This is an updated and revised review of my original Dynamik Website Builder review.
Disclaimer: Since I already own and use several other WordPress theme frameworks, I asked Cobalt Apps for a complimentary license, so I could write this review. So in a way, this review has been sponsored by Cobalt Apps. Rest assured though: This review is in no way skewed or biased by that fact. Authenticity and honesty are key personal values of mine. I write exactly what I feel like. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it!
Okay, let’s get on with the show;-) Here it is: my comprehensive Dynamik Website Builder review. I hope it will help you decide whether Dynamik Website Builder is the right choice for your needs as a website owner (or web designer).
A brief history lesson on Dynamik Website Builder’s ancestry
Once upon a time there was a skin called Dynamik. It was available for both the über-popular Genesis theme framework, as well as Catalyst; Cobalt Apps’ own WordPress theme framework.
Sounds confusing? To me it was.
Afterall, which version should I get? Cobalt Apps seemed to primarily promote Dynamik for their own Catalyst theme framework. Dynamik for Genesis felt more like an afterthought. But Genesis was by far the most popular and widespread WordPress theme framework. So I felt it would make more sense to get the Dynamik for Genesis version.
Fortunately, Cobalt Apps last year announced that, going forward; Dynamik would be for Genesis only. Cobalt Apps also make an interesting Genesis plugin called Genesis Extender, that I might review in another blog post.
Nowadays, the Dynamik theme is known by the full name Dynamik Website Builder – aka the most powerful Genesis child theme.
But what exactly is Dynamik Website Builder then?
Genesis by itself is a wonderful framework, but it requires you to know how to code HTML, PHP and CSS if you want to design a custom looking website. Dynamik is a Genesis child theme shock-full of point & click design options, to aid non-coders in creating custom WordPress website designs.
All in all, Dynamik is a quite unique WordPress theme, that makes Genesis do so much more for non-coders and coders alike!
Installation of Dynamik Website Builder
After installation of the Dynamik theme, your site will still be running Genesis, because Dynamik as a Genesis child theme runs on top of Genesis. “Child theme” means it inherits everything from its parent theme, in this case Genesis. It’s important to realise that when you use Dynamik – all the good stuff from Genesis – will still be available! So in fact, you’re using one of the worlds most popular WordPress theme frameworks – Genesis – PLUS an added suite of tools (Dynamik) that gives you even more goodness to work with!
A combo of Genesis + Dynamik = WordPress theme dynamite!
My first impressions
Well, as they used to say in those 80s Gillette commercials: “First impressions last!” … And first impressions are indeed important. Luckily, in the case of Dynamik, they’re good. But, based on the Catalyst theme screencasts and screenshots, I’d seen, I expected Dynamik to look and feel rather intimidating due to its many design options… and on that account, Dynamik sadly lived up to my fearful expectations. There’s still plenty room for improvement (read below why that’s no longer the case).
The theme options could be better organized. Have a look at how overwhelming it can look:
Update! Universal Design Controls to the rescue!
Fortunately, in version 1.5 of Dynamik Website Builder, Cobalt Apps has improved upon the situation by introducing what they call Universal Design Controls. Using those, the above mayhem (albeit a very useful mayhem) can be reduced significantly, by letting you set the default values for fonts, backgrounds, borders, padding and margin site-wide. A very welcome timesaving feature.
Performance and speed of Dynamik Website Builder
No Dynamik Website Builder review would be complete without taking a serious look at speed and performance. Speed is an essential, crucial factor to consider, when it comes to choosing your WordPress theme framework. Genesis by itself is a clean, neatly coded theme framework. Luckily, and perhaps surprisingly; Dynamik adds almost no extra burden on your server. Bloated code? Look elsewhere. Dynamik is f*ckin’ fast! Lean and mean.
What makes Dynamik stand out from the competition?
Dynamik has a few very unique features:
Custom Labels
This is a feature unique to Dynamik Website Buillder (and Genesis Extender). It lets you tag your WordPress posts and pages, which you can then target with hooks, styles and widget areas. Hyper flexible! Think about it: All posts tagged with “newsletter” can show your newsletter opt-in widget. That’s just one example! I’m sure you can come up with more?
