Framer vs Webflow: Which is better in 2024?

If you're interested in looking to re-design and re-develop your website, you're probably in the weeds looking at different website builder platforms. Maybe you're on Wordpress currently - you're realising all the janky plug ins slowing down your site aren't helping (and getting expensive). Also, the cost of hiring a developer to make changes and are difficult to manage and getting costly. You've heard about Webflow and Framer when talking to other business owners and are intrigued to check them out but want to be doubly sure before making a decision. We got you.

Disclaimer: Yes, we're a Webflow agency but we are well aware that Framer is a great competitor to Webflow. There are some particular use cases when Framer may well be a better option.

We'll compare each platform on these different points of comparison:

• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• Design Capability
• Integrations & Plug Ins
• SEO
• Accessibility
• Security
• E-commerce
• CMS capabilities
• AI
• Collaboration
• Site Management
• Pricing
• Templates
• AI Implementation
• Customer & community support

First of all, what are the scores on the doors at a glance?

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Framer vs Webflow at a glance

Given the detailed comparison already present in the document, it seems there might have been a misunderstanding in the task request as the comparisons and scores requested have been thoroughly covered. However, to complement the existing information and to ensure clarity, the comparison between Webflow and Framer based on the requested criteria is summarized below:

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This table reaffirms the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, highlighting Webflow's overall edge in flexibility, CMS capabilities, and customer support, making it a preferred choice for a diverse range of web development needs. Framer, however, holds its ground with comparable design capabilities and security, making it a viable option depending on specific project requirements.

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What is Framer? Overview

Framer is a powerful and versatile platform tailored for web designers and developers seeking to bring their creative visions to life with efficiency and precision. Renowned for its intuitive interface and cutting-edge design capabilities, Framer stands out by enabling users to craft interactive and responsive websites with a high level of detail.

It integrates seamlessly with other design tools, allowing for a smooth transition from design to development. Offering real-time collaboration features, Framer facilitates teamwork, making it easier for designers and developers to align their efforts.

While it might not boast as wide a range of templates or as comprehensive e-commerce solutions as some of its competitors, it provides significant value through its focus on design flexibility and security features. Ideal for those prioritizing design intricacy and collaboration in their web development projects, Framer addresses a niche that appreciates a balance of aesthetic appeal and functionality.

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Framer: Stand out features

• Intuitive Interface: Framer's user-friendly interface simplifies the design and development process, allowing both beginners and seasoned professionals to efficiently bring their projects to life.
• Advanced Design Capabilities: Offers a wide array of sophisticated design tools, including complex animations and interactive elements, empowering designers to create highly detailed and dynamic websites.
• Real-time Collaboration: Enables seamless teamwork by providing features for live editing and feedback, allowing multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously from different locations.
• Highly Customizable: Unlike many of its competitors, Framer places a strong emphasis on customization, letting users tweak almost every aspect of their design for a truly unique website.
• Integration with Design Tools: Supports integration with popular design software like Sketch and Figma, making it easier for users to import and transform their designs into fully functional websites.
• Security Features: Prioritizes the security of its users' projects with built-in features designed to protect websites from common vulnerabilities and threats.
• Responsive Design: Ensures websites look great on any device by facilitating the creation of responsive designs that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and orientations.

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What is Webflow? Overview

Webflow is a versatile, no-code web design and development platform that grants users the power to create professional, custom websites visually. Bridging the gap between design and development, Webflow offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enables designers to directly build and launch responsive websites without requiring deep coding knowledge. With its robust CMS, advanced SEO tools, and dynamic content capabilities, users can design, build, and launch everything from simple landing pages to complex e-commerce sites. Webflow promotes a workflow that is highly intuitive yet powerful enough to offer full design control, making it an attractive choice for freelancers, agencies, and businesses aiming for high-quality web presence without the traditional web development constraints.

