Framer vs Figma Sites: Which is the best visual web platform in 2025?

Design teams face a critical decision when selecting website creation platforms. Framer provides a mature no-code platform with advanced animations and production-ready websites, while Figma Sites extends collaborative design directly into web publishing.

Understanding which platform aligns with your workflow, technical requirements, and project scope determines whether your project succeeds or becomes a costly rebuild.

This analysis examines how each platform approaches web creation, where they excel, and which scenarios favor one solution over the other.

Platform fundamentals and core philosophies in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer operates as a no-code web builder powered by professional React technology. All visual decisions convert to React components while preserving design freedom. Users manipulate a visual canvas similar to design applications like Figma.

Figma Sites represents a design-first approach by bringing Figma's collaborative space to online publishing. Introduced in beta during Config 2025, it uses Figma's auto layout system to create responsive designs while leveraging existing design tokens. This benefits UI/UX designers who value maintaining their workflow over having complete technical control.

Design capabilities and creative control in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer's platform provides total control over animations through the Motion library (formerly Framer Motion), enabling any web effect with detailed adjustments. Advanced motion features through the visual timeline editor allow 3D transformations, scroll-triggered effects, and complex interactions with realistic physics.

With over 1,000 professional templates, Framer facilitates detailed design control through visual components and React structure. Creatives use a familiar canvas while gaining access to advanced interaction capabilities.

Figma Sites facilitates direct transfer from Figma Design files keeping everything intact, automatically converting auto layout settings into responsive behaviors. Simplified effects through included presets for parallax, custom cursors, and hover states, though animation options are more basic than Framer.

Currently offers over 50 templates with sections ready for quick customization. The new Grid feature incorporates two-dimensional layout. Operating in the Figma canvas, it provides total freedom with vector networks, illustration tools, and layers.

Advantage: Framer for advanced effects and interaction creation; Figma Sites for creative freedom and maintaining workflow in established Figma processes.

Development workflow and technical control in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer offers a seamless bridge between visual design and code. Its workflow allows teams to design visually but opens the door for developers to extend the platform with Code Components and Code Overrides in React. This facilitates third-party library integration and custom functionality creation, combining no-code speed with traditional development power.

Figma Sites reduces the process to: create in Figma with Sites features → click Publish to convert to live site. It offers efficiency and reduces confusion but restricts technical code control.

For now, it provides basic support for custom code through the upcoming Code Layers feature. Figma introduced Figma Make with artificial intelligence to incorporate code and complex interactivity, but features remain basic compared to Framer's established code integration.

Advantage: Framer for technical control and custom code options; Figma Sites for simple process and design-focused teams avoiding code complexity.

Design-to-web translation in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer generates React components with server-side rendering (SSR) for SEO and speed. It offers multiple breakpoints for responsive control with visual design. All elements produce production-ready code with instant preview.

It automatically manages image optimization, lazy loading, and performance improvements. Creates usable code that developers can understand and modify if needed.

Figma Sites automatically converts Figma designs (especially Auto Layout) into responsive HTML/CSS. One-click process from canvas to live site with automatic adjustment for different screen sizes. Uses complex algorithms and artificial intelligence for conversion, though elaborate designs might not convert perfectly.

Restricted control over resulting code quality and optimization. Currently in beta with constant improvements in conversion accuracy and speed.

Advantage: Framer for detailed control and production code; Figma Sites for instant publishing and automatic responsive conversion (without reaching Framer's quality).

Content management capabilities in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer incorporates CMS with Collections that accept different data types (text, images, dates, relationships). Manages dynamic content with visual interface for non-technical users.

Accepts up to 10 CMS Collections (free plan) with expandable limits in paid plans. Includes content filtering, integrated search, and API access for headless use.

Figma Sites doesn't include CMS features in the current beta version. All pages are static content created on the canvas. No system for managing repeated content like articles or team profiles. Figma mentioned future CMS features but without a defined date.

Advantage: Framer excels with complete CMS features. Figma Sites isn't suitable for dynamic content until CMS is included.

E-commerce capabilities in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer enables e-commerce through external connections and custom code components. Integrates payment processors like Stripe through React components. Needs technical configuration but provides flexibility for custom sales solutions.

Accepts product catalogs, shopping carts, and checkout processes through code. More complex than dedicated commerce platforms but viable for technical teams.

