Top 5 Offline Website Builders – You Should Try!
In this article, we’ll explore the top five offline website builders that empower you to create a stunning website without needing a constant internet connection.
5 Best Offline Website Builders:
- NicePage: A user-friendly website builder with AI design assistance
- TemplateToaster: Robust software crafting responsive, customizable templates
- Mobirise: An offline, block-based website builder
- Pinegrow: A visual web editor supporting HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap
- Dreamweaver: A comprehensive web design software that supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
What is the Offline Website Builder?
An offline website builder is a powerful tool that allows users to create and design websites without a constant internet connection. Unlike traditional online website builders, these offline counterparts enable users to work on their projects anytime, anywhere, independent of internet access.
NicePage
Let’s grasp the essence of NicePage – an ultimate freehand web design 3.0 platform that redefines the website creation experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intuitive Interface
- Versatile Functionality
- Responsive Customer Support
- Regular Updates
- Free Trial Option
- Community Engagement
- Seamless Integration
- Customization Options
- Varied Subscription Plans
- Security Measures
Cons
- Limited Free Version Features
NicePage Key Features
Let’s explore standout features that make NicePage a compelling choice for web design enthusiasts.
Customize Your Template (such as changing text, images, color, and layout)
I believe customizing your template in NicePage is a straightforward process.
- Access Add Template Dialog
- Open NicePage and go to the Add Template dialog.
- Fill in Details
- Enter a name and choose Template Type (Blog, Post, Product List, Product Details, or Shopping Cart).
- Explore Options
- Discover various template types to suit your needs.
- Save Template
- Save your customized template.
Following these concise steps, you can easily customize templates in NicePage, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for your web design needs.
Edit Text and Images
- Select Gallery
- Choose the gallery you want to edit.
- Access Property Panel
- Right-click the Text Style Link in the Property Panel on the right.
- Modify Text Properties
- In the next Panel, adjust the properties of both Heading and Text.
- Preview Changes
- Instantly see the preview of your modifications in the Editor.
Add New Sections or Pages such as About, Services, Contact, etc.
- Add New Sections or Pages
- Select “Add Elements” from the Top Menu and choose the desired section or page, such as About, Services, or Contact.
- Add Contact Form
- Access the Add Elements list and select Contact Form.
- Choose Horizontal Form Type
- Opt for the Horizontal Preset when adding the Contact Form Element.
- Move Contact Form
- Click and drag the entire form to reposition it as needed.
- Add Fields to Contact Form
- Expand the Contact Form section in Add Elements to add new fields to the form.
- Customize Field Types
- Build the Contact Form by adding fields of different types.
- Adjust Element Style
- Use the Property Panel to stylize the Contact Form inputs, such as adding underlined styling.
- Set Submit Options
- In the Property Panel, specify submission options, including URL, PHP Script, Contact Form 7, Joomla Form, MailChimp, etc..
- Choose Submission Services
- Set up single-use or multiple-use services for submitting data, like sending to several emails or Google Sheets.
- Submit to Leads
- The Contact Form Element automatically sends data to Leads and Emails.
- Submit to URL
- Use the URL Submit property to submit the form to any server, or use third-party services like formspree.com if the exact URL is unavailable.
Optimize for Mobile
Nicepage automatically adjusts grid layouts for optimal mobile viewing by stacking cells if the screen width is limited. Therefore, I recommend utilizing grid layouts to fit your content seamlessly on mobile devices. You simply select and add blocks from the New Block dialog to ensure correct mobile views without additional adjustments.
- Add New Block: Access the New Block dialog in Nicepage.
- Select Images: Choose the Images option within the dialog.
- Choose Thematic Category: Opt for the “Business” thematic category.
- Select Style: Pick a style from the options on the left.
- Add Gallery Block: Add the Gallery Block with three images.
- Click Done: Complete the block creation process.
- Adjust Margins: Fine-tune the block margins as needed.
Integrate SEO Features
I love NicePage because it allows me to boost my content’s visibility in search engine results. By effortlessly adding crucial metadata such as Title, Description, Keywords, and even Canonical if needed, I can enhance my content’s chances of appearing prominently. NicePage empowers me to create search engine-friendly content, ensuring it’s easily discoverable and leaves a lasting impact on my audience.
Connect a Domain Name
- Connect a Domain Name: In the Nicepage Application or Online Editor, navigate to Site Settings.