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Webflow: Stand out features

• Visual Design and Development: Webflow combines the visual design capabilities of leading design tools with the functionality of front-end development software, allowing users to design at the speed of thought and publish instantly.
• No-Code Platform: Enables designers to build professional, custom websites without having to write a single line of code, democratizing website creation for non-coders.
• CMS for Dynamic Content: Comes equipped with a powerful Content Management System (CMS) that lets users design, create, and manage dynamic content without needing any backend coding.
• E-commerce Integration: Offers robust e-commerce tools that make it simple to design and launch online stores, including features for product management, payments, and more.
• Interactions and Animations: Users can add sophisticated interactions and animations to their websites, enhancing the user experience and making sites more engaging.
• Client Billing Feature: Includes a client billing feature that simplifies the process of billing clients directly from the platform, making it easier for freelancers and agencies to manage finances.
• Extensive Template Library: Provides an extensive library of customizable templates, helping users kickstart their design process and inspire new website projects.
• SEO Tools: Offers built-in SEO tools to help optimize websites for search engines, improving visibility and helping to attract more traffic.
• Hosting and Security: Delivers fast and reliable hosting with automatic backups and advanced security features, ensuring websites are secure and always accessible.

Ok, let's dive in to the comparisons!

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Framer vs Webflow: Ease Of Use

When it comes to ease of use for beginners, Framer takes the lead over Webflow. Designed with an interface and workflow similar to popular design tools like Figma and Sketch, Framer is more accessible for those who are new to web development or have a background in web design but lack coding knowledge.

Framer is intuitively easier to use, presenting a significantly less steep learning curve in contrast to Webflow. This is particularly beneficial for individuals and teams aiming for rapid prototyping and iteration. Framer's simplified interface capitalizes on the familiarity of traditional design software, making it an ideal choice for those looking to bridge the gap between design and development without the necessity of deep coding knowledge. This ease of access allows users to immediately focus on the creative aspects of web design, facilitating a smoother transition from concept to functional prototype.

Its user-friendly environment makes the transition into web design smooth and intuitive. In contrast, Webflow caters to users with at least a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS. Its interface, which requires familiarity with web development concepts like tags, classes, and CSS properties, presents a steeper learning curve for novices.

Consequently, Framer is deemed more suitable for beginners and web designers, while Webflow benefits those who already possess basic web development skills. This round of comparisons gives Framer an edge for ease of use.

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Framer vs Webflow: Flexibility

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Webflow is the clear winner here. Webflow excels in delivering a comprehensive and robust platform that allows users to create highly customizable and dynamic websites. Its intricate control over HTML and CSS, combined with its visual editor, empowers users to fine-tune designs down to the smallest detail. This level of customization makes Webflow particularly appealing for developers and designers seeking to implement complex functionalities and intricate designs without departing from a visual development environment.

However, while it may not offer the same depth of customization in web development as Webflow, Framer introduces a unique level of flexibility in design experimentation, particularly useful for UX/UI designers focused on creating innovative user experiences. The ability to rapidly prototype and iterate designs with real-time feedback in Framer facilitates a more dynamic design process, though it might lack the full spectrum of web development features found in Webflow.

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Framer vs Webflow: Design Capability

When it comes to design capability, both Framer and Webflow offer something different to the table, catering to varied needs and preferences. Framer shines with its strong emphasis on interactivity and prototyping. It provides designers with a canvas to not only design but also to animate, integrate, and test high-fidelity prototypes. This capability makes it a powerhouse for UX/UI designers who prioritize usability and user experience above all.

On the other hand, Webflow stands out for its design-to-code capabilities, allowing designers to work closely with what feels like a visual representation of coding. This bridges the gap between design and development, streamlining the process of creating fully responsive, production-ready websites. Webflow's visual editor gives non-coders the power to implement complex design ideas without writing a single line of code, while still maintaining the option for coders to tweak and refine via direct code access.

In conclusion, if the primary goal is rapid prototyping and interactive design, Framer is the go-to tool. However, for those looking to translate sophisticated designs directly into responsive websites with greater control over the final product, Webflow is the superior choice.

