iWeb won’t open at all - help!

What version of iWeb do you have? Only iWeb 3 is compatible with Yosemite. Also starting with Lion the system doesn't handle iWeb's preference file correctly so we need help in opening the domain.sites2 file that iWeb uses to create the websites.

To open your domain file in Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks or Yosemite or to switch between multiple domain files Cyclosaurus has provided us with the following script that you can make into an Applescript application with Script Editor. Open Script Editor, copy and paste the script below into Script Editor's window and save as an application.

do shell script"/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.iWeb iWebDefaultsDocumentPath -boolean no"

delay 1

tell application "iWeb" to activate

You can download an already compiled version with this link: iWeb Switch Domain. You may get a message that the app was from an unknown developer. If so Control (right) - click on the app and select Open from the contextual menu.

Just launch the application, find and select the domain file in your Home/Library/Application Support/iWeb folder that you want to open and it will open with iWeb. It modifies the iWeb preference file each time it's launched so one can switch between domain files.

WARNING: iWeb Switch Domain will overwrite an existing Domain.sites2 file if you select to create a new domain in the same folder. So rename your domain files once they've been created to something other than the default name.

NOTE: In Lion and Mountain Lion the Home/Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible in Lion or Mt. Lion enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and press the Return key - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.

For Mavericks and Yosemite , go to your Home folder and use the View ➙ Show View Options menu to bring the this window:

Verify that your domain.sites2 file is located in your Home/Library/Applications Support/iWeb folder. You can try double clicking o on the domain file to open it with iWeb. If that doesn't work use the Applescript app discussed above to locate and select the domain file to open.

The app was compiled in Yosemite and may not work in Mavericks. Create your own app with Applescript as described above.

However, at this time it might be a good time to consider migrating to a web development app that is actively supported (Apple dropped support of iWeb 2 years ago) and an create sites that meet all of today's HTML specifications without hacks.

One app that many have migrated to because it's GUI and operating features are so similar to iWeb's is EverWeb. There's a demo version of it you can use to see if it will work for you. For other potential apps search the iWeb forum for "iWeb replacement" or "iWeb alternative".

Here is a link to EverWeb.

I had the same problem today and I can't thank you enough for this script which worked perfectly using El capitan and iWeb 3.0.4. I would have been in deep deep trouble without it - visit www.mieldesully.fr - thanks again Max

MaxBurgundy your honey seems to be fantastic. Do you ship internationally? 😀

I could but I think the postage would be prohibitively expensive - which country ?

The champions of Euro 2016: Portugal.

Congratulations ! fabulous match, pity about Ronaldo - I have dual nationality UK/F but supported Portugal ! I'll check the costs for postage if you're serious :-)