Should I Switch From Framer To Webflow? Here's What You Need To Know
From Framer to Webflow, would you switch? Learn the pros, cons, and key differences to help you confidently switch.
Imagine you’ve just finished a captivating Framer design. You’re excited about the possibilities it holds for your website. But as you start considering how to share your creation with the world, you feel a sinking sensation. You’ve heard stories about how tricky it can be to export and transition designs from Framer to Webflow. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone. This article will offer clear insights into tackling the transition from Framer to Webflow so you can move forward with your project without the stress.
NUMI's Framer web design offers an easy way to export and transition designs from Framer to Webflow. With our Framer to Webflow tool, you can export your Framer design to Webflow in just a few clicks. Our solution will help you quickly learn about Framer and Webflow and their differences so you can decide whether to switch from Framer to Webflow.
A Quick Comparison Between Framer And Webflow
Webflow leads in popularity with more than 720,000 websites built using the platform. Framer has a much smaller user base, with only about 17,000 sites. This makes Webflow more established and reliable. Framer is a newer CMS with a clean and modern interface that appeals to users looking to try something different. As a result, Framer is growing in popularity, especially among designers and teams looking for a fresh start.
Pricing Plans: The Bottom Line
Webflow offers a broader range of paid plans, with seven total split between general sites and eCommerce. This allows for more flexibility to meet your specific needs. On the other hand, Framer keeps it simple with three site plans. Both platforms offer team collaborative plans, but Webflow has more detailed options, breaking it down for:
- Freelancers
- Agencies
- In-house teams
Resources: Finding Help When You Need It
When it comes to learning and support, Webflow stands out. Its Webflow Academy, marketplace, forums, and extensive libraries provide users with many resources. Framer also has a community page and learning resources, but Webflow’s ecosystem is more comprehensive.
AI Features: The Newest Technology
Framer has integrated AI into its platform, which gives it an edge for those looking for cutting-edge functionality. Webflow has announced AI features but hasn’t fully rolled them out yet, so it’s something to watch for shortly.
Related Reading
What Is Framer?
Framer is a design and site-building platform that aims to bridge the gap between designers and developers. It lets designers create top-tier websites without any coding chops. Designers no longer rely on developers to turn their visions into reality. If you’ve been a designer for a while, you might remember it being called Framer X.
Framer originally started as a prototyping tool, but like other prototyping platforms (looking at you, Invision Studio), it lost its appeal as Figma continued to flex its muscles. Instead of resting on its foundation (Framer, construction joke, get it?), Framer has now transformed into a comprehensive solution for designing, building, and publishing websites. Because of its familiar interface and easy-to-use features, Framer is quickly gaining traction as a go-to tool for creatives who want to build websites without thinking about code.
Enhancing Brand Consistency and Collaboration with Framer’s Design Systems
The tool garners positive framer reviews for its design systems that facilitate web development. Its framer sites ensure stakeholders maintain a consistent brand presence across all social media and search engine platforms. Users appreciate the custom domain support and the streamlined mini-editor for quick edits, which tackle common pain points such as the need for an all-in-one solution and stakeholder collaboration. The competitive pricing plans are noteworthy, with a pro plan catering to those who demand the most from their website-building experience.
Who Should Use Framer?
Individual designers and small teams: Framer is perfect for designers and small teams who must create high-fidelity prototypes and visually stunning websites. Its focus on design and interaction makes it ideal for projects where aesthetics are paramount.
Small businesses
Framer offers the tools to create visually compelling sites with advanced interactions for small businesses looking to establish a solid online presence with beautifully designed websites.
Prototypers and UX/UI designers
Framer excels at creating detailed prototypes and user flows, making it a top choice for UX/UI designers who want to perfect user experience before moving to development.
Design-first projects
If the primary goal is to develop a visually attractive and interactive website, Framer’s design-first approach allows designers to focus on aesthetics and detailed interactions.
Design Solutions for Startups with NUMI’s Expert Team
NUMI is a framer web design agency that world-class framer developers and product designers power. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles all of your startup's sourcing/vetting/hiring needs for design. Our fabuolous design team ensures all your design work is done well.