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Framer vs Webflow: Integrations & Plug-Ins

Webflow is the clear winner here, with a wide array of integrations and third-party plug-ins to enhance the platform's functionality. From e-commerce solutions to marketing tools and analytics, Webflow has an extensive list of integrations that can be easily implemented into any project.

Supercharge Your Site with Webflow Apps

The Webflow App Marketplace is a treasure trove for designers and developers looking to enhance their websites with a myriad of functionalities. From design and content management to marketing automation, here’s a glimpse into some noteworthy apps that can transform your Webflow projects.

• Figma to Webflow App (Free): Seamless integration allows users to sync their design system from Figma directly to Webflow, ensuring consistency and efficiency in the design process.
• HubSpot (Free plan available): This powerful integration links your Webflow site with HubSpot’s comprehensive marketing and CRM platform, enabling streamlined workflows for lead generation and customer engagement.
• Microsoft Clarity (Free): Gain invaluable insights into your website’s performance with behavioral analytics, heatmaps, and session replay features, offering a deeper understanding of user interactions.
• Inputflow (Free plan available): Elevate your forms with Inputflow’s advanced capabilities, including multi-step processes, custom validations, and dynamic calculations for a superior user experience.
• Campaigner: Email and Marketing Automation: A robust tool for managing contacts and automating email marketing workflows, perfect for nurturing leads and optimizing engagement strategies.
• Optibase (Free plan available): Empower your decision-making with A/B testing to optimize design and copy, ensuring your website resonates with your intended audience effectively.

Each app in the Webflow App Marketplace offers unique benefits, addressing specific needs to enhance the functionality and user experience of your Webflow site. Whether you’re looking to improve design efficiency, boost engagement, or leverage advanced marketing tools, the marketplace has something to cater to every requirement.

Framer, on the other hand, does not offer as many pre-made integrations but allows for custom JavaScript code to be added.

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Framer vs Webflow: SEO

When comparing Framer and Webflow in terms of SEO capabilities, Webflow takes the lead. Webflow has its built-in SEO tools that simplify the process of optimizing your website for search engines.

Webflow provides easy access to essential SEO settings such as meta titles, descriptions, alt tags for images, and custom URLs. Additionally, Webflow automatically generates sitemaps and allows for the straightforward implementation of 301 redirects, which are crucial for maintaining SEO rankings during a site migration or redesign.

Framer, while offering flexibility through custom code for those who have the expertise, does not have these SEO tools built in by default. Users need to manually implement SEO best practices, which can be more time-consuming and requires a deeper understanding of SEO. However, for users with coding knowledge, Framer's customizability can be leveraged to implement sophisticated SEO strategies beyond the basic optimizations.

In summary, Webflow's user-friendly interface and built-in SEO tools make it an attractive option for users looking to optimize their site’s search engine performance without deep technical knowledge. Framer, though more flexible, requires a hands-on approach to SEO, making it better suited for users comfortable with custom coding and looking for more control over their SEO strategy.

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Framer vs Webflow: Accessibility

In terms of accessibility, Webflow takes the win for us.

Webflow provides a comprehensive suite of features designed to make creating accessible websites straightforward. It offers guidance on best practices for accessibility and includes tools for setting aria-labels, ensuring keyboard navigation, and creating accessible forms.

These features empower designers to build websites that comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, making the web more inclusive without needing deep technical expertise.

Framer, known for its flexibility and customizability through code, allows for the creation of accessible websites as well. However, achieving accessibility in Framer projects often requires a more hands-on approach. Designers must have a good understanding of accessibility principles and how to manually implement them using custom JavaScript and HTML. This approach offers greater control over the accessibility features but demands a higher level of proficiency from the user.

In summary, Webflow's built-in accessibility tools and guidelines cater to users who prefer a guided approach to creating accessible websites. In contrast, Framer appeals to those who have the coding knowledge to implement custom accessibility solutions, offering more freedom and control over the process. Both platforms have the potential to create accessible websites, but the ease of use and level of expertise required differ significantly.

