Webflow — features, advantages and disadvantages
In short
Webflow is a visual builder for creating responsive websites without having to write code. We look at its features, advantages, limitations and web design tools.
The Webflow website builder is a visual web design tool that lets you create responsive websites without having to write code.
Webflow suits designing pages and creating interactive prototypes. With it you can show clients and team members how the finished product will look.
The platform combines prototyping and website development. Unlike working with ordinary static layouts in Sketch, InVision or Figma, here the visual design is turned into a working site.
This approach lets you use one tool for designing and building pages, reducing the number of intermediate stages.
How the Webflow website builder differs from other tools
The original material singles out three features of the platform:
- a visual builder in which changes are shown in real time;
- the ability to create the design without a rigid tie to a ready-made theme;
- no need to install additional plugins for basic tasks.
One of Webflow’s main features is the Visual Designer visual editor.
It lets you see changes right while working on the site design, and not only after publishing the finished page.
This makes Webflow a tool not only for designing layouts but also for building them further.
Key features of Webflow
Webflow is a cloud platform that lets you configure a site’s design, work with templates or create pages from scratch.
Among the features listed in the original article:
- integration with Zapier;
- visual page editing;
- creating responsive design;
- adding your own code;
- exporting the code of a finished project;
- support for SSL certificates.
The original article also states that Webflow offers two paid plans and the possibility of free use with no time limit.
Advantages and disadvantages of Webflow
Like other tools for building websites, Webflow has strengths and limitations.
Advantages
Visual design. The editor lets you create responsive pages and form the site’s code at the same time. The original material notes the possibility of exporting the resulting code.
Ready-made templates. Webflow offers free and paid templates that you can edit for your tasks.
Working with CSS and JavaScript. The platform provides tools for managing styles and micro-interactions. If needed you can add your own code.
Built-in CMS. The content management system lets you create configurable content types, including blog posts, projects and other dynamic pages.
Hosting. The original article notes the high page loading speed and stable operation of the hosting.
SSL certificates. Webflow provides the ability to use SSL for a secure connection.
Disadvantages
Difficulty of learning. Webflow may require significant time to learn, especially if the user has no web development experience.
Choosing a plan. It can be hard to understand the differences between the paid plans.
Working in some browsers. The original material mentions possible difficulties using the builder in Firefox and Edge.
E-commerce tools. The original review notes that Webflow’s functionality for online stores was under active development and might need extra improvements.
Conclusion
Webflow combines visual design and website development in one platform.
After mastering the main tools, it can be used to create responsive pages, manage content and set up design without having to write code.
When choosing Webflow it is important to consider the difficulty of learning, the specifics of the plans and the platform’s functional limitations.
Questions on the topic
What is Webflow?
It is a visual builder for designing and creating responsive websites without having to write code.
Can I build websites in Webflow without programming?
Yes, the visual editor lets you design pages and set up their appearance without writing code. If needed you can add your own code.
What disadvantages does Webflow have?
The article notes the difficulty of learning it, the choice of a paid plan, possible problems in some browsers and limitations of the e-commerce tools.