NUMI helps with:
- Product design
- Web design
- Framer development
- Webflow development
- Mobile design
- Prototyping
- UX design
- All of your startup's design needs!
Subscribe to a guild of world-class Framer web design experts ready to embed themselves on your team. Schedule a call with us today to learn more!
What Is Webflow?
Webflow is an all-in-one platform for creating and hosting websites. It’s a more user-friendly website builder because it’s swift and straightforward to set up a website. Webflow includes all the necessary features, so you don’t have to fret about finding a hosting service or adding extra plugins for things like SEO, security, or eCommerce.
Webflow is a more modern platform for website development. It’s a closed-source system, meaning the source code isn’t publicly available. Instead, access is granted through licensing, offered on a tiered subscription model.
Webflow’s Design-First Approach: Empowering Users to Build High-Performing Websites
Since its establishment in 2012, the platform has earned widespread acclaim for its highly intuitive interface, creative freedom, and design-first approach. This innovative methodology has streamlined the build and design, allowing users to craft high-performing websites quickly and without limitations. Among its diverse user base, Webflow is primarily embraced by designers, agencies, and enterprises, showcasing its universal appeal.
Webflow also offers a CMS option for blogging and content creation, although it’s not essential for basic websites. One of the significant advantages of Webflow is that you can visually design your site without needing to write a single line of code.
The Benefits of No-Code Development in Webflow for Designers and Agencies
As a SaaS application, Webflow is mostly self-contained. You can add features to your site by embedding code, but the core Webflow platform is all you need to build your site or hire a Webflow agency to do that for you.
Once you finish building your site with Webflow, you can either…
- Export the code of your finished site and host it on any hosting provider if you have a static site.
- To use Webflow’s CMS for dynamic content, you must pay Webflow to host the site.
Who Should Use Webflow?
Marketing teams and content creators
Webflow’s robust CMS allows marketing teams to control the website, streamlining all website marketing strategies. Its user-friendly interface empowers non-technical users to manage and update content effortlessly.
Businesses seeking comprehensive solutions
Webflow is not just a design tool; it’s a platform that supports the entire web development lifecycle, from design to deployment, making it ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
Freelancers and agencies
Webflow’s powerful design capabilities and extensive functionality, including SEO tools and client-friendly features, will benefit those delivering professional-grade websites for clients.
Startups and growing businesses
For companies that need visually appealing and high-performing websites, Webflow offers the perfect balance. Its design flexibility and robust backend capabilities make it suitable for dynamic, scalable web projects.
Designers who want more
Webflow is a powerful design tool. Its capabilities extend far beyond design. Its interactions, animations, and integrated development environment make it ideal for creating custom, engaging web experiences that perform well.
NUMI: Your Comprehensive Solution for Startup Design Needs
NUMI is a framer web design agency that world-class framer developers and product designers power. Backed by Y Combinator, NUMI handles all of your startup's sourcing/vetting/hiring needs for design. Our fabuolous design team ensures all your design work is done well.
NUMI helps with:
- Product design
- Web design
- Framer development
- Webflow development
- Mobile design
- Prototyping
- UX design
- All of your startup's design needs!
Subscribe to a guild of world-class Framer web design experts ready to embed themselves on your team. Schedule a call with us today to learn more!
Webflow vs Framer: Key Features & Functionality Comparison
Design Flexibility for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow shines with its drag-and-drop visual editor, allowing users to create pixel-perfect designs without coding. This makes the platform ideal for users looking for design flexibility without engaging with JavaScript. On the other hand, Framer excels in creating complex animations and interactions.
While it does have a visual editor, it also provides a code editor that gives you complete flexibility with JavaScript for intricate design work. Both tools are great for creating visually rich sites, but Webflow is more suitable for professional websites, while Framer is ideal for highly interactive prototypes.
