Last week Thursday, iThemes released version 4.0 of its Builder Framework. Builder 4.0 is a major update of the framework since it delivers responsive support to Builder Core as well as to its child themes.
When the post iThemes Builder WordPress Theme Framework – A First Look was published about two weeks back, the developers at iThemes were still working on the responsiveness of the Builder framework.
Since deadlines of software projects are sometimes harder to meet than expected, it did not make sense postponing the publication of the Builder review until the actual release of the responsive version. However, the guys at iThemes did a great job; a responsive version of Builder is now reality.
Of course, I have downloaded Builder 4.0 as soon as it was possible. Over the weekend, I have been playing around with Builder 4.0. And today, I can confirm that everything written about Builder in the First Look still stands – fortunately, I might add.
Responsive Builder Child Themes
When you update an existing Builder site to version 4.0, the responsive features of the framework are disabled by default. This will ensure you that when you upgrade, the appearance of the site will remain as it was prior to the upgrade. This also implies that there is really no need to wait before upgrading to Builder 4.0.
Although making an existing Builder child theme responsive is quite simple – it is basically a matter of adding one line of code – there is a possibility that the styling of the child theme is not responsive proof yet.
Especially when you are using the Style Manger it is advised to wait a bit before activating the responsive features of Builder 4.0. A responsive ready Style Manager is still under development, but updates are expected soon.
There is a possibility that some child themes cannot be upgraded to a responsive design. iThemes is currently in the process of checking every single Builder child theme and will illuminate this shortly.
Currently the Default child theme and the five Foundation child themes are already fully responsive. The version number of a responsive child theme makes a leap to 4.0.0, so that it is easy to identify what child themes are responsive already and what not yet.
When you are working with a Builder child without any customization, it is best to wait until the responsive version of that child theme becomes available. In case patience is not your biggest virtue, you can simply give is a try.
Adding the following line of PHP – directly after the <?php tag – to the functions.php file of your Builder child theme, will activate the responsive features of Builder 4.0:
add_theme_support( 'builder-responsive' );That is it. When you notice any strange behavior of the site’s styling, remove that single line, and you are back to a non-responsive site design. Of course, it is best to test this on a localhost, and always make a backup prior to upgrading – better safe than sorry.
Builder Responsive50
When you have ever considered trying iThemes Builder, now is the time. Until October 31, you can get a 50% discount on the Builder Developer Pack by applying the coupon code RESPONSIVE50.
The Builder Developer Pack comes with all 60+ child themes – including the six responsive child themes mentioned above. You will be able to download additional responsive child themes as soon as they become available during your membership.
Even existing customers of Builder, can take advantage of this promotion; the purchase will automatically extend the active Builder subscription with another year from the current expiration date.
Rahul says
October 22, 2012 at 19:34Wanted to confirm that i visit their site and see that there are All-Access Theme Pass for $397 and it will be available for $200 after getting 50% discount.
I have two confusion. One is that all the plugins, themes, and itemem builder can be buy for $200 or i have to purchase plugin extra. I mean that in All Access Theme pass iTheme builder, plugins (including backupbuddy) are inclusive or they are seperate.
my second question is that they are giving me all access is for one year. what is the meaning of this condition. it means that i cannot use the theme and plugins after one year and what is the price i have to pay after one year. is there any discount.
hope i did not ask too many questions.
Rahul
Wil says
October 22, 2012 at 20:13Hi Rahul, good to see you again.
With the All Access Pass, you will get all the themes, but not all the plugins. You will get the Style Manager and LoopBuddy, but not BackupBuddy.
In case you are also interested in BackupBuddy, you better opt for the Developer Pack (Builder and all Builder child themes) and the Developer Suite (all plugins, including BackupBuddy for unlimited sites). I have both licenses myself.
The limitation of one year affects the use of the support forum and product updates. You can continue using the framework, child themes and plugins after the license has expired. That is no problem.
iThemes offers a 25% loyalty discount for its customers. However, there all kinds of promotions throughout the year, like the current one, so you might even get a better deal than the ordinary 25%. With iThemes, a license renewal will automatically extend your active license with another year upon the current expiration date – so renewing early can save you money.
Let me know if you have any more questions. Take care, Wil
Niki says
October 23, 2012 at 01:02Hi Wil,
I’ve been looking for a theme to grow with, and being a non coder (with just enough knowledge to get what is going on, or get in trouble haha) I was happy to find your reviews of themes I’ve been researching anyway.
I know you are a fan of Genesis, but I’ve seen wordpress site developers who use Genesis have a very regimented approach to design. Much like how you can spot a Thesis site (unless you are an expert coder with a vision) by certain elements and arrangements. Not that any of this is bad…I think it is good to know what a theme does best, and recommend that theme to a client because of the native features of that theme.
I think drag and drop is great, uber fun!! I’ve been looking at headway for that option….but it all boils down to how flexible the header and the homepage are. And how the theme plays nice with plugins that fill in any design gaps. Seems silly to have a wordpress theme that will only work with proprietary plugins, unless they are included in the cost.
I know some plugins create havoc, but there are many great premium and free plugins that make a great framework/theme even better.
I would love to hear your recommendations. I’m not opposed to Genesis, but am more looking for a theme that supports unusual & grid designs (and easy to customize layout css etc.)
Thanks so much for your reviews, they are very helpful. In a way that makes me wish I had the bucks to just give more than one a try!!
Best Regards,
Niki
Wil says
October 23, 2012 at 07:49Hi Niki, welcome. And thanks for your kind words. It is good to hear that my posts are helpful.
Yes, I am a fan of Genesis – no use denying that. However, that does not mean that Genesis is the best option for everybody. Currently, Genesis is not even the best option in every situation for me, since I am still in the process of discovering Genesis myself. But I am willing to invest a little time in Genesis, because I expect that it will pay off. Not everybody is willing or able to make such an investment in time.
Building a website requires structure (HTML/PHP) and styling (CSS). The drag-and-drop features of frameworks are limited to the layout part of websites. Other approaches are point-and-click or working with PHP manually. Creating the CSS is either achieved through point-and-click or coding manually.
It is a bit tricky to make a recommendation based upon the details received. Later this week, I will publish a comparison of Catalyst Dynamik vs. Genesis Dynamik. For next week, it is my goal to will write a post that supplies you with the necessary information to make your own decision.
Some considerations are:
• resources – are you willing to spend $200 annually
• PHP – are you willing to work with (precooked) PHP code
• CSS – do you mind coding CSS manually; some knowledge of CSS will make your life a lot easier, at least a basic understanding of CSS is a must IMHO
• child themes – is it okay for you to develop on top of the framework, or do you prefer creating child themes
• activity – how active is the developer and the community
Offering structure & styling: Builder, Catalyst, Dynamik Website Builder, Headway, Ultimatum Theme
Offering structure: Genesis (though child themes), PageLines
Please note that Builder, Headway and PageLines have a subscription model requiring annul payments.
Hope this helps for now. Please do not hesitate to get back to me after publication of my post next week. I would have to write it here and now to answer your question thoroughly. Take care, Wil