CNET Editors' review
Sandvox is an easy-to-use, WYSIWYG tool for creating Web sites. It's perfect for less technical users who don't want to edit HTML but do want an attractive site that ranks well in search-engine results. This app's intuitive interface is organized around a straightforward toolbar on top and a site outline on the side. You can drag and drop images, text, and even movies, and you can see what your changes look like in real time while you're working. More experienced Web developers might feel constrained by Sandvox's simple, code-free workflow, but Web design novices will love how quickly they can get started, with more than 50 premade design templates and built-in "pagelets" that let you add extra functionality and content from sites like Amazon, Digg, and Flickr.
Overall, Sandvox is an excellent option for anyone who wants to quickly create basic but still useful and attractive Web sites. Professional users should check out Sandvox Pro, which lets you work with raw HTML and use Google Webmaster tools.
Publisher's Description
From Karelia Software:
Sandvox allows to create content-rich, standards-compliant, stylish websites quickly and easily. Just click and drag content to and from your site as you create it and watch your site turn into exactly what you've envisioned. Then, you can publish your new site to whichever host you prefer. Using either the Regular or Pro editions of Sandvox, you'll have everything you need to create the website of your dreams. New website creators can build great looking sites in no time and professional website builders can create sophisticated, websites that show off their webmaster talents in uniquely creative ways. With Sandvox, everyone is a webmaster, no matter how much or how little experience they have.
What's new in this version:
- Corrects an issue where the built-in store would direct you to our store page asking for your details again
- Updated help documentation
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 30 votes
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Current version:
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"This is a must-have app!"
Version: Sandvox 2.2.1
Pros
I'm brutally bad with web design. I've tried the big name commercial apps on both Mac and PC and failed miserably at even creating the most basic of websites. From that failure I moved onto iWeb for several years, I was in heaven. But iWeb is no longer being developed and I stumbled across Sandvox around the time they were releasing 2.0. Finally something a bit more powerful that a simpleton can wrap their head around.
It's got a myriad of website templates included with it, and their are 3rd party vendors selling countless more. I love that!
Just a few weeks ago I had some trouble with finding a feature, I emailed tech support on CHRISTMAS DAY, and they wrote back with a solution within hours. Mind boggling!Cons
Doesn't seem to implement any of Lion's new features, such as versioning, multitouch gestures, or full screen environment. Though I do imagine they'll have those features implemented soon.
Can't crop images like iWeb could, or even crop at all. They have to be edited prior to being placed in the page. It's also not possible to just place an image where I want it, I have to use the inspector and choose left, right, center, wrap text around, etc. Seems like a visual interface like this should allow me to drop an image where I want it. Again, I imagine these features are coming soon, they keep adding new features all the time.Summary
Get it, you'll use the heck out of it.
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"Don't Buy!!!"
Version: Sandvox 2.2.1
Pros
- Customer Support
- Google SEO helpCons
- Doesn't Publish website without errors and problems
- Resource HogSummary
I'm a loyal Sandvox user, but since upgrading to version 2, the Sandvox crew hasn't been able to get their act together. The software crashes, it locks up my mac, and doesn't publish without errors. I would currently not recommend this software (Jan 2012) to anyone. Come on Sandvox, how much time do you need to get this version to work correctly?
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"New v.2.2 is GREAT. Even newbies can build pro websites"
Version: Sandvox 2.2.1
Pros
Many slick, preformatted page designs, which are extensively customizable. Easy, intuitive interface allows even beginners to build sophisticated websites without knowledge of HTML or scripting. The ability to insert and edit raw HTML is nice for additional control.
Cons
While the assortment of page designs is good, more would be even better!
Summary
Sandvox is a powerful and easy-to-use program for building professional looking websites. Even without having used it before, I had completed a full redesign of my prior website within a few hours. It's a lot of fun to play with. Highly recommended.
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"Very good and easy to use, but has limitations"
Version: Sandvox 1.6.8
Pros
It's very intuitive, well designed, and easy to learn for non-techies. One of the few DIY web design apps that lives up to its claims of being easy to use for creating nice looking websites. Lots of great company supplied and third-party templates.
Cons
1. No drop down windows. A popular and useful feature, so the lack of it can be a real deal-killer (it was for me).
2. It's not web-based, you have to buy and maintain the software, and have to be on your computer to make changes to your site.Summary
Very impressive software that lots of people will fall in love with, especially if they can't afford or don't want to have to deal with a web designer to maintain their website. Probably the best web design software for non-techie Mac users. But the lack of drop-down windows, and not being web-based can rule it out for many people.
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"Not here"
Version: Sandvox 1.6.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Too bloated and a complicated UI.
Wasn't Karelia Software bought out by Sun? -
"ok, EXCEPT FOR MUSIC REALLY BAD....WHO WANTS VOCALS?"
Version: Sandvox 1.6.2
Pros
fun to set up
Cons
REALLY LOUSY CHOICES OF MUSIC FOR THE SLIDESHOW. Who in the world would enjoy watching wonderful photos to some guys singing hip hop? Or worse yet, the love songs are terrible.
Summary
if you want music with your slideshow, you had better be about 14 years old and enjoy the crappy music that they have......no good selection of instumentals at all.....i would just as soon go somewhere else for this.....
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"Excellent software"
Version: Sandvox 1.5.3
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Reply to this review
I´ve been using Sandvox since v.1. This piece meets all my needs;- it´s intuitive, easy to use, rich of possibilities and it seems to get better and better. I´ve contacted the dev a few times and the answers have always been quick, accurate, friendly and what´s more: The guys there have a sence of humour! Have no problem in recommending it! -
"Greatest web-design software on Mac."
Version: Sandvox 1.5.2
Pros
Is the fisrt time a use my Mac for web design, I am not a pro to use Dreamweaver and I found Sandvox, is so easy, quick and a lot of templates, the best of all is the clear app windows, you will find everything you need in the same window.
Cons
ANYTHING AT THIS TIME!
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"Wonderful WebSite Creator for the HTML impaired"
Version: Sandvox 1.2.6
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Reply to this review
Sandvox has been a blessing in helping us get our website up and running with very little pain. And the support from Karelia has been excellent. I highly recomend it. -
"Website design for mortals."
Version: Sandvox 1.2.6
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Reply to this review
I have tried several web site creation tools over the years on both Mac & PC. I have never been happy with any of them (Frontpage, iWeb, Rapidweaver, Freeway) either due to a lack of decent, stylish templates or because they do not allow me to edit certain HTML code, or because they require a higher level knowledge of HTML than I posess.
Finally I have found a happy medium between style, power & ease of use. I have opted for the 'pro' version of Sandvox which allows me to inject or edit HTML code throughout the site (not that I have had to very often). The code produced is not like iWeb - bloated and slow & it doesn't embed text as images - they remain as text. Pages load / render at a reasonable rate, compatability between browsers seems excellent (I have tested with IE6, IE7, Safari, Firefox, Opera), and (at last!) an easy to create contact form that actually sends mails out without PHP / scripting skills on my part.
I also like the google tools integration supplied with the pro version. I had no idea that google analytics / webmaster tools existed, much less have known how to send data to them...
The first site I have created which has gone live is:-
http://www.grinningfish.co.uk/
Ok, it's not amazon.com, but it is perfect for it's intended purpose.
Well done Karelia! Oh, and thanks for the rapid response to any questions I have sent.
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