PageLines 2.0 Review: Build Your WordPress Website

PageLines has upgraded PlatformPro framework to PageLines 2.0. The new framework resembles its predecessor, but is a complete rebuild.

PagesLines 2.0 First Impressions

Uploading Framework 2.0 into a fresh WordPress install reveals an identical look to the 1.0 install. The differences are all in the back-end (in the WordPress dashboard) and they are significant.

I’m a big fan of Pagelines, and I use their themes (framework) on a number of personal and client projects. The new version, PageLines 2.0, fixes a number of the areas that offered too many options. While I loved the versatility of PlatformPro, I found it a little overwhelming at times - to have so many choices. For example, the twenty color options of 1.0 reduced to a manageable five (4 colors plus highlighting option) in PageLines 2.0.

While the initial release of Pagelines PlatformPro was great, this one is better. And the PageLines Store promises even more versatility. The store will carry plugins, code and add-ons to add more depth to an already leading framework.

The dashboard is more user-friendly than before, although there is a learning curve to this one too. I’ve been using PlatformPro 1.0 for more than a year, and PageLines 2.0 does take some getting used to.

There are a number of new (and improved) features in 2.0 that really stand out. Here are the ones that I love:

1. Custom page layouts: Pages are created/modified through the Template and Special tabs. The Template Tab modifies specific areas of each page. The Special Tab modifies specific characteristics of each of these pages:
   • blog page
   • archive page
   • category page
   • search results
   • tag listing
   • author posts
   • 404 page
   The level of customization is high - but completely menu driven. There is no need to know or use coding.
2. Clearer layout: The menu for site development within the WordPress theme is much simpler in this release. Development component's are set into just 5 sections:
   • Settings
   • Templates
   • Special
   • Store
   • Account
3. Twitter integration: Twitter is integrated into the theme, instead of requiring a separate plugin.
4. PageLines Store: A new marketplace that allows designers to share (either free or pay) plugins, code snipets and integrations for PageLines 2.0. As it is pre-launch, there is just a few items, but one that I love is the LaunchPage (see next point). The PageLines Store promises to make a solid theme even better.
5. LaunchPage Plugin: The LaunchPage comes as an add-on within the PageLines Store. LaunchPage basically is squeeze (or sales) page for PageLines 2.0. I tried a number of options and it looks great. It is similar to OptimizePress and Premise but without the high price tag. Check out this great post by David Risley about thee two other options: OptimizePress vs. Premise
6. Nixing the Sharing Bar - The ability to get rid of Sharing Bar. I never really liked it - it is just about the most uncompelling share widget that I’ve seen. It doesn’t compare with the depth and options of SexyBookmarks by Shareaholic. Sharing bar shows in tiny icons along the bottom of each post. In contrast, SexyBookmarks (not as risque as the name suggests) has options for above and/or below each post, and has more than 80 social networks. And its also free.

Nothing is perfect, and there are some drawbacks to PageLines 2.0.

1. The Learning Curve: There is a learning curve. Not that I don’t expect there to be one - I just resent it. Upgrades should be created in such a way to build on the previous design, and limit the learning curve as much as possible. Although this is ideal, I don’t know it would have been possible here. The navigation needed to be improved and restructured - which it was. It became intuitive during the couple hours I spent using it during testing. I don't see the learning as a significant problem in PageLines 2.0.
2. The Price: Despite being one of the strongest platforms to build your WordPress site, it doesn't come cheap - even if you are upgrading. Likely the price will keep many personal sites using cheaper options. If you are a current user, check with PageLines for upgrade information/offers. And while it isn't cheap, it is worth every dollar. I've upgraded my sites, as have all of my clients.

Should you buy PageLines 2.0? It depends. If you want complete flexibility in your design, and have the patience to learn it - then you should consider it. If you want to build a site in the morning and be blogging in the afternoon, you should probably consider something else. Check the Genesis vs PageLines head to head comparison.

If your Web site is an important part of your business (or you are planning for it to be) then this framework is very powerful. But if all you need is a brochure style site, with your contact information and a brief description, PageLines 2.0 would be overkill.

Disclosure: The company provided free access to this service for review purposes. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.