The Journey of Framer from Its Foundation to Innovation

Codezela Content Creation

28 Feb 2025 — 2 min read

Introduction

Framer has become a leading platform for interactive design and prototyping, empowering designers and developers to create seamless digital experiences. From its origins as a JavaScript-based tool to a full-fledged web design platform, Framer has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the design industry.

In this article, we explore when Framer was founded, how it has evolved, and what makes it a key player in modern design tools.

The Birth of Framer

Framer was founded in 2013 by Koen Bok and Jorn van Dijk, two Dutch entrepreneurs with a vision to revolutionize digital design. Their goal was to create a dynamic prototyping tool that allowed designers to build realistic, interactive designs instead of static mockups.

The initial version, Framer.js, was a JavaScript library that helped developers prototype animations and interactions. Over time, Framer expanded its capabilities, leading to the release of Framer Studio in 2015, which provided a more user-friendly interface.

Framer's Evolution Over the Years

1. Transition to a Visual Design Tool (2017–2019)

Originally focused on code-based prototyping, Framer took a major step in 2017 by introducing a visual editor. This move made the platform more accessible to designers who preferred a no-code or low-code approach while still offering flexibility for developers.

During this period, Framer gained popularity as an alternative to tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD due to its advanced interaction and animation capabilities.

2. The Rise of Framer Web (2020–Present)

In 2020, Framer launched Framer Web, a cloud-based design tool allowing users to create and publish websites with zero coding required. This positioned Framer as a direct competitor to platforms like Webflow, Wix, and WordPress, offering a balance between design flexibility and ease of use.

With features like:

Interactive animations without coding
Customizable CMS for dynamic content
AI-powered design assistance
Seamless collaboration for teams

Framer Web has become a preferred choice for designers, developers, and businesses looking for high-quality, responsive web design solutions.

Why Framer Stands Out Today

Framer has successfully carved a niche in the web design and prototyping industry. What makes it unique is:

✅ Realistic Prototyping – Offers interactive design capabilities beyond static UI mockups.
✅ Code + No-Code Flexibility – Balances visual design with developer-friendly customization.
✅ Performance & Speed – Uses modern web technologies for smooth, responsive designs.
✅ Direct Publishing – Unlike traditional tools, Framer allows publishing websites without third-party platforms.

Conclusion

Founded in 2013, Framer has grown from a JavaScript-based prototyping tool into a powerful visual web design platform. Its ability to merge interaction, animation, and no-code design has made it a go-to solution for modern designers and developers.

With continued innovations and a strong focus on usability, Framer is shaping the future of web design and prototyping—bridging the gap between designers and developers like never before.