Figma Sites lacks e-commerce features - no tools for products, carts, payments, or order management. Needs external solutions for any sales functionality.

Advantage: Framer enables commerce through integrations; Figma Sites has no e-commerce features.

Performance and technical output in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer leverages React server rendering with automatic code splitting and lazy loading. Sites distributed through global CDN with optimized bundle sizes. The tool generates React code with minimal dependencies, though it may require additional optimization.

Built-in performance improvements include automatic image optimization creating multiple responsive versions, critical CSS inclusion, and preload tags for important resources. Users can further improve through custom code and performance adjustments.

Figma Sites currently operates with basic performance optimization due to its beta status. Resources fetched directly from Figma servers without complex compression or format optimization.

Generated code quality limits speed - Figma Sites may use generic containers and automatic classes, creating heavier HTML. No performance configuration available for users regarding CDN behavior or caching strategies.

Advantage: Framer notably superior with established optimization infrastructure and React-powered performance. Figma Sites functional for simple needs but without optimization options.

Integration ecosystem and extensibility in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer offers extensive connection options through custom code components, external plugin store, API access for external services, and React ecosystem compatibility.

Accepts any JavaScript library or React component. Connects analytics, marketing tools, databases, and external APIs through code. Growing plugin ecosystem with community contributions.

Figma Sites provides basic extension in beta version. No plugin system, basic custom code support, no option to easily embed custom code, for now.

Future Code Layers will enable some additional code. Native connection with Figma design libraries for using components, but external connections have limited support yet.

Advantage: Framer notably better for connections and extension. Figma Sites currently limited but improving with future features.

Team collaboration features in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Figma Sites offers instant collaboration with simultaneous editing, live cursor tracking, detailed comments with threaded conversations, change history, and branching options. Multiple team members work simultaneously with instant changes.

Uses Figma's established collaborative infrastructure. Seamless switching between design and sites in the same system. Ideal for teams already working with Figma for design.

Framer provides real-time collaboration with multiplayer editing, commenting system, and version history. While it has collaborative features, they're not as integrated as Figma's system.

More suitable for designer-developer handoff than simultaneous design. Includes staging environments and team workspaces for structured collaboration.

Advantage: Figma Sites for instant collaboration and design changes; Framer for organized publishing processes and staging environments.

Learning curve and adoption in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Figma Sites practically requires no learning for current Figma users with identical interface and features. The challenge arises for team members without Figma design interface experience.

Natural for designers but can disorient developers expecting web-specific controls. Basic documentation for now due to beta version.

Framer has a medium learning curve - simpler than coding but needs understanding of web concepts. Familiar interface for Figma users but with web-specific features. Extensive educational materials available in Framer Academy.

Quick learning for designers with basic web knowledge. Steeper curve for complex features like code components and custom effects.

Advantage: Figma Sites for current Figma teams; Framer for developing lasting skills with better educational materials.

SEO and marketing features in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer provides complete SEO capabilities with full control of meta tags, automatic sitemap generation, schema markup support, and clean semantic HTML output. Advanced features include custom redirects, canonical URLs, and Open Graph tags. For a deeper analysis on this topic, you can read our complete guide on whether Framer is good for SEO.

Figma Sites provides simple SEO settings in beta with basic control over meta tags and descriptions. Automatic sitemap creation but without complex SEO features. Non-semantic HTML can hurt search rankings.

Lacks important SEO features like redirects, structured data, and analytics integration. Not yet appropriate for projects where SEO is crucial.

Advantage: Framer offers complete SEO with comprehensive optimization tools. Figma Sites provides simple SEO but without advanced marketing features.

Pricing and plans in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Figma Sites comes included in Figma plans in beta ($15-$75/month per user) without extra charges for hosting, bandwidth, or custom domains until 2025. After beta, pricing may change considerably.

Economical for teams already paying for Figma. Unlimited published sites in the Figma workspace. No transaction fees or bandwidth restrictions for now.

Framer has tiered pricing:

• Free Plan with Framer subdomain
• Mini ($5/month) for basic sites
• Basic ($15/month) for professional sites
• Pro ($30/month) for complex features
• Custom Enterprise pricing

Extra costs for additional editors ($15-20/month), localization ($15/month per language), and advanced analytics. Clearer cost structure with defined feature tiers. For more details about the plans, check our complete guide: Framer pricing in 2025: A guide to choosing the right plan.

