The first stage is not to panic! It is normal for problems to arise from time to time, and fortunately RapidWeaver has some superb support resources available, delivered via a network of experts with years of practical experience behind them. Here are some support resources that should be exploited:
Official RapidWeaver Resources
Answers to general questions relating to RapidWeaver (like page styles, publishing issues, updates, installation, stability issues etc.) are often available via the Realmac Software website. Realmac Software can handle all general enquiries relating to RapidWeaver. Typically people find these resources the most useful:
• RapidWeaver Frequently Asked Questions: http://support.realmacsoftware.com/kb/rapidweaver
• The Official RapidWeaver Manual: http://support.realmacsoftware.com/kb/basics-of-rapidweaver
• RapidWeaver Community Forum: http://forums.realmacsoftware.com/
• RapidWeaver 4 PDF User Guide: Download here (2.9 MB)*
* Although this guide was originally written for RapidWeaver 4, in my opinion this guide still provides the best introduction to RapidWeaver and much of the information contained is still relevent to RapidWeaver 5. About the only differences are that 'assets' are now resources, and Google Analytics code now goes in the RapidWeaver sidebar, rather than the Site Setup window.
10 Minute Theme Quickstart Guide
This useful introductory guide covers all the basics of how to get started with your new RapidWeaver theme. Topics include installing new themes, duplication, CSS optimisation, theme graphics, style settings and publishing. Essential information for anybody new to RapidWeaver, seeking to avoid common problems and build brilliant new websites quickly and efficiently.
The Quickstart Guide >
The Theme User Guide
This free document is nearly as big an an ebook, and covers just about everything you need to know about RapidWeaver themes. It starts with the absolute basics of RapidWeaver and covers a broad range of subjects, right up to more advanced topics like theme customisation. All popular topics like image editing, embedded fonts, responsive design, navigation options and theme style settings are covered. It also lends many expert tips along the way for getting the most out of RapidWeaver and building stunning websites like a pro. The theme user guide is regularly updated with revised information and new topics.
The Theme User Guide >
Get In Contact
Send an email (using the link in the banner above) with detailed information of the problem or problems encountered. Include as much information as possible like the product being used, purchase name, purchase email, version number and steps to replicate each problem. It is often vital that diagnostic checks can be run on your source code, therefore you should provide a link to a live published website or forward a copy of your RapidWeaver project file. Copies of your customised theme or RapidWeaver project file can be forwarded safely using a free service like Dropbox. Ultimately the more information provided by yourself, the easier and quicker it is to resolve issues, so don't skimp on the details!
Free Theme Updates
Updates for ThemeFlood RapidWeaver themes are free for all existing users. Theme updates are periodically released to introduce new features and maintain compatibility with the latest plugins and web browsers. You can tell if an update is available for your theme, by comparing the number appended after the theme name in RapidWeaver, to the number shown on this website. Generally theme updates are not sent out automatically, because previously it was found many of the emails went missing in junk or spam mail filters. Instead you are invited to check for updates yourself, and download them at a time convenient to you. Updates also get publicised via the RapidWeaver Addon website, the RapidWeaver Central newsletter and the free iCentral app. I also discuss upcoming and released theme updates via my personal blog, Google+ and Twitter.
Theme updates can be obtained using the original download link, emailed to you at the time of purchase. If you no longer have this download link or you require an expired link to be reactivated, please send an email (using the link above), remembering to include the following information:
- Name of the updated theme you need an update for
- The name and email address used at time of purchase
- The purchase method used (i.e. website purchase or purchase order)
- Any other useful information like the date or invoice number
RapidWeaver themes sold through ThemeFlood go through extensive testing to ensure maximum compatibility with a vast range of third-party add ons and web browsers. Testing gets done externally by a group of independent experts. However it is impossible to test against every setup and eventuality, so sometimes bugs or inconstancies can slip through the net.
