If you are like me, you will, in the design stage tend to move elements around at speed, just seeing how things work. You might style things up, adding a tint here, changing a font, adding a drop shadow. And when you realise the result is rubbish, you want to roll back. Except you can't. I'm not going to save the project before making each change, it really slows down work-flow.
2. No graduated tints. OK, this may seem trivial, but it is an example of the kind of simple thing that iWeb does well that Freeway can't cope with: A text box with a graduated tint. I'm not even talking radial graduations.
Once I'd discovered those two little problems, my initial extreme enthusiasm started to wane. I'm going to carry on looking through the documention and putting together a site for testing, but I'm not sure if I'll end up using it.
Having had a bash with Freeway for about 24 hours, it looks ideal. Except for some very strange weaknesses.
1. No multiple undos. How strange is this? Every modern Mac program I can think of supports multiple undos; most of the non-modern ones do too. If you are like me, you will, in the design stage tend to move elements around at speed, just seeing how things work. You might style things up, adding a tint here, changing a font, adding a drop shadow. And when you realise the result is rubbish, you want to roll back. Except you can't. I'm not going to save the project before making each change, it really slows down work-flow.
2. No graduated tints. OK, this may seem trivial, but it is an example of the kind of simple thing that iWeb does well that Freeway can't cope with: A text box with a graduated tint. I'm not even talking radial graduations.
Once I'd discovered those two little problems, my initial extreme enthusiasm started to wane. I'm going to carry on looking through the documention and putting together a site for testing, but I'm not sure if I'll end up using it.
It does EXACTLY what it claims - Version: 5.1, 5/11/2008 09:53PM PST
(3 of 3 users found this comment useful)
SenorRamos
Its been 11 years since I last encoded any HTML. I am relearning the language, but could not postpone the generation of my website any longer. After reading the reviews from VersionTracker, I downloaded and installed this version of Freeway Express.
It did exactly what it claimed. My site was up and running in less than a weekend. This was from scratch with only a couple of sketches that I scribbled in my notebook. I must admit, it took me a couple of hours of back and forth between the User Manual, the Video Tutorial and my website before I got a good understanding of the tools and how to use them, but 12 hours later, I had a fully functional website without ever having to code a thing!
But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at www.asquared-inc.com. As for editing the site, Freeway Express takes responsibility for its own coding. I simple open the FreewayExpress file and it manages all of the website files, even if you rename them!
Sure if you have an existing web site, Freeway Express will not open and edit them for you. It is unreasonable for any HTML generator to interpret the way that another application organized and encoded a specific web site. Heck its tough enough to read the current version of HTML generated by most web site builder programs, let alone trying to tweak it with something other than a text editor like BBEdit, TextEdit or TextMate.
I highly recommend this app for newbies and expert alike. Its a real time saver since you don't have to CODE a thing.
It did exactly what it claimed. My site was up and running in less than a weekend. This was from scratch with only a couple of sketches that I scribbled in my notebook. I must admit, it took me a couple of hours of back and forth between the User Manual, the Video Tutorial and my website before I got a good understanding of the tools and how to use them, but 12 hours later, I had a fully functional website without ever having to code a thing!
But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at www.asquared-inc.com. As for editing the site, Freeway Express takes responsibility for its own coding. I simple open the FreewayExpress file and it manages all of the website files, even if you rename them!
Sure if you have an existing web site, Freeway Express will not open and edit them for you. It is unreasonable for any HTML generator to interpret the way that another application organized and encoded a specific web site. Heck its tough enough to read the current version of HTML generated by most web site builder programs, let alone trying to tweak it with something other than a text editor like BBEdit, TextEdit or TextMate.
I highly recommend this app for newbies and expert alike. Its a real time saver since you don't have to CODE a thing.
Freeway does not edit existing pages - Version: 5.0.2, 4/29/2008 07:01PM PST
(2 of 5 users found this comment useful)
cjtoday
I just got the new version of Freeway Express (5.0.2). Unfortunately, the software will not import and edit existing HTML pages, making it virtually useless for most users seeking to modify websites that they have already created. Imagine wanting to change a word or tweak a graphic of an existing site -- only to find that you have to recreate the ENTIRE site keystroke-by-keystroke in Freeway before you can even THINK about editing. How useless is that?
If you are newbie creating your first website then you might consider this product. But, if you are like most people today -- with some experience in HTML coding and with pre-existing coded pages, then you had better look elsewhere.
