The new PressWork framework for WordPress officially launched at WordCamp Montreal. Last week I wrote a little preview of the new HTML5 framework, which is unique in that it allows you to change your site’s layout and design in a live preview environment.
Now that PressWork has launched we’ve got more information and details about what they will be offering.
Check out the new PressWork demo video:
Why was PressWork Created?
Brendan Sera-Shriar and c.bavota created PressWork to be an approachable framework for WordPress users of all experience levels. In their own words:
It was created out of a need for a framework that catered to all types of users. As developers, we needed it to be powerful enough to allow for complete customization, which is why every element in PressWork can be hooked into. But we also didn’t want to scare away beginners
And, wow, is it ever easy to use! The interface isn’t confusing and doesn’t get in the way, as you may have experienced with other plugins or frameworks that claim to make WordPress more user-friendly.
Style your WordPress site without any code
PressWork’s front end style editor puts all the power in your hands for styling your own WordPress site, even without HTML/CSS knowledge. It gives you the ability to make all changes in a live preview environment. No more second guessing what your changes will look like on the front-end. I’m curious to try it out for a project to see how much it might speed up development workflow with the instant preview.
Some people may be asking Who needs another WordPress framework? We all do, especially if it’s free! This one is driving the standards up for others of its kind. PressWork has its advantages over other drag-and-drop frameworks – mainly that it runs on HTML5 and CSS3, setting the bar higher for other related products. It’s also very easy to hook into and is likely to get many useful contributions because of this.
While the documentation is being prepared you can turn on the ‘Guides and Functions’ within PressWork to see all the hook and functions that are used. The support area is also open now if you want to jump in and ask a question.
PressWork’s commercial themes are coming soon. Pricing is extraordinarily reasonable. For $59.95 you’ll receive all of the PressWork themes, including the PSD files, along with lifetime support and updates. The best part is that the PressWork framework will always be free for anyone who wants to build with it. Download PressWork and install it today to see for yourself what everyone is raving about.
I am kind of wondering how this is compared to premium themes like Headway, which also has a visual editor.
Wow! This looks like it could be a game-changer!
Especially if it’s more BuddyPress-friendly than competitive themes like PlatformPro…
It would be awesome if it supported BuddyPress!
Wow! This sounds very good! I’ll have to check this out later today.
This is amazing news. Being familiar with thesis and genesis, it’s great to know that this framework is free!
Does this work with WPMU plugins/themes?
This framework is still very new. We’ll have to do some testing to see how far the compatibility extends.
big competition for the non-free frameworks
Wondering about WPMU support as well…
Interested in WPMUDEV plugins support as well.
wpmu.org get renewed “responsive web design”! Very impressed, Thanks!
Impressive – I have been using Headway recently which at the moment remains a lot more powerful, although this does look like a really promising start, and for simple sites very easy to use….and its free (bonus)
The Frontend toolbar of this framework is amasing. I like it. Thanks for sharing.
mmmm. I have bookmarked the link and will check it out later. This could the way many themes are created and one could start creating themes immediately.
I will download it later and see how it works, might let some of my clients know about it as well.
lovin’ the introduction of more drag n drop features in wp themes today… which means technology is getting easier for EVERYONE to use; and has always been the point I underline with clients. Web technologies MUST continue to do this so it can be utilized by more non tech-savvy folks. i’m keeping my eye on this one. Plus, the developers are smart to edge into the free market. Google (and others) have shown us how generosity works, haven’t they?
Hi, I have found another drag and drop wordpress template. Here is the link: http://ultimatum.wonderfoundry.com/ . I think you would find it interesting. The tool I linked has some unique features I had never seen before.
I have not had a chance to dive into the framework quite yet but most important, after the initial design, is the ability to dive in an create on the fly layouts for specific pages, post type archives, etc. Otherwise this may be a small step compared to other drag and drop solutions.