What are your thoughts on a Webflow alternative that offers additional features like live code editing, tablet landscape mode, tables support, file upload, font icon support, progress bars, and collapsible elements? Some users find the UI clunky and certain elements slow to load, but it allows importing Webflow generated sites and direct code import. There's been discussion on Product Hunt about whether this is a blatant rip off of Webflow. What do you think?

There are several Webflow alternatives that offer live code editing, advanced layout options, and additional UI elements like tables and progress bars. However, when evaluating such a tool, it’s important to consider factors beyond just features—such as performance, UI/UX, and originality in execution.

1. Feature Comparisons

• Live Code Editing: Webflow focuses on a no-code/low-code visual approach, while some alternatives allow direct code manipulation.
• Tablet Landscape Mode: Webflow lacks this as a default breakpoint, requiring custom workarounds. Some competitors integrate it natively.
• Tables Support: Currently missing in Webflow’s native elements, requiring manual HTML embedding or CMS collections.
• File Upload: Webflow only provides file hosting, not in-form uploads without third-party integrations.
• Font Icon Support: Webflow doesn’t natively support font icons like FontAwesome, but allows SVG uploads and embeds.
• Progress Bars & Collapsible Elements: Achievable in Webflow via Interactions or custom embeds, while some alternatives provide built-in components.

2. Performance & Usability Concerns

• Clunky UI: Some alternatives struggle with UI responsiveness, which can make the editing experience frustrating.
• Slow Loading Elements: Since Webflow is heavily optimized, some competitors may lag behind in performance efficiency.

3. Webflow Site Importing & Code Replication

• Importing Webflow-Generated Sites: If a platform allows direct imports from Webflow, it may provide flexibility for users switching platforms but also raises questions about legal and ethical considerations.
• Direct Code Import: While useful for developers, it might not always integrate cleanly with internal CMS or design tools.

4. Ethical & Legal Debates

• Product Hunt Discussions on Imitation: If an alternative closely mimics Webflow’s UI/UX and feature set without significant differentiation, it risks being seen as a clone rather than an innovation. However, if it introduces substantial improvements, it could be a legitimate competitor.
• Webflow’s Proprietary Advantage: Strong CMS capabilities, hosting infrastructure, and a refined visual editor keep it ahead despite the existence of rivals.

Summary

While some alternatives offer additional features that Webflow lacks, they often come with trade-offs in performance, ease of use, and originality. Whether a competitor is an improvement or just a copy depends on how much it innovates beyond Webflow’s foundation. If the alternative addresses long-standing Webflow limitations while maintaining usability, it could be a compelling choice—otherwise, it may struggle to gain traction.