Template Availability for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow has a robust selection of templates, with over 2,000 highly customizable options for various industries and niches. While there are a few free options, most templates are paid and can be pricey, with some costing $100+. Framer also features a range of free and premium templates, which are also highly customizable. There are currently hundreds of options for Framer, but the exact number still needs to be determined.
Scalability for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow is built for scalability, handling large projects with robust hosting, performance optimization, and the ability to accommodate heavy traffic. Its infrastructure ensures that websites can grow without compromising performance. In contrast, Framer focuses more on managing complex interactive designs, which is perfect for prototypes but may not handle large-scale sites as efficiently as Webflow.
Performance Optimization, Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow prioritizes speed and performance, ensuring fast loading times and smooth user experiences. Its built-in hosting and optimization features are designed for live sites, making it an excellent choice for those focused on user experience and SEO. On the other hand, Framer is primarily a prototyping tool, emphasizing micro-interactions and animation rather than performance optimization. While Framer can create beautiful interactions, it’s less focused on speed for production websites.
User Interface and Learning Curve for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow is known for its beginner-friendly interface, making it easy for new users to create websites with little coding knowledge. Its clean design and intuitive layout make learning the platform straightforward. Though offering advanced features, Framer has a steeper learning curve due to its focus on animation and coding, which may require more design and development expertise to unlock its full potential.
Development Tools for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow’s visual editor removes the need for coding, empowering designers to create fully responsive websites without ever touching code. This makes it a go-to tool for non-developers. On the other hand, Framer allows you to write custom code, providing full control over animations, interactions, and behavior. It is a powerful tool for designers who enjoy coding and need more advanced project control.
Integrations for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow offers seamless integrations with various popular tools and services, including marketing platforms, making it ideal for businesses that need to streamline their workflow, like:
- Google Analytics
- Mailchimp
- HubSpot
Framer integrates well with design tools like Figma and Sketch but has fewer integrations than Webflow. For complex projects requiring e-commerce or extensive marketing tools, Webflow has the edge.
CMS Capabilities Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow and Framer have a similar approach to CMS. For example, in Webflow, you just need to create a new collection, such as a blog, and add items. Some standard options are Title, Slug, and Content, but you can further customize your collection by adding more fields. This process is similar to building CMS collections in Webflow. The number of collection fields is more significant, giving you more options.
Besides the standard options listed above, Webflow offers more complex fields, such as reference and multi-reference, which allow you to reference other collections. Cross-reference requires thinking through your design and having a Webflow developer make it all work. The result is more powerful CMS collections, improved user experience, and better website functionality.
Available Resources, Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow features the famous Webflow University, which is free of charge and can help you master this tool. However, it takes time and effort, as Webflow isn’t easy to learn. The University features plenty of great videos with fantastic teachers and many helpful pages to help you on your path to becoming a Webflow expert.
Webflow actively works to build a community that is much larger than Framer. To get involved, you can visit one of the conferences, attend a webinar, or simply join the Community Forum. Webflow even features official exams where you can get certificates. Of course, a vast blog section covers various topics, including:
- Design
- Development
- Freelancing
- Entrepreneurship
- Many issues related to Webflow
Recently, Webflow has launched Marketplace, where you can find various libraries, apps, experts, templates, and even showcases of works made in Webflow. As for Framer, most of the content is in the Community section. Even though its community isn’t as big as Webflow’s, it’s rapidly growing. The community section offers various lessons, tutorials, a forum, and more. A separate Resources section also explores available experts, partners, and more. You can also explore educational content, of which there’s plenty.
Use of AI in Framer vs. Webflow
Framer released its AI tool that lets you build websites faster, and many developers are capitalizing on this opportunity. You just need to enter a prompt, and Framer will do the rest. Framer allows you to customize the resulting site further, which is a nice touch. Still, you won’t be able to avoid more if you’re building anything bigger than a single-page portfolio site, like:
- Engaging designers
- Devs
- Copywriters
On the other hand, Webflow has been riding the AI train, but products still need to be released. Hopefully, some functionalities will become available by the next Webflow Conference. I’ll update this part accordingly if anything new is released after the conference.
