Framer makes it possible for designers to build app prototypes without coding. Basically, it’s PSD (Photoshop Drawings) on steroids. Whereas in Adobe Photoshop layouts are made to correspond to the exact position & pixel size on a page, Framer is respondent to different screen sizes & everything is interactive, allowing users to build a “real-world” imitating app that can be shared via the platform & improved via discussion on the platform.
The platform which is available over the Web, is now also on Windows & Mac, so that users can download & have fun building interactive designs on their PCs. Designing UI (User Interface) & improving UX (User Experience) is usually a team activity, & Framer has all the tools to facilitate team interaction as well as the basic app building necessities.
Developing prototypes in the Framer app is fairly intuitive & the editor dashboard is not difficult to navigate when getting started. The platform provides step-by-step interactive video tutorials to get the novice up to speed. From creating “swipe” & “scroll” screens to formulating workable font-sizes & effective color screen, Framer has it all; code impaired designers can produce a working prototype with all event triggering effects in a matter of minutes with the correct training.
The tool allows designers to build apps for iOS, Android, desktop, or the Web, with each platform correctly size compliant. Static mockups become interactive prototypes, offering users the opportunity to quickly experiment with different settings & layouts. Framer builds native-looking animations, buttons, navigations, events & effects.
Founded by Jorn Dijk & Koen Bok, Framer has raised US $33M in funding over 3 rounds. Framer integrates with multiple 3rd party design tools, exports easily to mobile devices, & is powered by Javascript.
Framer offers a free tier with access to all their tools for 2 editors & 3 projects, plus a Pro plan.
Image credit: Framer