Custom widget areas
Hook them in. That means you can place widgets anywhere you want. But you can also make widget areas appear anywhere in your posts and pages, via shortcodes! That is very powerful stuff! Potentially explosive! That way you easily insert your newsletter sign up in the middle of posts, and do so much more!
The Custom CSS Builder
Wanna learn CSS?
With the Custom CSS Builder in Dynamik you can! It’s a neat feature/tool, that lets you write CSS via simple dropdrown menus. That way, you get to see the CSS code generated, live, while you work. I learned CSS using a similar approach. I used an app called Style Master, that did the same. It was so nice to see both the code and have the visual UI on-screen, simultaneously. In fact, I still prefer writing CSS that way, using Espresso.
Custom PHP Builder
As if the Custom CSS Builder wasn’t impressive enough, there’s also a Custom PHP Builder. Hey, maybe you’re already a PHP capable geek? check out the possibilities anyway. This feature may still save you time!
EZ Options
Besides styling elements with colors, fonts, margins, padding, etc – Dynamik also has a tab called EZ. Behind it hides some very useful options to enable a multitude of extra widget areas (spots where you can place WordPress widgets):
EZ Homepage
This section lets you build a totally custom front page layout. Seeing is believing.
EZ Feature Top
This one is so flexible and nice to have. If you’ve ever used the old Thesis 1.x version, you know what a Feature Box is. Many Thesis user enjoyed the Feature box. It gives you a wide area that sits above your content. In that area, you can promote new products, let people sign up for your newsletter, etc. All up to you. Do whatever you want.
Dynamik takes the Feature Box a step further than Thesis 1.x ever did though: You can select various layouts, so that you can have a video on the left, and an email marketing opt-in form on the right, or vice versa. You can do so much with it! You can also control where the Feature Box appears on your site. Just on the front page? Or also on pages? Posts? Again: totally up to you.
EZ Fat Footer
As the name implies, this is the way for you to get yourself a fat footer. You know, the kind of footer that leaves your visitors speechless. The footer with everything in it. A flexible, columnized footer.
For all the above, you’re additionally given many options for layout and appearance of the EZ widget areas. The EZ options are a powerful feature. I love it when technology makes things easer. Everyone wants a sexy front page. Everyone wants a funky footer. So why not create an out of the box solution like this? Brilliant! Well done job, Cobalt Apps! EZ duz it!
What do I miss in Dynamik Website Builder?
I miss the ability that Headway gives me, to visually layout each page (or post) separately and distinctly. It’s very common among my clients to want to create advanced landing pages, with boxes, features, sliders, email newsletter opt-ins, testimonials, etc, on a single page. WordPress’ single content area just doesn’t cut it! A plugin like Visual Composer can solve that though.
Conclusion: The bottom line is black
If I were to describe Dynamik Website Builder in one word, it is: Flexible. The custom widget areas, the hooks, the PHP and CSS builders… and of course the fact that Dynamik Website Builder also gives you all the possibilities of Genesis: Dynamik is amazingly powerful and flexible.
I wouldn’t really call it a drag & drop WordPress theme framework. Rather, a point & click WordPress theme framework.
Who’s Dynamik Website Builder the perfect choice for?
If you want all the power of the über-stable, lean and fast Genesis theme framework BUT also need some help styling your site (because you’re not a code geek) and might not know much CSS, but would love to learn CSS: Dynamik will be a good, solid choice for you!
Note: You don’t have to want to learn CSS to use and enjoy Dynamik Website Builder. I’m just making the point here that Dynamik is also a perfect learning tool for those who would like to learn CSS, because Dynamik presents a great opportunity for you, via its built-in CSS Builder that lets you “write” CSS via dropdown menus, and see the CSS code changes, reflected live. A great CSS learning tool!
Pheeeeeeeew… This Dynamik Website Builder review has been one of the longest WordPress theme reviews I’ve ever written. What a job! But let me tell you: I’ve only scratched the surface of Dynamik Website Builder. Check out the features for yourself, and see what else it can do.
Update! If you’re using Dynamik Website Builder, you should definitely also check out Beaver Builder, which I’ve reviewed here. Dynamik integrates perfectly with Beaver Builder! More on that in my fresh Beaver Builder review!
Dynamik Website Builder theme FAQ:
Are Catalyst skins responsive?
Yes, Dynamik Website Builder is fully responsive at the click of a button. Literally!