Ecommerce Features for Framer vs Webflow
Webflow is a customizable eCommerce platform, mainly if you aim for a non-templated and unique online store design. Its robust design capabilities allow you to create custom eCommerce experiences that are more flexible than those of platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify. Webflow’s eCommerce functionality enables users to create personalized storefronts, which are ideal for businesses looking for creative and one-of-a-kind concepts.
Webflow’s approach to eCommerce requires some technical know-how and patience. While it offers powerful design features, setting up an online store on Webflow can be more complex and time-consuming than platforms like Squarespace or Wix. It also has limitations like volume discounts, in-store pickup options, and multi-currency support, making it a slightly less comprehensive eCommerce option than Shopify.
Adapting Framer for Digital Product Sales and its Limitations and Integrations
On the other hand, Framer isn’t inherently designed for eCommerce but can still be adapted for selling digital products with external integrations. By connecting to platforms like Gumroad or Lemon Squeezy, Framer allows users to process payments and sell online products such as templates or courses. However, the transactions occur off-site, making it less seamless than a fully integrated eCommerce system.
Framer’s primary strength lies in its design capabilities, so it may be more suitable for creators who sell digital goods rather than physical products. While it provides basic SEO and analytics tools, its eCommerce functionalities are limited compared to platforms like Webflow, making it a more niche solution for specific use cases like digital product sales.
Support for Webflow vs. Framer
Webflow and Framer offer comprehensive support resources, including documentation, tutorials, and community forums. Webflow's support team is known for its responsiveness and dedication to customer satisfaction. Framer's support may have a different reputation for responsiveness, but the available resources are still valuable in helping designers make the most of the platform.
Webflow vs Framer for SEO
Webflow stands out in the Framer to Webflow comparison with its built-in SEO tools. Webflow offers a robust set of built-in SEO tools, making it a top choice for designers and developers who need control over SEO without relying on third-party plugins.
Redirects
Webflow allows easy creation of 301 redirects through a simple dashboard, which is critical for managing broken links and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Global Canonicals
You can set global canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues, which helps search engines understand which page should rank when there’s similar content.
Sitemap Generation
Webflow automatically generates a sitemap, ensuring that search engines like Google can easily crawl and index your site.
Custom Code for SEO
Webflow allows you to add custom code to the head section of each page, giving you the flexibility to include custom canonical tags, schema markup, and pagination. This level of customization is beneficial for advanced SEO needs.
Clean Code & Optimization
Webflow automatically generates clean, semantic HTML code, which is beneficial for SEO. You can also minify JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, which reduces page load times, an important ranking factor.
Analytics Integration
While Webflow doesn’t have a built-in analytics platform, it integrates well with tools like Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and third-party tracking tools. Apps exist to bridge this gap by providing advanced analytics tracking directly within Webflow Designer.
Framer SEO Features and it’s Basic SEO Settings
Like Webflow, Framer provides essential SEO tools, including:
Redirects
You can easily set up 301 redirects.
Canonicals
Framer allows canonical tag management, but more advanced control is only available on higher-tier plans (like the Business Custom plan).
Sitemap Generation
Framer can also automatically generate a sitemap to improve crawlability by search engines.
Custom Code Integration
Framer allows you to add custom code to optimize your site further. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of detailed customization that Webflow provides for advanced SEO tactics, especially regarding HTML and CSS control.
Built-in GDPR-Compliant Analytics
Framer stands out by offering GDPR-compliant built-in analytics that rely on Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This feature simplifies tracking user behavior without needing to set up external tools, making it a convenient option for users concerned with privacy and compliance.
Limited SEO Flexibility
While Framer includes essential SEO tools, its customization is more restricted than Webflow. For example, more advanced SEO features like custom canonicals are only available in higher-tier plans, limiting flexibility for users on lower plans.
Webflow is ideal for users who need complete control over their site's SEO. It offers built-in tools, easy integration with external platforms, and the ability to customize every page’s SEO settings. It also supports technical SEO practices through clean code and performance optimization.
