What is framer?
Framer is a software tool that lets you design, prototype, and animate user interfaces for websites and apps. It combines visual design with code, so you can create interactive mock‑ups that feel like real products.
Let's break it down
- Design canvas: a space where you draw screens, add text, images, and UI components.
- Components: reusable pieces (buttons, cards, navigation bars) that you can drag onto the canvas.
- Interactions: you define what happens when a user clicks, swipes, or hovers, using simple triggers.
- Code layer: under the hood you can write JavaScript/TypeScript to add custom logic or animations.
- Preview & share: instantly see how the prototype works on a phone or browser and share a link with teammates.
Why does it matter?
Because it bridges the gap between static mock‑ups and fully coded products. Teams can test ideas quickly, catch usability problems early, and communicate design intent clearly to developers, saving time and reducing costly re‑work.
Where is it used?
- Start‑up product teams building MVPs.
- Design agencies creating client presentations.
- Large companies prototyping new features before engineering.
- Educational settings teaching UI/UX and interaction design.
- Freelancers showcasing interactive portfolios.
Good things about it
- Real‑time preview on multiple devices.
- Powerful animation capabilities that feel native.
- Ability to add custom code for complex interactions.
- Collaborative editing and easy sharing via links.
- Growing library of community‑made components and templates.
Not-so-good things
- Learning curve can be steep if you’re new to coding.
- Subscription pricing may be pricey for solo designers or small teams.
- Heavy on system resources; older computers may lag.
- Some advanced features are still maturing compared to older tools like Sketch or Figma.
- Exporting production‑ready code can require extra cleanup by developers.