Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to RapidWeaver · 📝 forms
RapidWeaver vs Silex
An online tool for visually creating static sites with dynamic data. With the free/libre spirit of internet, together. Here is how Silex ($0/mo open source) stacks up against RapidWeaver ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Silex is a verified AGPL-3.0+-licensed open-source replacement for RapidWeaver. Switching from RapidWeaver ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Silex supplies fewer polished portfolio templates and none of Carbonmade's discovery or portfolio-specific guidance.
RapidWeaver vs Silex Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | RapidWeaver (Paid) | Silex (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from RapidWeaver to Silex
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Silex supplies fewer polished portfolio templates and none of Carbonmade's discovery or portfolio-specific guidance.
How to deploy Silex
Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup
What it takes to run
The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
Where your data lives
Project JSON and assets in GitLab, FTP or local storage; publishing produces ordinary static HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Why fork Silex instead of vibe-coding a RapidWeaver clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for RapidWeaver or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Silex.
RapidWeaver vs Silex FAQ
Is Silex a good free alternative to RapidWeaver?+
Yes. Silex is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0+) replacement for RapidWeaver. An online tool for visually creating static sites with dynamic data. With the free/libre spirit of internet, together.
What is the catch when switching from RapidWeaver to Silex?+
Silex supplies fewer polished portfolio templates and none of Carbonmade's discovery or portfolio-specific guidance.
How much do you save switching from RapidWeaver to Silex?+
RapidWeaver costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Silex is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Silex instead of RapidWeaver?+
Install: Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup. Setup: The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