If you are newbie creating your first website then you might consider this product. But, if you are like most people today -- with some experience in HTML coding and with pre-existing coded pages, then you had better look elsewhere.
Most Recent Replies: View All 4 Replies
- Freeway does not edit existing pages
Upgrade Policy - Version: 5.0p1, 1/23/2008 12:00AM PST
(3 of 3 users found this comment useful)
Ian Schray
Softpress is a company that develops, markets and sells the Freeway family of products. We aim to provide excellent technical support and customer service. We also listen to our users.
Softpress is not, and has never been, a company known for “gouging” our users. Our prices for new software are well below what would be expected for the quality of our products and services. We do not regularly demand money for upgrades (like many in the industry). We do however maintain our software and offer free upgrades to sustain older versions of Freeway for extended life spans, as early adopters of both Freeway 3 and Freeway 4 can attest.
Last week, to coincide with Macworld and to get feedback from our users, we launched a Beta version of Freeway 5. In conjunction, we are now offering a free upgrade to 5 for all users that purchase after January 1st, 2008. We’re very excited about the new features, and we’re sure you will be too.
Some users who purchased Freeway in the last few months of 2007, including those who have commented here, have expressed their view that we had somehow tricked them into buying when we knew a new version was on the way. People that purchased via a recent promo got Freeway at 60% off the retail price, which is even lower than our regular upgrade pricing from 3 to 4.
Freeway 5 will not be released until at least March, and that would backdate the free upgrades on release to a minimum of two months, which we believe is fair. Those who have complained, seek to penalize us for offering our existing and potential users a “sneak peek” at our new software, which makes it difficult to receive and apply the feedback we need.
Freeway 5 is not yet ready and not for sale. When it is, it will be a wonderful tool for home users and professionals alike. It will empower users and save their precious time. It will be solid and fully-featured, in part because of the users’ opportunity to test it and offer feedback.
There will be an announcement about upgrades from version 4 to 5, probably around the release of the second beta. Again, you will see that Softpress does takes care of its users. Until then, please feel encouraged to use the Freeway 5 Beta, enjoy it and let us know what you think.
Ian Schray
US Marketing Manager
Softpress Systems Ltd
http://www.softpress.com
Softpress is not, and has never been, a company known for “gouging” our users. Our prices for new software are well below what would be expected for the quality of our products and services. We do not regularly demand money for upgrades (like many in the industry). We do however maintain our software and offer free upgrades to sustain older versions of Freeway for extended life spans, as early adopters of both Freeway 3 and Freeway 4 can attest.
Last week, to coincide with Macworld and to get feedback from our users, we launched a Beta version of Freeway 5. In conjunction, we are now offering a free upgrade to 5 for all users that purchase after January 1st, 2008. We’re very excited about the new features, and we’re sure you will be too.
Some users who purchased Freeway in the last few months of 2007, including those who have commented here, have expressed their view that we had somehow tricked them into buying when we knew a new version was on the way. People that purchased via a recent promo got Freeway at 60% off the retail price, which is even lower than our regular upgrade pricing from 3 to 4.
Freeway 5 will not be released until at least March, and that would backdate the free upgrades on release to a minimum of two months, which we believe is fair. Those who have complained, seek to penalize us for offering our existing and potential users a “sneak peek” at our new software, which makes it difficult to receive and apply the feedback we need.
Freeway 5 is not yet ready and not for sale. When it is, it will be a wonderful tool for home users and professionals alike. It will empower users and save their precious time. It will be solid and fully-featured, in part because of the users’ opportunity to test it and offer feedback.
There will be an announcement about upgrades from version 4 to 5, probably around the release of the second beta. Again, you will see that Softpress does takes care of its users. Until then, please feel encouraged to use the Freeway 5 Beta, enjoy it and let us know what you think.
Ian Schray
US Marketing Manager
Softpress Systems Ltd
http://www.softpress.com
Most Recent Replies: View All 2 Replies
One of a kind software - fantastic product. - Version: 4.4.1, 11/29/2007 02:04AM PST
(4 of 5 users found this comment useful)
steve r.
This piece of software bridges the gap between "click-and-drag" entry level applications (iWeb, RapidWeaver) and complex high-end applications such as Dreamweaver and GoLive.
