Can Page Builders Make Good Websites?

Introduction

• Initial skepticism towards page builders.
• Positive impressions of Framer after watching Anna Hickman's video.
• Framer appears to effectively combine design and development.

Exploring Framer

• Experimenting with a front-end Mentor challenge using Framer.
• Non-sponsored exploration of building a website.

Initial Experience

• Positive initial impression: clean UI, free plan available.
• Challenges encountered with designing navigation bars using pre-made components.

Insights into Framer Functionality

• Supported CSS rules like Flexbox and Grid.
• Learning curve with Framer's interface and concept of breakpoints.
• Importance of understanding CSS and Framer's options for layout management.

Challenges and Solutions

• Issues with component editing and navigation bar layout.
• Overcoming challenges by using features such as stack layout and aligning items.
• Realized the impact of fixed pixel height and padding synchronization.

Advanced Functionalities

• Building website components like hero sections, text styles, and buttons.
• Encountered difficulties with pixel-based sizing and accessibility concerns.
• Adjustments for various breakpoints and device compatibility were noted.

Overall Evaluation

• Pros: Clean UI, intuitive if familiar with Figma, easy component creation, decent pre-made options.
• Cons: Reliance on pixel sizing, buggy interactions with Firefox, limited documentation.
• Room for further improvements with more advanced features and Rems support.

Conclusion

• Framer is effective for simple websites or online content with potential for quick builds.
• Less suited for complex web applications or advanced e-commerce sites.
• Worth exploring, particularly with its continuous development and community engagement.