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Framer vs Webflow: Security

Webflow's turnkey solution offers a more hands-off approach to security, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize ease of use and reliability. Meanwhile, Framer provides flexibility in choosing a hosting solution but with the added responsibility of manually managing security aspects. Both platforms have their merits, but Webflow edges out for users looking for a more comprehensive and worry-free security package.

When comparing security features between Framer and Webflow, it's essential to consider the underlying framework and hosting environment each platform offers. Webflow provides a managed hosting environment, which means they take care of security updates, SSL certificates, and data protection for you. This service includes automatic backups and versioning, providing a safeguard against accidental data loss and potential security breaches. The platform also enforces HTTPS for all Webflow-hosted sites, ensuring encrypted connections and enhancing the security of data in transit.

On the other hand, Framer, primarily a design and prototyping tool, requires a bit more manual intervention when it comes to security, especially if you're using Framer to build production-level web applications. Since Framer sites can be exported and hosted elsewhere, the security of a Framer project largely depends on the hosting service chosen by the developer. This means implementing SSL, managing secure connections, and ensuring data protection falls under the developer's responsibilities.

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Framer vs Webflow: E-commerce

Webflow clear winner here.

Webflow emerges as a powerful contender for those looking to build, manage, and scale an online store. Its intuitive interface allows users to design custom e-commerce sites without the need for coding, offering features such as inventory management, secure checkout processes, customizable product fields, and integrated payment solutions. This makes Webflow an ideal platform for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming for a fully functional online storefront that is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.

Webflow also has memberships,

Framer, while excelling in interactive design and prototyping, lacks built-in e-commerce functionalities that are comprehensive as Webflow's.

Users can create visually appealing prototypes for e-commerce sites with Framer, but when it comes to implementing the back-end features necessary for running an online store—such as payment processing, inventory management, and customer accounts—additional tools and integrations are required. This means for those specifically focused on launching and growing an e-commerce business, Webflow provides a more streamlined and integrated solution, whereas Framer might serve better for conceptualizing the design and user experience aspects of e-commerce platforms.

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Framer vs Webflow: CMS Capabilities

When it comes to CMS (Content Management System) capabilities, Webflow shines as it offers a robust platform for managing and delivering content across websites with ease.

Its CMS features are designed to be user-friendly, allowing both developers and non-developers to effortlessly create, edit, and publish content. This includes dynamic content types, SEO tools, and the ability to create complex relational databases visually. Webflow's CMS is therefore ideal for blogs, portfolios, and other content-heavy websites that require regular updates.

Framer, on the other hand, does not primarily focus on CMS functionalities. It excels in the realm of design and prototype creation but lacks the built-in CMS features that Webflow provides. While Framer allows for integration with external CMS tools through APIs, this approach necessitates additional configuration and might not offer the seamless content management experience that comes with Webflow.

Thus, for projects that are content-centric and require a powerful yet straightforward way to manage digital content, Webflow presents a superior choice. Framer, while offering exceptional design capabilities, may require supplementary solutions for those needing extensive CMS functionality.

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Framer vs Webflow: AI features

Framer takes the win here.

Framer leverages AI to enhance its prototyping and interactive design capabilities. It offers AI-powered tools that can automatically generate code for animations and interactions based on the designer's input, reducing the need for manual coding. This allows designers to focus more on the creative aspects of UI/UX design, while the AI handles the technical implementation. Additionally, Framer integrates AI to assist with asset management, offering smart suggestions for reusing design components across different projects.

Webflow incorporates AI in a way that streamlines the design process for its users. One notable feature is its responsive design assistant, which utilizes AI to suggest optimizations for layouts to ensure they look great on any device. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall user experience without requiring deep technical knowledge from the designer. Furthermore, Webflow's AI-driven SEO tools suggest improvements and help implement best practices to boost the visibility of websites in search engine results.