The bottom line for me turned out to be: if you need software to create a custom website, rock solid compatibility with different browsers and operating systems, this is the one. It's not the same as using a layout program, but once you get your head around it, it's almost a thrill to see what you can do.
The developers seem to be very confident anout their product to offer a 30-day fully functional (!) trial. Actually I programmed a full website just during that period and purchased the license *afterwards*! Imagine that.
Also, the support really is as good as previously described by others - regardless of if you're in the trial period, or own the "Express" of "Pro" version.
The bottom line for me turned out to be: if you need software to create a custom website, rock solid compatibility with different browsers and operating systems, this is the one. It's not the same as using a layout program, but once you get your head around it, it's almost a thrill to see what you can do.
The developers seem to be very confident anout their product to offer a 30-day fully functional (!) trial. Actually I programmed a full website just during that period and purchased the license *afterwards*! Imagine that.
Also, the support really is as good as previously described by others - regardless of if you're in the trial period, or own the "Express" of "Pro" version.
Great support - Version: 4.2.2, 7/4/2006 06:44PM PST
(4 of 4 users found this comment useful)
j.russell
I am not a programmer and really do not want to become one. I do however want to control my website. Freeway was my choice.
While I continue to struggle with some aspects I have found it to provide the features I need for a business website. Certainly ahead of iWeb.
Recently I upgraded to 4.2.2 and the program crashed all the time. I contacted support and within a couple of hours they were communicating with me real time online. This is what I need form a software company. They excelled at this and for that reason the cost is more than made up for in support.
By the way, the crashes are caused by Unsanity. If you use this then you need to list Freeway as an exclusion. Then Freeway is stable.
I believe that the company should be recognised for its service and responsiveness. Yes I do whish that I did not have to keep entering my serial number but QuicKeys now does this for me ;-0.
While I continue to struggle with some aspects I have found it to provide the features I need for a business website. Certainly ahead of iWeb.
Recently I upgraded to 4.2.2 and the program crashed all the time. I contacted support and within a couple of hours they were communicating with me real time online. This is what I need form a software company. They excelled at this and for that reason the cost is more than made up for in support.
By the way, the crashes are caused by Unsanity. If you use this then you need to list Freeway as an exclusion. Then Freeway is stable.
I believe that the company should be recognised for its service and responsiveness. Yes I do whish that I did not have to keep entering my serial number but QuicKeys now does this for me ;-0.
Change my negative veiw - Version: 4.2.1, 5/31/2006 10:32AM PST
(6 of 6 users found this comment useful)
Ron Reames
Like another person who posted here, I have to give kudos to SoftPress tech support. They are very fast and very thorough. And very patient with newbies like myself.
I gave Freeway Express 4 a very neative rating but since then I found out that I had entirely misunderstand some very fundamental things about the program, what it could and could not do.
Therefore, I would like to chanage my rating.
I gave Freeway Express 4 a very neative rating but since then I found out that I had entirely misunderstand some very fundamental things about the program, what it could and could not do.
Therefore, I would like to chanage my rating.
Initially, I was overwhelmed. The manual is more than 400 pages long and tough to read. The video tutorials are moderately helpful, but they omit a lot of details. My first 3 or 4 days of working with this product went pretty slowly.
But - here's the bright point - the tech support is excellent. Honestly, it's probably the best I've ever encountered. They take time to read and understand your questions, and they provide detailed answers with good explanations. And they add more information (beyond your question) - anticipating other things that might confuse you, such as explaining why to use a particular image format in a particular situation.
After a few emails with the Softpress tech support, I felt much more comfortable using Freeway, and work on the web site went much more smoothly.
I didn't try the Pro version - but the Express version has everything (and probably more) that an amateur web site developer would need. And once I got the hang of using the program, I found it very easy to use.
The tech support people could probably reduce their workload a lot by either improving the manual or by posting more (and better) video tutorials on their web site. If the manuals or video tutorials were better, I would probably give 5 stars. On the other hand, if tech support had not come to my rescue so well (and if I had to rely on the manual and the existing tutorials) I would probably give 3 stars. As is, this product earns a solid 4 star rating.
BTW, a few other people have complained about lack of multiple Undos. I haven't found a need for multiple undos. Occasionally I use a single undo. If a really screw something up, I just delete the screwed up item and recreate it. The software is so easy to use, that it's pretty painless to have to do that.
Note: I almost never write software reviews, but the tech support was so stellar that I felt compelled to post this.