5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Using Framer

Framer is one of the most exciting tools out there for creatives who want to design and publish beautiful, interactive websites—without the friction. But like any new tool, there are a few things that only click once you’ve spent time in the editor.

Whether you’re just starting out or considering making the switch, here are five things I wish I knew sooner—each one would’ve saved me time and helped me get more out of Framer, faster.

1. You Don’t Need to Know Code—But It Opens Up Even More

Framer is incredibly beginner-friendly. You can build stunning layouts, launch a site, and manage content—all without touching code. But if you do know a bit of HTML, CSS, or React, you’ll unlock even more flexibility with custom components and interactive elements. The best part? You can ease into it at your own pace.

2. The CMS Is More Powerful Than It Looks

Framer’s CMS is clean, flexible, and integrates beautifully with your layout. Whether you’re showcasing projects, publishing case studies, or building a gallery, it keeps content structured and easy to update—without ever breaking your design. Once you start using it, it’s hard to imagine going back.

3. Responsive Design Is Easier Than You Think

Framer makes responsive design surprisingly intuitive. With tools like stacks, constraints, and layout settings, adapting your design for different screen sizes feels visual and logical—not technical. Once you get the hang of it, creating mobile-ready pages becomes second nature.

4. Performance Is Easy to Keep in Check

Framer gives you the freedom to go bold with visuals, motion, and media—but it also makes it easy to keep your site fast. Optimizing assets, managing breakpoints, and being mindful of interactions helps your site run smoothly across all devices. And the best part? You can fine-tune performance without giving up creative control.

5. Publishing Is Seamless

Publishing with Framer is as simple as clicking a button. You can preview changes in real time, push updates instantly, and connect your domain in seconds. While you’ll need a paid plan to unlock custom domains and remove Framer branding, the ease and speed of the process makes it absolutely worth it.

Final Thoughts

Framer is built for creatives who want to move fast, design freely, and launch confidently. These five lessons made my experience smoother—and more fun. If you’re looking for a tool that balances creative control with modern web performance, Framer is the one to beat.