Plenty more to come from Webflow in this department - check out this article "Bringing the power of AI to Webflow," written by Vlad Magdalin

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Framer vs Webflow: Collaboration

We're calling this one a tie! Webflow offers a more structured collaboration environment within the design phase, suited for teams that value a controlled design process with simultaneous content editing capabilities. Webflow has a built in comment feature too for on site reviews.

Framer, with its shared projects and commenting features, appeals more to teams emphasizing flexible role assignments and direct, specific feedback within the design interface.

In Webflow Designer, real-time collaboration is facilitated by allowing team members to work on the website simultaneously. However, it implements a designated role system where only one member can be in "Design mode" at a time, making changes to the site's design or structure. Other team members can edit content in "Edit mode," but their actions are more limited compared to those in Design mode. This structured approach ensures that while multiple aspects of a project can progress concurrently, the integrity of the design remains central and controlled.

Additionally, Webflow's approach to version history, offering unlimited backups across all site plans, provides a safety net that allows team members to experiment and make changes without the fear of losing prior work.

On the other hand, Framer focuses on collaboration through shared projects, where collaborators can be invited via email and assigned roles with specific viewing and editing rights.

This system differentiates between "Editors," who can make changes and require a paid subscription, and "Viewers," who have read-only permissions but can be upgraded.

This flexibility in role assignment can streamline the workflow by clearly defining who can edit and who can view, making project management more efficient. Furthermore, Framer enhances collaboration with its commenting and feedback feature, allowing direct communication on the canvas. This specificity lets team members point out exactly where their comments or feedback pertain, fostering a more direct and effective review process.

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Webflow vs Framer: Site Management

When comparing Webflow and Framer in terms of site management capabilities, Webflow emerges as a robust platform offering a wide range of tools for managing not just the design, but the operational aspects of websites as well.

It integrates CMS functionality, allowing users to easily manage content across their website without the need for developer intervention. This is particularly beneficial for teams looking to rapidly update site content to reflect changes in their offerings or market trends. Webflow also provides an intuitive interface for SEO settings, ensuring that sites are optimized for search engines out of the box.

Framer, on the other hand, leans more towards the prototyping side of site creation. While it offers high fidelity in design and the ability to publish websites directly from the tool, its site management features are not as comprehensive as Webflow's. Framer is primarily designed for design and prototyping, making it ideal for creating and testing website designs rather than managing long-term site operations. However, it is worth noting that Framer's collaboration features significantly aid in the design development process, facilitating faster iterations and refinements.

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Framer vs Webflow: Pricing

We wrote a punchy in depth article all about Webflow pricing. Check out this article, "Webflow Pricing (2024): The Ultimate Guide To Pricing, Plans & Features," here‍

Framer offers flexible pricing models designed to cater to a wide range of users, from individuals getting started with design to large enterprises requiring advanced features. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each tier entails:

• Free Tier: Aimed at beginners and those wishing to explore Framer’s capabilities, this option allows users to create up to three projects. Access to basic design and prototyping features is included, but more advanced functionalities and collaboration tools are not available.

• Pro Tier: This tier is suitable for professional designers and small teams focused on creating high-fidelity prototypes. It allows for an unlimited number of projects and provides access to premium features such as advanced animations, collaboration tools, and priority support. The Pro Tier also includes integration capabilities with other design tools and platforms.

• Team Tier: Designed for teams and organizations, this option offers everything in the Pro Tier, along with collaborative features such as shared team libraries, advanced team management options, and tailored onboarding. Teams can work together more efficiently, maintaining consistency across projects.

• Enterprise Tier: The Enterprise Tier is tailored for large organizations requiring a comprehensive design solution. It includes all the features of the Team Tier, plus advanced security options, custom contracts and invoicing, dedicated account management, and personalized training sessions. This tier is custom-priced based on the specific needs and size of the organization.

Each pricing tier is structured to provide value tailored to the different stages of a user or team’s design journey, ensuring that Framer is as accessible and beneficial as possible to a broad audience.