- Access General Tab: Inside Site Settings, locate the General Tab.
- Enter Domain Name: In the “Custom Domain” field, add your desired domain name (e.g., mydomain.com).
- Click Done: Once the domain is entered, click the “Done” button to confirm and save your changes.
Publish Your Website
Click the “Publish and Preview” button on the Top Bar to make your website live. Your website will then undergo the publishing process. Within 6 to 72 hours, your website will be accessible at the assigned domain address, ready for the world to explore.
Pricing
- Starter: $0
- Personal: $69/year
- Business: $129/year
- Pro: $199 (one-time payment)
What Customers Say about the Website Builder?
According to the Trustpilot reviews:
“It’s an easy homepage-builder with many functionalities. Quite easy for beginners. There is the occasional bug here and there but the updates seem to make the app better.” – Marta.
“I love the Nicepage app! It makes designing and implementing websites easier and more interesting for me, because I’m a very visual person and not that interested in coding.
I also always get very fast, knowledgeable and friendly customer service for all my problems (which are mostly caused by myself). A tip for myself, read the instructions first and try to do it, and if you still don’t succeed, contact customer service.” – Arita M. Dixie Muffins.
Best For
- Content Creators and Bloggers: Suited for content creators and bloggers who want to showcase their work effectively. The platform’s grid layouts and mobile optimization enhance the visual appeal, making it attractive for content-focused websites.
- Portfolio Websites: Excellent for individuals or professionals looking to build portfolio websites. The ability to showcase images in a gallery format and the platform’s design freedom ensures an impressive display of creative work.
TemplateToaster
Creating a website has never been easier with TemplateToaster’s Website Maker—craft high-quality websites with stunning designs, all without the need for technical skills.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy-to-use Drag-and-Drop Interface
- Flexible and Powerful Platform
- Supports Multiple Content Management Systems
- Robust eCommerce Compatibility
- Mobile-Friendly Website Creation
- Customization Freedom for Styling
- Effortless Theme Export and Upload
- Comprehensive Typography Options
- Suitable for Various Industries and Niches
Cons
- Exclusive for Windows Users
- Uploaded Templates Are Non-Editable
- Sites with Free Editions Include Brand Watermarking
TemplateToaster Key Features
Unlock the potential of website design with TemplateToaster’s exclusive features.
Install the website builder
1. Download the Latest Version
- Visit the download page and download the latest version of the website maker.
2. Save the File
- Save the downloaded file to your desired location.
3. Launch the Setup
- Navigate to the Downloads folder, locate the TemplateToaster Setup File, and double-click it. Choose your language preference and click “OK.”
4. Proceed with Installation
- Click “Next” to initiate the installation process.
5. Accept EULA
- Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) by clicking “I accept the agreement” and then “Next.”
6. Choose Installation Path
- Opt for a custom path or stick with the default settings. Click “Next” to continue.
7. Select TemplateToaster Edition
- Choose the desired TemplateToaster Edition and click “Next.”
8. Commence Installation
- Click “Next” to start the software installation process.
9. Completion and Finish
- Once the installation is complete, click “Finish.”
10. Launch TemplateToaster
- The startup screen will appear on your desktop. Select the CMS you wish to design for and create a project to commence your web design journey.
Design/Customize the theme
1. Access Theme Options
- After installing TemplateToaster, locate the “Theme Options” tool conveniently placed on the admin dashboard’s sidebar.
2. Navigate to Theme Options
- Click on “Theme Options” to open the customization panel, granting you control over various theme elements.
3. Explore Color Customization
- Enjoy the flexibility to modify the colors of specific website elements. Personalize the look and feel of your theme effortlessly.
CMS Compatibility
I particularly appreciate TemplateToaster for its extensive CMS compatibility. It excels in crafting WordPress themes, Drupal themes, Joomla templates, Magento themes, Virtuemart-compatible Joomla 4 templates, and WooCommerce consistent WordPress themes. This broad spectrum of compatibility ensures that TemplateToaster caters to a diverse range of content management systems, making it a versatile and preferred choice for web designers and developers.
Pricing
- Standard Edition: $49
- Professional Edition: $99
What Customers Say about the Website Builder?
According to GetApp reviews:
“TemplateToaster is a desktop application so it is very easy to install and use it. I am a freelancer and can easily create multiple websites for my clients once i get used to this software.” – Kamal P., Computer Software.