Is Dynamik Website Builder HTML5?
HTML5 compatibility is very easy and straightforward. One click. A feature inherited from Genesis.
Do I have to pay a yearly renewal fee to receive updates and support?
Nope, theme updates and support are free for life! Unlike certain competitors. Update (thanks Bill!): Cobalt Apps has now followed the rest of the industry, requiring you to renew your license yearly.
How good is the support and documentation?
Really good. There’s email support with fast, thorough replies. There’s also a community support forum… and even screencasts! Heck, as if that isn’t enough, there’s very elaborate help texts for each function, built right into Dynamik! In-context help rocks!
KnowYouGo says
Thanks for your lengthy review of Dynamik. This article was written at least 4 years ago, are you still happy with Genesis & Dynamik? Time reveals a lot! Thanks in advance.
Oliver Nielsen says
Thanks for asking!
Yes, I still feel the same about Dynamik Website Builder. It’s a solid choice for those users I’ve mentioned in the review.
It’s also a solid theme choice for Beaver Builder.
That said, I do tend to feel a bit overwhelmed with the many design options. But the Universal Design Controls do help a lot with that.
=)
Oliver
Siraj Mahmood says
Dynamic website builder is one of the core solution for those user, who have little knowledge about coding. You do not to hire some one developer to setup your entire blog just little efforts can make it awesome recipe. Many thanks!
Alan says
Fed up with the effort having to learn different themes detailed inners to customise them, I recently switched to Genesis, mainly as a bottom up development process. As a developer (who has build themes from scratch as well as tweaking themes) I have found there is quite a lot to figure out to use Genesis correctly, but a few sites in I think I have got it sussed. Anyway, to my question(s) 1) I see Dynamik can ‘export’ to a child theme, doe s this mean you have a full child theme that you can then customise further ‘beyond whatever limitations Dynamik may have? 2) Do you think it is a ‘productivity aid’ i.e. do you think an fairly experienced CSS/HTML5/PHP developer will work faster with Dynamik?
Oliver Nielsen says
Hey Alan
1. Yes:)
2. That depends on your learning style. Here I refer to “way of working” – how you “work best”. That’s different from person to person. I only “know” myself well, so can answer for myself:
I find *Headway* to be a huge productivity aid in web design. It can also be a hassle. Headway has its grid, and I like designing on a grid. But Headway also has a level of complexity, that can sometimes bother me. It’s like if you want to do a website mockup and boot up Photoshop or even Illustrator. There are far too many functions you on’t need, for you to create a website mockup. For that, a tool like Sketch (for Mac) is much more straightforward. And so it is, in my opinion, with Dynamik. It ALSO has too many controls I don’t need, so the UI gets in the way of the process. So, I see Dynamik more as a theme that’s good for website *owners* (not necessarily *designers*) who are a “level” or two below the web design skills you and I have. They need a bit more help, and are not comfortable doing everything with CSS.
But still, for a Genesis developer/designer, I’d suggest at least testing Dynamik OR the Genesis Extender plugin.
=)
Oliver
Alan says
Thanks Oliver. I have taken the small plunge and purchased Dynamik to see if it can help. Three days in, and I think it might help speed up somethings, but of course there is a bit of a learning curve within Dynamik itself. I’m not that experienced with Genesis, having only decided to move to the framework late last year.
I actually spent a good few weeks just picking my way through the code and through the themes to see how Genesis websites are built. Even manually mapping all the hooks as a method of getting to know the product. I have build a few test sites and now am rolling out a few client sites, so getting comfortable with Genesis.
As I work with a designer, I don’t design off the fly myself, but am given reasonable mocks ups for me to build to. So am always looking for ways of making my life easier with mainly the CSS.
Your comments on Sketch sound interesting. We are a PC shop, do you know if their is an equivalent non Mac?
The process we use is Balsamiq to create wireframes and the just AI to create a mock up. There seems no point in creating a layered PS design, as with CSS3 its not like we are slicking up graphics and assigning to divs like to old days of image based sites.
Bill Pitt says
Good review but you might want to update your FAQ. Dynamik licenses require renewal after one year and renewals are 50% off the original purchase price.
Oliver Nielsen says
Hi Bill
You’re right. That’s a change Cobalt Apps made after the blog post was originally published. I’ll correct it for the convenience of new readers. Thanks for mentioning it!
