Getting Started with GridIron

GridIron 4 is a powerful and flexible plugin for RapidWeaver and Stacks, designed to help you import and display structured data from a wide variety of sources. Whether you're building a pricing table, a dog training schedule, a sports fixture list, or a searchable product catalogue, GridIron 4 makes it easy to turn your spreadsheets into clean, responsive, and interactive layouts.

In this world of AI and digital content, presenting tabular data on websites is more important than ever before. GridIron provides a sophisticated means of getting tabular data into websites, with the ease and simplicity of a drag-and-drop stack.

Purpose and Introduction

GridIron 4 transforms external tabular data—such as spreadsheets or CSV files—into beautiful and functional HTML elements. It supports data input from:

• Local or remote CSV files
• Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx)
• Google Sheets

Once sourced, your data is cached for performance, then presented on your site as:

• Responsive HTML tables
• Stylish lists
• Visual grids
• Structured columns

Advanced filtering and search options are available for table outputs, making GridIron 4 suitable for interactive use cases such as directories, fixtures, events, or product listings.

GridIron 4 is designed for both beginners and advanced users. With intuitive configuration and robust under-the-hood processing, it balances ease of use with serious functionality.

What’s New in Version 4?

GridIron has existed for several years and has become the go-to solution for many hundreds of users seeking a clean and efficient way of working with tabular data in RapidWeaver and Stacks. Before GridIron existed, it was often necessary to embed tables with ugly iFrames or write complicated code.

Building on the successes of previous versions, GridIron 4 is a major overhaul of the original GridIron plugin. It's not just an update — it’s a reimagining! Here’s what’s changed and improved:

Simpler Setup

• The plugin now features a more intuitive interface, with clearer field labels and helper notes.
• Common workflows—like linking a Google Sheet or CSV—are streamlined.

Cleaner User Interface

• A redesigned stack UI within Stacks 5 or the Stacks App.
• Better informational tooltips explaining what different settings do.
• Improved accessibility and usability across all configuration options.

Excel Formula Support

• GridIron 4 now supports Excel files (.xlsx) with embedded formulas. These are evaluated server-side when possible, or gracefully skipped when not applicable.

Speed and Caching

• All external data is now locally cached on the server after initial fetch, significantly reducing load times.
• Granular cache control lets you update data only when needed, like daily or weekly.

Output Choices

• Tables are no longer the only option. GridIron 4 supports:

  • Responsive grid and list layouts
  • Semantic columns for structured data
  • Output tailoring to suit a wide range of content types

Modern Codebase

• Entire plugin rebuilt with modern JavaScript—no more jQuery.
• Improved compatibility, performance, and long-term maintainability.

System Requirements

To use GridIron 4, you'll need the following:

• RapidWeaver 8 or RapidWeaver Classic –or– The Stacks App by YourHead Software
• Stacks Plugin version 5.0 or later (if using it in RapidWeaver)
• A web server running PHP 8.2 or higher (This includes most modern hosting environments.)

⚠️ Some web hosts may still default to PHP 7.x. Please check with your hosting provider or adjust settings in your hosting control panel if needed. If you are unsure what version of PHP your web server is running, you can ask the hosting company to confirm this for you. Chillidog Hosting comes recommended if you need a new hosting provider!

Theme and Framework Compatibility

GridIron 4 has been tested and confirmed to work in all popular themes and frameworks, including Foundation, Foundry, and Source.

However, it is important to understand that the modular nature of Stacks and RapidWeaver means that there will always be some combinations of addons that do not work well together.

If you encounter difficulties, please get in touch with us, remembering to include a link to a published page and details of what's not working as expected.

Installation Instructions

Installing GridIron 4 is quick and easy:

1. Download the latest GridIron 4 zip file from the website or using the link in your purchase email.

2. Unzip the file on your Mac, if it does not uncompress automatically.

3. Drag and drop the .stack file onto:

   • The RapidWeaver dock icon –or–
   • The Stacks App main window

4. You’ll see a confirmation prompt. Click Install.

Once installed, GridIron 4 will appear in your Stacks Library, ready to use.

Uninstallation Guide

If you ever need to remove GridIron 4 from your system:

1. In RapidWeaver or the Stacks App, go to Manage Addons.
2. Locate GridIron.stack in the list.
3. Click Reveal in Finder.
4. Move the file to the Trash and empty it to complete the uninstall.

Getting Updates

Like many stacks, updates are periodically published for GridIron. These are intended to address bugs or compatibility issues and introduce new features.

In the Stacks Library, there is a button to check for updates. When clicked, Stacks will check all your third party installed stacks for updates. If updates are found, you will be prompted to install them.

As always, it is strongly encouraged that you have backups enabled on your computer before installing any updates.

Further Help and Support

You're not alone. There are several ways to get assistance with GridIron 4:

• Knowledge Base: Browse our growing collection of support articles (like this one).
• Community Forums: Join the discussion on the RapidWeaver forums — search for “GridIron”.
• Email Support: Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly via our support site to open a new case.

We're here to help, whether you're just getting started or building a complex site.

If you enjoy using GridIron, please don't forget to post your feedback to the community forums and show us what you've published with it. This helps raise awareness of GridIron to other potential users. If there are any vital features missing, please tell us.