Best Design-Max Website Builders 2024
Create highly customized branded sites with pixel-perfect control. Advanced design tools without heavy development time.
Problem Solved: Need deep design control and custom code hooks without heavy dev time. Perfect for designers, creative agencies, and freelancers.
Platform Overview
Webflow
Professional web design platform with visual CSS editing, CMS, and hosting. Industry standard for designers.
Best for: Professional DesignersEditor X (Wix)
Advanced design platform by Wix with CSS Grid, Flexbox, and breakpoint control for responsive design.
Best for: Advanced Visual DesignCargo
Creative-focused platform with unique layouts and experimental design tools for artists and portfolios.
Best for: Creative PortfoliosFormat
Photography and creative portfolio platform with beautiful templates and client proofing features.
Best for: Photography PortfoliosFeature Comparison
| Feature | Webflow | Editor X | Cargo | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $14/mo | $22/mo | $13/mo | $8/mo |
| CSS Control | ✓ Full Visual CSS | ✓ CSS Grid/Flexbox | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Template Based |
| Custom Code | ✓ Full Access | ✓ Embed Code | ✓ Limited | ❌ No |
| CMS Features | ✓ Advanced | ✓ Good | ⚠️ Basic | ⚠️ Portfolio Focus |
| Client Handoff | ✓ Editor Access | ✓ Client Portal | ⚠️ Limited | ✓ Client Galleries |
| Template Quality | ✓ Professional | ✓ Modern | ✓ Unique/Artistic | ✓ Photography Focus |
Pricing Breakdown
Webflow
Basic Plan
- ✓ Custom domain
- ✓ 150 CMS items
- ✓ Form submissions
- ✓ SSL certificate
CMS: $23/mo - 2k items
Business: $39/mo - 10k items
Editor X
Basic Plan
- ✓ Custom domain
- ✓ 20GB storage
- ✓ Remove Wix branding
- ✓ Advanced design tools
Advanced: $32/mo - More features
Expert: $159/mo - Agency tools
Cargo
Standard Plan
- ✓ Custom domain
- ✓ Unlimited bandwidth
- ✓ SSL included
- ✓ Creative templates
Pro: $20/mo - More storage
Max: $30/mo - All features
Format
Basic Plan
- ✓ Custom domain
- ✓ Client galleries
- ✓ Online store
- ✓ Mobile optimized
Pro: $12/mo - Advanced features
Pro+: $16/mo - Everything
Design Capabilities
Visual Design Tools
Webflow
- • Visual CSS editor with full control
- • Flexbox and CSS Grid layouts
- • Advanced animations and interactions
- • Responsive breakpoint control
- • Custom code embedding
- • Symbol and component system
Editor X
- • CSS Grid and Flexbox support
- • Smooth scroll and parallax effects
- • Advanced responsive design
- • Design system management
- • Custom CSS and JavaScript
- • Collaboration tools
Creative & Portfolio Focus
Cargo
- • Unique experimental layouts
- • Creative grid systems
- • Artistic template designs
- • Minimal coding required
- • Focus on visual storytelling
- • Built for creative portfolios
Format
- • Photography-optimized templates
- • Client proofing galleries
- • Image protection features
- • Mobile-first design
- • Integrated online store
- • SEO optimization built-in
Pros & Cons Summary
Webflow
Pros
- • Industry-leading design control
- • Professional-grade CMS
- • Clean, semantic code output
- • Excellent learning resources
- • Strong community and marketplace
Cons
- • Steep learning curve
- • Higher pricing for advanced features
- • Limited e-commerce on lower plans
Cargo
Pros
- • Unique, artistic design options
- • Great for creative portfolios
- • Simple, focused interface
- • Good pricing for creatives
- • Experimental layout features
Cons
- • Limited business features
- • Smaller template selection
- • Less customization control
Editor X
Pros
- • Advanced responsive design tools
- • Familiar Wix ecosystem
- • Good collaboration features
- • CSS Grid and Flexbox support
- • Agency-friendly features
Cons
- • Less design freedom than Webflow
- • Higher pricing structure
- • Still bound by Wix limitations
Format
Pros
- • Excellent for photography portfolios
- • Built-in client proofing
- • Very affordable pricing
- • Mobile-optimized templates
- • Easy to use interface
Cons
- • Limited to creative portfolios
- • No custom code access
- • Template-based customization only
Who Should Use Which Platform?
Choose Webflow If You...
- • Are a professional designer or agency
- • Need maximum design control and flexibility
- • Want to create complex, custom interactions
- • Need a powerful CMS for content management
- • Are willing to invest time in learning advanced tools
Choose Editor X If You...
- • Want advanced design tools with easier learning curve
- • Are already familiar with Wix ecosystem
- • Need good collaboration features for teams
- • Want modern responsive design capabilities
- • Prefer visual design over code-heavy approaches
Choose Cargo If You...
- • Are an artist or creative professional
- • Want unique, experimental design layouts
- • Focus primarily on portfolio presentation
- • Prefer artistic over commercial aesthetics
- • Want something different from mainstream builders
Choose Format If You...
- • Are a photographer or visual artist
- • Need client proofing and gallery features
- • Want an affordable, focused solution
- • Prioritize mobile-optimized portfolio display
- • Need integrated e-commerce for prints/services
Quick Decision Guide
| Best For | Top Choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Design Control | Webflow | Editor X |
| Photography Portfolios | Format | Cargo |
| Creative/Artistic Sites | Cargo | Format |
| Agency Collaboration | Editor X | Webflow |
| Best Value | Format | Cargo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform offers the most design freedom?
Webflow provides the most design freedom with visual CSS editing and full code access. Editor X offers good freedom within a more structured environment, while Cargo and Format are more template-based but with unique creative options.
Do I need coding skills for these platforms?
None require coding skills for basic use, but Webflow benefits from CSS knowledge. Editor X and Cargo are more visual, while Format is the most beginner-friendly. However, design experience is helpful for all platforms.
Which is best for client work and handoffs?
Webflow excels for client handoffs with editor access and clean code. Editor X offers good collaboration tools. Format has built-in client proofing for photographers. Cargo is less focused on client collaboration features.
Can I export my designs from these platforms?
Webflow allows code export on paid plans. Editor X, Cargo, and Format are hosted-only solutions. Consider this if you need to move your site to different hosting in the future.
Which platform has the best learning resources?
Webflow has the most comprehensive learning resources including Webflow University, community forums, and extensive documentation. Editor X leverages Wix's support system. Cargo and Format have smaller but focused communities.
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Disclaimer
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