=)
Oliver
Thomas L. Conrad says
Oliver, thanks so much for your explanations. i have never used WP or Dynamic. A friend recommended i check it out. I have been using the cheezy website builders from Godaddy for 12 years. They worked pretty good for a reseller like me but I’m ready to take the WP leap. I basically sell the same service to all 50 states. So I need to build landing pages for all 50 states but tweak each page a bit to make them work with adwords. Can I have 50 pages without all of them showing in the menu bar? Sorry for the long question. Thanks Oliver
Oliver Nielsen says
Hi Thomas
Yes indeed you can do that with WordPress. All you have to do is assign a menu to a “theme location” (in Appearance > Menus) as most WordPress themes (Dynamik included) will otherwise tend to list all published pages, by default.
I salute your Adwords prowess by the way. Not everyone go through the trouble of setting up such highly targeted landing pages for their Adwords campaigns. Good job!
=)
Oliver
Leo Merkel says
Tnx for this review. I couldn’t agree more with all you said. After working with Genesis and DWB since about 4 months I reduced development time by at least 30%. What I like most is the fact that I still have access to all the clean code generated by DWB.
Recently we added Beaver Builder Pro to our toolset. This product in conjunction with Genesis and DWB is what I call a dream team. Beaver Builder produces clean code as well and is also editable by hand if necessary.
So for everyone who’s interested: Here are 4 fantastic videos explaining the workflow: http://dynamikbeaver.com/blog/how-to-use-beaver-builder-with-dynamik-website-builder-part-1/
Have Fun, Leo
Oliver Nielsen says
Thanks Leo
Cute beaver:)
Oliver
Max says
Dynamik is indeed awesome sauce 🙂
We also use the Genesis Extender plugin w/ child themes exported from Dynamik, a powerful combo!
The newer Genesis Essentials plugin looks pretty cool as well for non-coders who just want to make some quick customizations though we’ve never used it (yet)…
What looks totally amazing is the soon-to-be-released new plugin from CobaltApps called Focal Point 🙂
It looks crazy cool – check it out at http://cobaltapps.com/what-is-the-focal-point-plugin/
Aloha, Max
Oliver Nielsen says
Focal Point is indeed a very clever idea! Likely inspired by Evernote Clearly, Instapaper and Safari’s Reading List, but to put it into a WordPress plugin: that’s a great idea!
Frank Legere says
“I miss the ability that Headway gives me, to visually layout each page (or post) separately and distinctly. It’s very common among my clients to want to create advanced landing pages, with boxes, features, sliders, email newsletter opt-ins, testimonials, etc, on a single page. WordPress’ single content area just doesn’t cut it! A plugin like Visual Composer can solve that though.”
Does this mean that we are unable to create, say, an intro page that gives a visitor the ability to choose the French or English site that has a different design and layout than the other pages on the site?
Oliver Nielsen says
Hey Frank
You can certainly do that with Dynamik. Everything’s possible with Dynamik, but some things require a little coding or some CSS. But if you’re comfortable with that: everything’s possible. Headway does make such stuff more approachable though, via its Visual Editor. But even that has its peculiarities.
All in all: no framework can do everything out of the box. If they could, they’d be needlessly complex. Plus: most custom web designs do need some degree of “custom-ish work” along the way. Inevitable.
=)
Oliver
Frank Legere says
Thanks Oliver.
I think I’m going to go ahead and purchase both Genesis and Dynamik.
Really appreciate your review of these and replying to my question so promptly.
Frank
Oliver Nielsen says
Hey Frank
Be sure to let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear!
=)
Oliver
Bill says
I’ve used both Dynamik and the Extender. Many theme makers are now integrating Visual Composer into their themes for a built in page builder. Having a drag and drop Dynamik or Extender would be irresistable for Genesis users
Oliver Nielsen says
Hi Bill
I’m inclined to agree… So… I’ll agree:)
Yes a native page builder in Dynamik would be great. Me personally can’t get excited about Visual Composer, for some reason. It feels somewhat clunky and inelegant to me. I like Divi 2’s page builder more. But hey – of course it’s more elegant… it’s from Elegant Themes;-)
(sorry couldn’t help that last one)
=)
Oliver
Mark says
Actually Bill, I bought ‘Thrive Content Builder’ from a reputable developer, as the real time visual editor. It’s one of the best products I’ve ever bought. And yes, like you, I’d LOVE to have that built right into DWB and Gen Extender!