Best For
- Service-Based Businesses: Tailored for service-based businesses, including consulting, agencies, or freelancers. The platform’s customization options, combined with the ability to add new sections like “Services,” offer a personalized solution for effectively showcasing services.
- Healthcare and Wellness: Well-suited for healthcare and wellness entities. TemplateToaster’s customization options cater to clinics, wellness centers, or individual practitioners aiming to establish a professional online presence.
Mobirise
Mobirise is a versatile and user-friendly website builder software that caters to a diverse audience, offering the flexibility to create stunning websites without coding expertise.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly Interface
- No Coding Skills Required
- Offline Functionality
- Platform Versatility
- Extensive Library
- Mobile and Google-friendly
- Integration with Popular Services
Cons
- Limited Customization Options
- Feature Limitations in Free Version
Mobirise Key Features
Mobirise stands out with its remarkable features catering to novices and professionals. These features make Mobirise a versatile and accessible website builder.
Installing Mobirise
- Open the official Mobirise website.
- Navigate to the download section and select the appropriate version for your operating system, either Windows or MAC.
- Once selected, initiate the download process. For Windows, you’ll receive an EXE file; for Mac, you’ll get a DMG file.
- For Windows users: Run the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Mobirise. Choose your desired target folder during installation.
- For Mac users: After running the .dmg file, drag the Mobirise icon to the Applications folder.
- The installation process is now complete.
Pick a theme
- Start a new project in Mobirise.
- Click the “Create New Site” button to access the available themes.
- Carefully browse the themes to choose the one that suits your project. Remember, once selected, you can’t change the theme for an existing project.
- Explore additional premium themes by clicking the “More themes” button in the “Create New Site” window.
- Optionally, you can check out more premium themes in the Extensions list.
- Your chosen theme will set your project’s visual style and layout.
Design and edit
Replace images and videos
- Open your Mobirise project.
- Identify the block where you want to replace or add a video.
- Click on the video element within the chosen block or select the blue Gear icon for the settings window—this depends on the block type.
- In the settings window, adjust the video settings according to your preferences. You can set the Aspect Ratio and toggle Loop and Autoplay options for some blocks.
Example: Video Settings
Keep in mind the following essential details:
- I recommend you use YouTube videos for better compatibility. Uploading a video directly from your PC may require coding knowledge.
- Ensure that the video is not set to private and has public access.
Add buttons, titles, or subtitles
- Open your Mobirise project.
- Ensure that the block you are working on supports buttons. You can only add new buttons if the block already contains buttons.
- Identify an existing button within the block where you want to make additions.
- Click on the existing button that serves as a reference.
- Find the option to “Add” a new button.
Publish your web page
- Open your Mobirise project.
- In the upper right corner of the Mobirise interface, locate and click on the “Publish” button.
- A publishing dialog will appear, providing various options for publishing your site online.
- One option is to publish your site on Mobirise Sites with a subdomain like “.mobirisesite.com.” This option is free for tests, but if you want to use it permanently, you’ll need a Mobirise Site license.
- The publishing dialog also includes the ability to change your site in Mobirise CMS. Open the “/edit/” link and log in with your Mobirise account. This allows you to edit your site content in Mobirise Online.
- Choose the publishing method that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Click on the relevant options in the publishing dialog and follow any prompts or instructions to complete the process.
- Mobirise offers flexibility by allowing you to publish your site online or to a local folder first, allowing you to choose your preferred publishing method.
Pricing
- Mobirise Site: $242/month/site (paid $29 yearly)
What Customers Say about the Website Builder?
According to GetApp reviews:
“The drag & drop interface makes building pages a breeze. The customisable templates and components when combined allow an almost infinite number of pages to be constructed.” – Kevin T.
“The main feature is the ease of use of the program: super friendly interface, easy and instant drag and drop mechanism, allows both novices and expert programmers to create beautiful sites with extreme ease and super fast” – Enrico C.
Best For
- Community Groups and Clubs: Provides interactive features for enhanced member engagement, such as forums or discussion boards. Mobirise allows the creation of visually appealing galleries to showcase community activities.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Provides templates to communicate the nonprofit’s mission and vision effectively. The features allow storytelling through compelling narratives and visuals.