If you think you have identified a problem, please get in contact. It helps if you are able to provide as much detail as possible, including the theme being used, details of how to replicate the issue, browser versions, and a link to a live published website (if it relates to the use of third-party addons). It is wise to check first that you are using the latest version of the theme available, as a bug may have already been identified and fixed in a subsequent update. When a report is received, it is first verified as being either bug or other issue. Confirmed bugs get recorded in a Bento database and are actioned in the following theme update.
What is ThemeFlood?
ThemeFlood started in late 2006 offering a couple of basic free RapidWeaver themes. Interest in these was very positive and a little while later the first premium theme (Black & White) was released. Since then ThemeFlood has slowly grown in size and has become a small full-time company engaged in the research, design and development of innovative themes, which compliment the power and simplicity of the RapidWeaver publishing platform.
ThemeFlood has built a reputation for offering high-spec RapidWeaver themes and other addons, all backed by expert customer support. Themes are supplied worldwide to individual users, businesses and web designers. Completed themes are purposefully engineered with a wide range of theme style and colour settings, enabling their use in many different types of project. Alongside the sale of 'off the shelf' RapidWeaver themes, work is also done to develop custom themes and assist other theme and plugin developers with their work.
Where can I sign-up to your newsletter?
ThemeFlood does not run its own subscription list or newsletter. Instead users are encouraged to signup to the free RapidWeaver Central Newsletter. This email newsletter is sent out almost monthly and includes details of new releases from a wide range of developers actively involved with RapidWeaver development. ThemeFlood normally has a mention in every edition, alongside coupons and special promotions run by other developers. There is also a free iPhone App available called iCentral which delivers a daily digest of RapidWeaver news and updates.
RapidWeaver Central >
Does ThemeFlood support users wishing to modify RapidWeaver themes?
Absolutely yes. Unlike some other theme companies out there, it is strongly encouraged that users duplicate their ThemeFlood themes and customise them. It is always great to see people using ThemeFlood themes, and therefore free support is extended to lend assistance to those wishing to take their themes a bit further! Commonly, advice is often provided on simple modifications like style changes, image substitutions, custom code and styling of third-party stacks and plugins (where feasible). If heavier modifications are required to the physical layout of a theme, then all this work can be done in-house at very competitive hourly rates.
The rules of theme customisation are simple - just make sure you have duplicated your original theme (given it a new name) and you're not afraid to experiment with the basics of HTML and CSS source code. Modifying RapidWeaver themes can be very rewarding, and quadruples the value of a theme to the individual.
Is there a user guide available for my theme?
All the individual theme user guides have now been merged into one single user guide that covers all ThemeFlood themes. This extensive documentation provides nearly everything you need to know about themes, and is frequently updated with fresh content. Some themes have specific features, and these may be documented in a separate README file that accompanies the theme.
Can I use ThemeFlood themes in commercial projects?
A high majority of themes sold via this website are used in commercial projects, so the answer is "yes". You do not need to pay extra or seek approval from me (unless you want to). The only thing to note is that some themes contain code or icon sets that have been sub-leased from other developers. If you choose to use these in your projects, you may be required to make an attribution somewhere on the completed website. Code or icon sets requiring attribution are clearly highlighted in the README file (in the Credits and Attributions section) that accompanies some themes. If in doubt, drop me an email.
Do you include the original PSD files with your themes?
No, very few ThemeFlood themes were actually ever created from PSD files or other mockups. Most started life as existing RapidWeaver themes and slowly evolved into the different designs you see today. The 'hand-crafted' approach to theme development is preferred over here!
Can I use the example background images and banner graphics in my website?
The cost of the theme includes use of all the graphics and banner images you see featured in the themes. You are most welcome to continue using any of these graphics in your completed websites or substitute them for your own. All of the images were either created or photographed by myself. Some of the older 'retro' styled photographs used in themes are reproduced from 35mm slides, originally photographed by my late grandfather in the 1950's - 1990's. More information on any of the featured images is available on request.
Where do I send feedback, ideas for new themes or feature requests?
Just drop me an email using the link above. Any feedback and feature ideas are always welcomed. ThemeFlood themes are continually evolving, and in my opinion it is vital the actual end users (like yourself) are at the forefront of the creative process and steering themes in which ever direction you want them to go.