Webflow, much like Framer, offers several pricing plans catered to different user needs, ranging from individuals starting out in web design to large enterprises requiring comprehensive web development solutions.

• Basic Plan: This plan is ideal for individuals who are just beginning their web design journey or small projects needing a simple site with no CMS requirements. The Basic Plan includes hosting and allows users to create fully responsive websites with Webflow's user-friendly interface.
• CMS Plan: Geared towards bloggers, content creators, and businesses that require a content management system, the CMS Plan includes all features of the Basic Plan, along with CMS capabilities. This allows for more complex site structures, dynamic content, and is a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses focusing on content marketing.
• Business Plan: This plan is designed for businesses needing higher traffic capacities and additional features like form submissions and content editors. The Business Plan includes all features from the CMS Plan but is tailored for high-volume traffic and provides advanced analytics and reporting tools.
• Enterprise Plan: Tailored for very large businesses or organizations looking for a fully customized plan, the Enterprise Plan includes personalized support, advanced security features, scalability solutions, and integrations with other business tools. Pricing is custom and depends on the specific requirements of the organization.

Framer vs Webflow: Templates

Webflow boasts a vast library of templates that cater to a broader range of uses, from business sites to e-commerce stores. Webflow's templates are designed with responsiveness in mind, ensuring that websites perform flawlessly across all devices. The platform offers both free and premium templates, each fully customizable using Webflow's visual editor. This makes Webflow a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes that value both design and functionality in their web presence.

Framer on the other hand has free and paid templates. Framer's templates are known for their cutting-edge design and focus on interactive elements. Aimed primarily at designers looking to prototype or develop high-fidelity, interactive websites, Framer offers templates that are highly customizable. These templates allow users to integrate animations and interactive components seamlessly, making them ideal for portfolios, design agencies, and tech startups looking for unique, engaging web experiences.

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Framer vs Webflow: Customer & Community Support

When it comes to customer and community support, Webflow and Framer take slightly different approaches, each with its own set of advantages.

Webflow boasts a comprehensive support system that includes a detailed help center, email support, and a community forum where users can ask questions, share tips, and provide feedback on the platform. Additionally, Webflow University offers an extensive range of tutorials and courses designed to help users at all levels enhance their web design and development skills. For higher-tier plan subscribers, Webflow provides priority support, which ensures quicker response times and personalized assistance.

Framer, while smaller in user base, offers a tight-knit community support system. Users have access to a dedicated support team through email, along with a community forum for sharing insights and solutions. Framer's online learning resources, though not as extensive as Webflow's, are highly focused on its unique features like interactive design and animation. The active community often contributes by creating and sharing tutorials and design inspirations that showcase the platform's capabilities.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, for individuals and organizations striving for a more comprehensive control over their web designs, coupled with an expansive suite of learning resources and community support, Webflow stands out as the superior choice. Its remarkable flexibility in web development and design, alongside priority support for premium users, makes it an invaluable tool for both novices and seasoned professionals.

On the other hand, Framer shines in its ease of use, particularly appealing to those who prioritize interactive and animated elements in their projects. Its tight-knit community fosters a collaborative environment, making it easier for users to get up to speed and inspired. Ultimately, the choice between Webflow and Framer depends on your specific needs and preferences in web design and development. Whether you seek comprehensive control and rich resources or prioritize ease of use with a focus on interactivity, both platforms offer compelling features that cater to a wide array of web design and development requirements.

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Additional Resources

• Links to further readings, tutorial sites, and community forums for both Framer and Webflow.

Framer Resources

• Official Tutorials: Framer Learn
• Community Forum: Framer Community
• YouTube Channel: Framer Basics

Webflow Resources

• Official Tutorials: Webflow University
• Community Forum: Webflow Forum
• YouTube Channel: WebflowThese resources are excellent starting points for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of either platform. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, the tutorials, community insights, and expert tips available will help guide your development process and allow you to leverage the full potential of Framer or Webflow in your projects.

Want to start a Webflow project together? Get in contact here