Why I Switched to Framer from Webflow

Welcome, fellow creators! If you're here, you're probably grappling with the age-old question: Framer or Webflow? It's a debate hotter than pineapple on pizza, and believe me, I've been there. As a SaaS founder running my VC-backed startup glorified.com, I've danced between these two no-code giants. Today, we'll dive deep into my journey from Webflow's familiar terrains to Framer's expansive horizons and why it might just be the fit you're looking for. Spoiler: It's way more than just aesthetics!

Webflow: A Tried and True Hero

Since its inception in 2013, Webflow has sat on the no-code throne, offering designers and developers an extensive toolkit to craft stunning, fully custom websites. When my team and I switched from WordPress to Webflow, it felt like we’d traded a tricycle for a jet. Our pages launched at lightning speed, designs were more pixel-perfect, and our content literally danced across the screen thanks to their integrated CMS.

The Webflow Experience

With Webflow, it's all about control. You can dictate every element's behavior, orchestrate complex layouts, and spin intricate animations without touching a line of code. That's huge! Its community is bustling with resources, tutorials, and templates catering to every whim. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, the platform offers a playground for developers to inject custom code, utilize APIs, and hook webhooks into your creations.

However, with great power comes... well, more complexity. Despite Webflow branding itself as no-code, the more complex and interactive your site needs to be, the closer you tread to low-code territory. And for a design-led team like ours, laser-focused on creating a seamless user experience, this became increasingly evident.

Fun Fact: At NewForm, we have monthly web design challenges with cash prizes to help hone your Webflow skills and spark creativity!

Framer: The New Kid on the Block

And then came Framer. Originally a prototyping wunderkind, Framer’s recent evolution has allowed designers to publish fully responsive websites, no dev knowledge required. It’s not just a pivot; it’s a leap.

Why Our Hearts Flipped for Framer

Framer takes the cake by mirroring the intuitive workflows we love in design tools like Figma and Sketch. Imagine designing on a pristine, freeform canvas and watching your vision come to life across all screen sizes concurrently. That’s Framer for you!

For design teams used to tools like Figma, the transition to Framer is seamless. The learning curve? Virtually flat. That kind of workflow efficiency is pure gold when you're crunching timelines on marketing campaigns or solo projects.

Sure, it’s early days for Framer’s developer-friendly features. Advanced integrations and custom code functionalities are still baking in the oven. But they’re coming along quickly. For projects dipping their toes in the water rather than diving into a full-blown swim, Framer is a joyride.

Choosing Between Webflow and Framer

Making this choice isn’t just about features; it's about aligning with the heart of your team. Are you design-led or development-led? Your answer plays a huge role in choosing your platform partner.

Webflow: When and Why?

If you're heavily loaded with development resources, Webflow’s mature ecosystem might be your best bet. It's ready to handle intricate web app features and complex integrations.

Framer: The Design Darling

For design-driven teams, Framer is a dream come true. It's built to facilitate creativity at breakneck speed, offering nearly 100% pixel accuracy from Figma to live site. With Framer, you’re not just building; you're sketching your masterpiece directly on the canvas.

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The Verdict: Tailor to Your Workflow

For our SaaS startup journey at Glorified, Framer aligns perfectly with our needs. The fast-paced, collaborative design environment it fosters is unmatched for our design-led workflow focusing on rapid deployment.

Regardless of Webflow's robust features, Framer has become the centerpiece of our process, enabling teams to collaborate at remarkable speeds while delivering stunning designs. And who knows? As Framer expands its developers’ features, it might just bridge the gap for developer-led structures too.

If you’re a designer eager to explore new heights, Framer might be the tool you didn’t know you needed. But remember, every masterpiece needs the right brush—so choose the platform that feels right for you.

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Join the NewForm Revolution!

If you’re ready to take your design skills to new heights and participate in an innovative community of like-minded creatives, NewForm is your new home. We're talking monthly challenges, skill-building events, and exclusive sessions with top-tier design professionals. Learn from the best, build amazing projects, and uncover countless opportunities.

Don’t just sit there—join us at NewForm after reading this post and dive head-first into a community where creativity knows no bounds. Let’s build something amazing together!

Until next time, keep those creative juices flowing and stay inspired!

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_Thank you for sticking with me on this epic exploration of Webflow vs. Framer. Drop your thoughts below—I’m eager to hear what you’ve chosen and why!_