Framer Guide For Beginners #1 - Your First Website: Templates or Starting from Scratch?

Framer Guide For Beginners: #1
Your First Website with Framer: Templates or Starting from Scratch?

Hey, creators! 👋

So, you’ve decided to build your website, and you've heard all the buzz about Framer — the tool that makes website design look so sleek and modern. Whether you're a complete beginner or you’ve dabbled a bit in design, Framer’s intuitive interface makes it easy to create a professional site that pops. But before you dive in, you might be wondering: Should I use a template or start from scratch? Let’s break it down and get you started on the right path!

1. Framer Templates: Your Fast-Track to a Stunning Site 🚀

If you're just getting started and feeling a little overwhelmed, templates are like the cheat codes for website building. They’re pre-designed, which means a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done for you. All you need to do is add your content, make a few tweaks, and boom — you’ve got yourself a gorgeous website.

Why You Should Use a Template:

• Speed: Templates let you hit the ground running. No need to spend hours figuring out layout design — it’s all there, waiting for you.

• Professional Look: These templates are designed by pros, the best of the best, so you can rest assured your site will look polished and professional right from the start.

• Customization Options: Even though you’re starting with a template, Framer still gives you a ton of freedom to make it your own. Change colors, fonts, images, and more to match your personal style or brand.

How to Use a Template:

1. Browse Framer’s Template Library: Start by checking out Framer’s collection of free and premium templates. They’re sorted by category (portfolios, businesses, blogs, etc.), so you can easily find one that fits your needs.
   
   
   

2. Select and Customize: Found one you like? Great! If it free you’ll have the option to remix and if it paid you’ll get your template after you’ve completed the purchase.
   
   Now comes the fun part. Swap out placeholder images and text with your own content. Add new sections, remove ones you don’t need, and customize fonts and colors to fit your aesthetic.
   
   
   

3. Preview and Publish: Once you’ve made your changes, preview your site to make sure everything looks great on both desktop and mobile. After that, hit publish and share your shiny new website with the world!

Pro Tip: Start with a simple template if you’re new to Framer. As you get more comfortable, you can explore the more complex ones or even experiment with adding your own custom touches.

2. Starting from Scratch: Flex Your Creative Muscles 🎨

Feeling bold and ready to tackle the design world head-on? Building from scratch is where you get to unleash your inner designer. While it might take a little more time and creativity, it’s also incredibly rewarding to create something that’s 100% your own.

Why Start from Scratch:

• Creative Control: You’re in the driver’s seat! Every part of the design is yours to mold, meaning you can create something truly unique.

• No Limitations: Templates are great, but sometimes they box you in. Starting from scratch gives you total freedom to design without constraints.

• Perfect for Custom Projects: If you have a specific vision or need something totally custom (like for a personal portfolio or a client), building from scratch allows you to bring that vision to life exactly as you imagine it.

How to Build from Scratch:

1. Start with a Blank Canvas: When you create a new project in Framer, choose the blank canvas option. This gives you a clean slate to begin designing.

2. Design Your Layout: Begin by sketching out a rough layout. Think about what sections you need: Hero image, About, Portfolio, Contact, etc. Framer’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to add elements like text, images, buttons, and more.

3. Use Frames and Components: Framer’s building blocks, known as “Frames” and “Components,” are where the magic happens. Use them to organize your layout and create reusable sections (like headers or footers) that appear across multiple pages.

4. Play with Animations: One of Framer’s coolest features is its ability to add slick animations without needing any code. Want your images to fade in as users scroll? Or maybe a button that gently pulses? You can do all of that with Framer’s simple animation settings.

5. Test and Refine: As you build, test your design on different devices to make sure everything is responsive. Framer allows you to easily preview your site on mobile and desktop with just a click.

Pro Tip: If you’re starting from scratch, sketch out your ideas on paper first. This helps you visualize the flow of your site and saves you time when you start designing in Framer.

3. The Best of Both Worlds: Mix and Match 🌟

Can’t decide between a template and starting from scratch? Why not do both? With Framer, you can start with a template and then customize it heavily — or use elements from different templates to create something that feels unique but doesn’t require as much from-scratch building.

For example, you could start with a basic template for structure, then swap out sections with your own designs, or add custom animations to make it feel more like your own creation. The possibilities are endless.

4. Keep It Simple, Keep It Focused 🎯

Whether you’re using a template or starting from scratch, the key to a successful website is clarity and simplicity. Make sure your design focuses on your main message or goal — whether that’s showcasing your portfolio, promoting your business, or sharing your blog.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Limit Distractions: Don’t overload your site with too much info or too many elements. Keep it clean and easy to navigate.

• Highlight Your Call to Action: Whether it’s a “Get in Touch” button or a link to your work, make sure your site’s call to action stands out and is easy to find.

• Use High-Quality Images: Don’t skimp on the visuals. High-quality images and graphics make your site look polished and professional.

5. Publish and Share 🎉

You did it! Whether you used a template or built everything from scratch, it’s time to show off your shiny new website. Hit that publish button, and don’t forget to share it across social media, your email signature, and wherever else your audience might find you.

Ready to Build Your Dream Website?

Whether you’re a template-lover or a from-scratch creator, Framer gives you the flexibility to build something amazing. Take it step by step, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Before you know it, you’ll have a professional website you can be proud of. And the best part? You made it happen!

Let’s get building. 🚀
P.S.: Believe in yourself, you are amazing!
- Erika Carpio