Oliver Nielsen says
Thanks for mentioning Thrive Content Builder Mark!
Bill says
I’m familiar with Shane Melaugh Mark. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks
Mark Wright says
Hi there Oliver!
If I have Dynamik Website Builder, and if I buy a separate already built Genesis Child Theme, once I set up that Genesis Child Theme using the Genesis Extender plugin, can I still use the Genesis Framework from that same Child Theme, and build a second site with DWB and the Genesis Framework?
In order words, when I buy the Genesis Child theme, can I use the Genesis Framework ‘twice’?
(One site with the Genesis Child Theme and Genesis Extender, and another site with the original Genesis framework ( but without the child theme it came with and use it with DWB?)
Thanks in advance for your feedback Oliver 🙂
Mark
Oliver Nielsen says
Hey Mark
Thanks for asking! Good question!
Yes, you can use:
Genesis framework + a child theme (typically from StudioPress) + the Genesis Extender plugin.
and/or
Genesis framework + Dynamik Website Builder.
You can use the Genesis framework on as many sites as you wish. StudioPress’ license allows you to use it that way.
So yes, you can buy a Genesis child theme from StudioPress (which includes the Genesis framework) and reuse the Genesis framework alone (or with the Genesis Extender plugin) without the child theme, on as many sites as you please;)
=)
Oliver
Mark says
Hi Oliver,
I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and to clarify my inquiry. That’s great news!
Thank you indeed for your time! 🙂
Mark
Oliver Nielsen says
Thank YOU for asking Mark – you’re always welcome!
Oliver
Cletus says
Great review, just what i needed. I see you mentioned Visual Composer in your review to add more layout options. I’ve read elsewhere that VC doesn’t work too well with Dynamik so just wanted your opinion too, did you test it out?
Oliver Nielsen says
Hi Cletus
Thanks for asking!
I haven’t tested that combination extensively – since I don’t use Visual Composer myself (I try to minimize the number of plugins I use). Though, I did just spend some time with both, to be able to answer you properly. In my short test there were no problems:)
I also searched for “visual composer” on their forums, and the only real issue I could find, was someone who had some trouble with videos. Yet, my own test with video didn’t exhibit any problems.
But, don’t take my word for it – your mileage may vary;)
Have a great weekend!
Oliver
logoimpressive says
I have used both headway and dynamik, in a nutshell i would say Dynamik ( catalyst ) is more of a guesswork, you don’t really feel comfortable when creating the layouts in Dynamik, where as in headway you can see live what you do. Just my two cents.
Oliver Nielsen says
Well observed, and I agree. In Dynamik layouts are done via hooks and css. Takes more effort than using Headway’s Visual/Grid editor.
Mike Mancini says
Are you going to do a comparison of Dynamik vs Headway? I ask because I am split right now between the two but I am slightly leaning towards Headway.
Oliver Nielsen says
Probably not. But I have something quite cool coming up this or next week, that will help you choose – watch out;-)
But for now, I’ll say this:
The two are very different beasts. Each has its own approach.
To outline the main differences:
Wanna look at code?
Yes: Dynamik
No: Headway
Want something acceptable / usable up’n’running as fast as possible?
Yes: Dynamik
Have a fixed design/layout in your head – or as a Photoshop mockup even?
Yes: Headway
I hope that helps you a little?
Oliver
Mike Mancini says
Sounds good. Look forward to your next post.
Dave says
Hi,
Great overview, thanks. Say, could you elaborate on how Dynamik tags differ from WordPress tags? The WordPress tags can be used for various organization purposes, too, albeit often requiring some programming. So drawing a distinction could be helpful.
Or maybe Dynamik is simply offering an easier way to utilize WordPress tags?
Ciao, Dave
Oliver Nielsen says
Hi Dave
Thanks for asking!
Labels in Dynamik Website Builder lets you “tag” posts and pages, and target these tags in your templates, using conditional tags.
Have a look 3:50 into this video:
http://vimeo.com/71061150
Oliver Nielsen says
Hey again:)
Also found this video, which goes into more detail about Custom Labels in Dynamik:
http://vimeo.com/71379920
Cool eh?