Pinegrow
Pinegrow is a versatile visual web editor designed for professionals, offering enhanced efficiency in working with HTML, CSS/SASS, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, GreenSock Interactions, WordPress, and WooCommerce.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile Framework Support
- Visual CSS Editing Capabilities
- Tailwind CSS Integration
- Responsive Web Design Tools
- WordPress Theme and Plugin Creation
- Interactive Web Interactions
- Regular Software Updates
- User-Friendly Interface
- Multi-Platform Availability
- Collaborative Workflow Features
Cons
- Learning Curve for Beginners
- Advanced Features Require Pro Version
- Dependency on Frameworks for Some Features
Pinegrow Key Features
Pinegrow, a powerful visual web editor, stands out with its broad spectrum of features tailored for professionals.
Customize Your Template (such as changing text, images, color, and layout)
To customize your template, follow these steps:
- Open the HTML file (e.g., index.html) using Pinegrow’s “File -> Open file” option.
- Edit text by double-clicking on it.
- Change element properties in the Prop panel, such as selecting and adjusting columns in Bootstrap or Foundation.
- Delete unnecessary elements by selecting and deleting them.
- Duplicate elements as needed using the Duplicate function.
- Rearrange website sections by dragging them in the outline tree.
Edit Text and Images
- Double-click on the text you want to edit, select the element, and choose “Actions -> Edit content.”
- The edit toolbar appears at the top, and the editable element gets a yellow border.
- Click inside the yellow border to type or change the text.
- Select the text and click the respective toolbar button to use formatting options like bold, italic, or create links.
Add New Sections or Pages such as About, Services, Contact, etc.
- Access New Page Options: Navigate to “File -> New Page” in Pinegrow.
- Select Page Type: Choose a starting page from Bootstrap, Foundation, plain HTML, or AngularJS.
- Edit the New Page: Once selected, the chosen starting page opens in Pinegrow and is ready for editing.
- Save the Page: Save the page for the first time to save the HTML file and generate other necessary assets associated with the selected starting page. For instance, Bootstrap pages include Bootstrap CSS, JavaScript, and font files.
Optimize for Mobile
I use multi-page editing to work on my pages across different device sizes. Pinegrow makes it easy to design responsive websites with its Media Query Helper tool. I can add custom breakpoints or let Pinegrow automatically detect them by analyzing my stylesheets. This ensures that my website looks great on various devices.
Integrate SEO Features
- Organize HTML Template: I use HTML5 tags for a well-structured template, making applying WordPress innovative actions during conversion easy.
- Visual Clarity: The structured code allows me to identify different sections, aiding code management visually.
- SEO Enhancement: Semantic HTML, backed by Pinegrow’s component library, ensures clean code, contributing to effective search engine indexing and improved SEO.
Pricing
- Tailwind Visual Editor: $50/year
- WordPress Builder: $50/year
- Shop Builder for WooCommerce: $50/year
What Customers Say about the Website Builder?
According to Capterra reviews:
“After few years of use and numbers of good websites, we earn much more money than Pinegrow software price is. And sites are professional , stylish and easy for maintained. It is very good softvare, which become even better with every new update/upgrade. Excellent job for Pinegrow team.” – Aleksandar.
“Pinegrow’s most unique aspect is it works in local machine as well as working on cloud. Having both MAC and Windows versions is quite fine.” – Onur K.
Best For
- Real Estate Agencies: Pinegrow allows for creating visually appealing property showcase pages, enabling real estate agencies to display listings effectively. In addition, the platform supports the integration of interactive elements, enhancing the user experience by combining maps, image galleries, and virtual tours for properties.
- Tech Startups: Pinegrow accelerates the prototyping phase, allowing tech startups to visualize and iterate on their website design quickly, which is essential for conveying the startup’s vision. Moreover, with Pinegrow’s visual editing capabilities, tech startups can focus on refining the user interface and experience without delving into complex coding and streamlining the design process.
Dreamweaver Web Builder
Use Dreamweaver Web Builder to create visually stunning websites compatible with any browser or device. This web design software supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more, allowing you to design and publish web pages quickly from anywhere.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Responsive Design
- Smart Coding Engine
- Starter Templates
- Visual Aids
- Multi-Monitor Support
- Streamlined Interface
- Git Collaboration
- Adobe Creative Cloud Integration
- Dynamic Website Management
Cons
- Learning Curve
- Subscription Cost
- Feature Complexity
Dreamweaver Key Features
Dreamweaver offers powerful features to streamline web development.
Create a Dreamweaver Site
- Open Adobe Dreamweaver: Launch the Dreamweaver application on your computer.