SEO Comparison for Framer’s Simplicity vs. Webflow’s Advanced Capabilities
Framer offers basic SEO features and focuses on simplicity but has limitations in advanced SEO control and flexibility. However, its built-in GDPR-compliant analytics feature is a unique strength, offering easy access to user data tracking without additional setup.
Ultimately, both platforms require a solid understanding of SEO principles to ensure success, but Webflow provides more comprehensive SEO tools for advanced users.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Webflow vs Framer
Webflow's visual CSS grid is one of the platform's standout features. It allows users to create complex, responsive layouts without writing any code. This is great for designers who want complete control over their site’s design but aren’t familiar with web development.
- Webflow also offers a robust selection of templates and pre-built components. Users can choose from hundreds of designs to fit any industry, reducing the time spent on the initial design process.
- Webflow offers various integrations for marketing, eCommerce, and analytics. This makes it flexible for businesses that need to connect different tools. Whether it’s integrating with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, or other tools, Webflow has you covered.
- Webflow is known for its robust animations and interaction capabilities. It allows you to create highly engaging, interactive websites without writing JavaScript, making it ideal for modern, dynamic websites.
Webflow Disadvantages and What to Watch Out For
Webflow’s powerful features have a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners unfamiliar with web design principles. It can take time to understand the platform’s potential fully.
While Webflow offers many customization options, fine-tuning every detail can sometimes be time-consuming, especially when building a large or complex site. Advanced customizations also require some coding knowledge.
Framer Advantages: What's in It for You?
Framer allows users to import designs directly from Figma or Sketch. This feature makes it easy for designers to bring their prototypes and designs into the platform for development and ensures seamless collaboration between design and development.
Framer is also designed for collaboration, allowing teams to work together in real time. Designers and developers can make adjustments and iterate quickly, which is excellent for teams that prioritize speed and efficiency.
Framer Disadvantages and What to Watch Out For
Compared to Webflow, Framer has fewer built-in integrations. If your project requires complex integrations with third-party tools, Framer may need to be more flexible in meeting those needs. Framer prioritizes a visual, design-first approach, which means you might have limited control over the underlying HTML and CSS. This can be restrictive for developers who want more customization or need fine control over code for optimization.
Framer’s customer support is less robust than other platforms. If you run into issues, fewer resources and less timely assistance may be available, especially compared to Webflow’s extensive support options.
Related Reading
- Framer App
- Framer Vs Squarespace
- Framer Vs Figma
- Framer SEO
- Framer Reviews
- Free Framer Templates
- Framer Expert
- Framer Landing Page
Is Webflow Better Or Framer?
Choosing between Webflow and Framer depends mainly on your project goals, technical needs, and design preferences. Both platforms excel in different areas, so the "better" option will vary based on your goals.
Why Webflow Might Be Better
Webflow is ideal for creating a fully functional, responsive website without writing code. It offers a powerful drag-and-drop visual editor, extensive templates, and robust features for hosting, scalability, and SEO. It’s perfect for designers who want pixel-perfect control over a website’s look and feel without dealing with complex back-end development.
Webflow’s hosting infrastructure also ensures fast load times and optimal performance, making it an excellent choice for live websites that need to scale over time. For businesses that need SEO optimization, Webflow also provides built-in tools to help your site rank well in search engines where design, performance, and SEO are key.
Best for:
- Business websites
- Portfolios
- e-commerce platforms
Strengths:
- No-code design
- Scalability
- Templates
- Hosting
- SEO capabilities
Why Framer Might Be Better
Framer is great for designers who prioritize interaction design and prototyping. It allows for more advanced animations, micro-interactions, and customizations through JavaScript. If you're focused on building highly interactive prototypes or designs that push the boundaries of user experience, Framer's flexibility with coding gives you more creative freedom. It’s less suited for building large-scale production websites as it lacks some robust hosting and performance optimization tools Webflow offers.
Best for:
- Designers or developers creating prototypes
- Interactive websites that need intricate animations and custom interactions.