Advantage: Figma Sites much more economical in beta for current Figma users. Framer offers more transparent long-term pricing with more plan alternatives.

Support and community in Framer vs. Figma Sites

Framer has an established community with extensive documentation, active Discord server, YouTube videos, and professional template store. Established system with agencies and freelancers providing services.

Comprehensive Framer Academy with courses and guides. Active community creating plugins, templates, and educational materials. Professional support in higher plans.

Figma Sites uses current Figma community but Sites-specific materials are scarce. Documentation under construction during beta. Limited templates and external materials for now.

Leverages general Figma design community. Developing system but initial specifically for Sites. Support mainly through current Figma channels.

Advantage: Framer for established community and extensive materials; Figma Sites developing but limited in specific support currently.

When to select each tool

Select Figma Sites if:

• Your team already works with Figma for design
• You need seamless design-to-web process without switching apps
• Real-time collaboration is fundamental to your method
• You're building basic marketing sites or landing pages or a simple portfolio
• Budget is limited and you already pay for Figma
• You value design precision over technical features

Select Framer if:

• You need complex effects and interactions
• CMS is necessary for dynamic content
• Fast loading speed is key for you
• SEO and performance are fundamental
• You want to incorporate e-commerce or complex features
• Your team has developers who can use React components
• You need an established tool, ready for production

Frequently asked questions about Framer vs. Figma Sites

What's the main difference between Framer and Figma Sites for web design?

Framer operates as a mature no-code platform with React architecture, offering complete technical control and advanced animations. Figma Sites extends Figma's design environment into web publishing without switching tools, prioritizing design workflow continuity.

Can I build e-commerce websites in Figma Sites like I can in Framer?

No, you cannot build e-commerce websites in Figma Sites as it currently has no transactional capabilities. If you need an e-commerce site, Framer allows integrations with payment processors like Stripe through custom React components, though it requires technical configuration.

How do Framer and Figma Sites compare for SEO optimization?

Framer provides superior SEO with full control of meta tags, semantic HTML, and custom code injection for structured data. Figma Sites offers basic SEO settings but lacks deep optimization and produces non-semantic HTML, affecting search rankings.

Can I export code from Figma Sites like I can with Framer?

No, Figma Sites doesn't offer code export - it's a hosted solution. Framer also doesn't allow direct code export, though you can view and copy React code in the editor, but it's optimized for use within the platform.

Which platform has better performance for website loading speeds?

Framer offers superior performance with React SSR, global CDN, and automatic image optimization. Figma Sites claims to have optimization but offers limited tuning options in its current beta state.

What are the collaboration differences between Framer and Figma Sites?

Figma Sites provides real-time collaboration with simultaneous editing and live cursor tracking. Framer offers real-time collaboration but is more optimized for deployment workflows than simultaneous design.

How do content management capabilities compare between these platforms?

Framer offers CMS with custom collections, filtering, and API access supporting thousands of items depending on the plan. Figma Sites currently has no CMS functionality, being suitable only for static content.

What are the pricing differences between Framer and Figma Sites?

Figma Sites is significantly more cost-effective during its beta period, with website publishing included in Figma plans ($15-$75/month per user) without additional charges for hosting, bandwidth, or custom domains until 2025.

Framer requires separate site plans ($5-$30/month) plus additional costs for editors and advanced features. For more details, check our guide Framer pricing in 2025: A guide to choosing the right plan.

However, Figma Sites' current limitations may require external solutions for functionality that Framer includes natively, potentially increasing total project costs.

The conclusion

Select Figma Sites for teams integrated in the Figma system who need fast design-to-web conversion with real-time collaboration for basic static websites. Select Framer for comprehensive professional web creation requiring effects, CMS, complete SEO, and production-ready websites.

Consider that they serve different development stages: Figma Sites for design exploration and fast publishing in beta, Framer for production implementation needing complex features. For teams valuing process efficiency with current Figma investment, Figma Sites provides attractive benefits during beta pricing. For robust features and proven reliability, Framer remains the professional choice.

Our agency offers specialized implementation and optimization services for both tools. Need support with Figma Sites creation or Framer design and development? We can help with tool selection, implementation, and ongoing support to ensure successful project goal achievement.