- Navigate to the Site Menu: Locate the “Site” menu at the top of the page.
- Select New Site: From the dropdown menu, choose the “New Site” option.
- Name Your Website: Provide a name for your website. This is the title or identifier for your project.
- Choose File Location: Specify your computer’s file location or directory where you want to store your website files.
Create a Template File
- Open Dreamweaver: Ensure Adobe Dreamweaver is open on your computer.
- Create a New Template
- Option 1: Click on “Create New.”
- Option 2: Navigate to “File” > “New.”
- Choose HTML Template: In the “Document Type” list, select “HTML Template.”
- Basic Template Creation: Dreamweaver will generate a basic template structure with initial HTML content.
- Save the Template: Save the template file with a relevant name and in the desired location on your computer.
- Retain the Initial HTML: Keep the initial HTML provided by Dreamweaver, as it forms the foundation for your project.
Add a Header in the Template
- Access the Insert Menu: Go to the Dreamweaver screen’s top and click “Insert.”
- Select Header: From the dropdown list, choose “Header.”
- Define Header Class: In the dialog, assign a name for the new header’s class and click “OK.” The code will be inserted within the tags.
- Add Logo Container (Optional): Insert a Div element. Navigate to the Insert menu, choose “Div,” and provide a class name.
- Insert Navigation Element: Go to the Insert menu, select “Nav,” and assign a class name.
- Add Hyperlinks to Navigation:
- To include menu options, use the Insert menu and choose “Hyperlink.”
- Add hyperlinks for each menu option, such as Home, Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, and House Cat.
- Link Pages (Optional): Leave the href property blank if the linked pages need to be created.
Add a Stylesheet for CSS
- Open CSS Designer: Locate the CSS Designer on the right side of the Dreamweaver screen.
- Click Plus Icon Next to Sources: Within the CSS Designer, click the Plus icon next to “Sources.”
- Name Your Stylesheet: In the dialog that appears, choose a name for your stylesheet. Other settings can be left as they are.
- Apply CSS Styling:
- Begin styling by selecting the header.
- Apply CSS changes, such as turning the header into a flexbox and setting the site’s font, background color, and other adjustments.
- Review CSS Code: Observe the complete CSS code at the end of the article for a comprehensive view of the applied styles.
Add Image/Text Content
- Insert a Div Element: Go to the “Insert” menu and select “Div” to add a new div element to your website.
- Set Up Div as Container:
- This div will serve as both the container for text content and a place for a background image.
- Assign a class and an ID to ensure distinct CSS properties for different pages.
- Add Heading Inside the Div:
- Within the div, go to “Insert” > “Headings” > “H1” to add a heading.
- Apply CSS to the Div:
- The div requires CSS properties like background image, background-size, and height for proper functionality.
- Save the template by going to “File” > “Save All” to ensure updates.
- Add Image/Text Content:
- Use the editable region you added to incorporate text content without extra HTML.
- Save images within the website’s files for easy access and linking.
Add Pages With the Template
- Create New Pages:
- Navigate to “File” > “New” and choose “HTML” under Document Type.
- Provide a title for each page and click “Create.”
- Access Template Options:
- Once the new page opens, go to “Tools” > “Templates.”
- Apply Template to Page:
- Click “Apply Template to Page.”
- Select your template from the list and click “Select” to load it onto the new page.
- Save the New Page: Go to “File” > “Save As” and choose a name for your new page before saving it.
- Repeat for Additional Pages:
- Repeat this process for each new page you want to create.
- You can use different templates for varied page layouts if needed.
Pricing
Acquire Dreamweaver through Adobe Creative Cloud at a monthly cost of only US$22.99.
What Customers Say about the Website Builder?
According to GetApp reviews:
“The integration with the entire Adobe ecosystem is great, you can use tools from programs like Photoshop or Illustrator to create beautiful web pages, which is great.” César C.
“I was able to successfully build my first stable site with the app despite being an a mature at Htlm. The there interfaces (live, design and code view) makes Adobe Dreamweaver the ideal product.” – Tobel A.
Best For
- Marketing and Advertising Firms: Visual aids and multi-monitor support enhance the efficiency of designing marketing collateral. Therefore, it suits marketing firms requiring visually appealing websites and promotional materials.
Wrapping Up
Offline website builders offer the convenience of creating and editing websites without an internet connection, providing maximum flexibility and control to the user. This is particularly useful for individuals who want to develop projects in environments with limited or no online access.