Strengths:
- Advanced animations
- Interaction design
- Coding flexibility for more complex design elements
When to Choose Webflow
Webflow is likely the better choice. It’s particularly suited for those who need a balance between creative freedom and ease of use. If you want an all-in-one solution for:
- Building
- Hosting
- Managing websites with minimal coding
When to Choose Framer
If you prioritize creating highly interactive designs or are comfortable coding and need more control over animations, Framer may be the better fit. It’s a tool that excels in the prototyping phase or for projects where detailed interactions are a must.
Verdict
Go with Webflow if your focus is building a fully functioning, SEO-friendly website.
Go with Framer if you need a platform focused on design freedom, animations, and complex prototypes.
Webflow is the more versatile choice for complete website development, while Framer excels in interactive design and prototyping.
So, there we have it! Webflow and Framer are two robust tools, each with its unique flair. If you still need to decide which one to choose for your web development, contact NUMI. We have experts in both Webflow and Framer to guide you through the decision-making and design process.
How Do I Migrate From Framer To Webflow?
Migrating a site from Framer to Webflow requires unpacking your existing Framer site. Conduct a thorough design analysis of your site to identify:
- Components
- Layouts
- Spacing
- Typography structures
This strategic phase helps you understand the overall design and functionality to plan effectively for migrating to Webflow.
Setting Up Your Webflow Environment
Set up your Webflow project environment. This includes creating all static pages based on your Framer designs, configuring technical SEO settings for improved search engine visibility, establishing CMS collections if applicable (for dynamic content), and developing a comprehensive style guide or design system to maintain consistency across the site.
Building Your New Site in Webflow
Now, it’s time for the development phase. Start building the Webflow site section by section, using a modular approach. Begin with essential structural elements and gradually migrate more complex components. As you develop each section, ensure immediate testing to promptly identify and address any issues. Convert elements from your Framer designs into Webflow components and set up variations where necessary to match the existing functionality.
Integrating Third-Party Services
Your Framer site most likely utilizes third-party services or custom integrations for enhanced functionality and user experience. List these tools and identify the ones that must be integrated into your new Webflow site. This may include:
- Integrations for forms
- Analytics tools
- E-commerce platforms
- Any other custom functionalities your site requires
Testing Your Webflow Site Before Launch
Conduct comprehensive testing across physical devices and browsers to ensure compatibility and responsiveness. Pay particular attention to challenging screen resolutions to ensure the site maintains its functionality and appearance across all devices and browsers.
Launching Your New Webflow Site
Assist in connecting your domain to Webflow and prepare for the site launch. Double-check all settings, integrations, and content to ensure everything works smoothly. Once validated, launch the site and monitor its performance closely. Provide ongoing maintenance and updates as needed to keep the site running smoothly.
Subscribe To A Guild of World Class Framer Developers with Our Framer Web Design Agency Today
Framer and Webflow both have their strengths. If you want to create a visually attractive website or application with great interactivity, Framer is the better choice. While Framer is ideal for prototyping, it can be limiting as a long-term solution. The good news is that Webflow can help you build your business’s website or app on a solid foundation that will allow your project to grow over time.
Better yet, transitioning from Framer to Webflow doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. You can return to business quickly with the right team in your corner. NUMI can help you transition from Framer to Webflow. Our talented designers have extensive experience building on both platforms and know how to make the transition seamless. Better yet, we can even help you with your startup’s ongoing Webflow design needs to ensure your project continues to thrive.
Related Reading
- Framer Alternatives
- Framer Integrations
- How To Use Framer
- Framer Prototyping
- Framer Animations
- Framer Google Sitemap Could Not Fetch
- Framer CMS
- Framer Web Design
- Framer Tools
- Framer Motion Examples
- React Framer
- Framer Motion Examples
- Webflow vs Framer
- Framer Sites
- Framer Developer
- Framer Website Template
- Framer Site
- Framer Web Builder
- Framer Website Builder
- What is Framer
- Webflow or Framer
- Framer Webflow
