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ASK DN: Webflow any good?

almost 7 years ago from , Freelancer Product Designer

Seen it around on the internet, is it worth using / any good? Once built are you stuck with it?

15 comments

  • BIG Man, almost 7 years ago

    Webflow is an awesome product, I personal use it all the time. But it really depends on what you are wanting to build? If it's a website with a blog or e-commerce store then webflow is for you

    7 points
  • Weston VierreggerWeston Vierregger, almost 7 years ago

    Is Webflow paying for DN spam or something?

    6 points
    • Sergie MagdalinSergie Magdalin, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

      Nope, Jimmy is not affiliated with or paid by Webflow. There have been several DN posts created recently by designers that are interested in or that use Webflow, like this tutorial posted yesterday: https://www.designernews.co/stories/72042-converting-sketch-to-webflow. I can see how some may think we have some kind of sly DM spam campaign going on, but we actually prefer when this stuff happen organically.

      The only times we post something on DN is when we want to share a blog post from the Webflow blog or a kick-ass Webflow feature that's helpful to the design/dev community.

      11 points
  • TomTom TomTomTom Tom, almost 7 years ago

    I'm a Webflow (paid) user since 2014. And I can't recommend it more. The team is posting regular updates and new features, and the community in the forum is very helpful.

    And no, once built, you're not stuck with it.

    4 points
  • Craig Garner, almost 7 years ago (edited almost 7 years ago )

    I like Webflow's editor; it never feels like you're having to hack the layout together. The CMS stuff is cool too - though as someone mentioned, best for lite duties such as a simple blog, portfolio, shop etc.

    2 points
  • Mattan IngramMattan Ingram, almost 7 years ago

    Webflow is very good for specific use-cases. You aren't going to build a whole web app in it, but if you want to build a pretty presentation page, personal blog, or something else content focused with more control than Squarespace but no need to code it's perfect.

    I also think it's a great tool for people who want to learn HTML/CSS and prefer a more visual hand-on approach.

    2 points
  • Cristian MoiseiCristian Moisei, almost 7 years ago

    Is webflow this week's bs wysiwyg editor?

    2 points
    • Mattan IngramMattan Ingram, almost 7 years ago

      Except webflow really isn't BS. It is by far the most powerful and most "native" WYSIWYG I've played with.

      Unlike other ones, webflow actually tries to encourage building sites properly, not just absolutely positioning everything like some wysiwygs or having far too many limitations within a template like Squarespace.

      You can build your own grid, use flex-box, introduce custom animations, add an editable CMS, etc and it actually outputs code that isn't half-bad if you use it right.

      While I don't use Webflow myself since I can handcode, I have played around with it extensively and find it to be super impressive for people who want to build a complex content-focused site or people who want to learn HTML/CSS but are more visual learners.

      Seriously try it out before you judge it, it's free to play around with and I think you will be pleasantly surprised how it compares to past wysiwygs.

      13 points
      • Cristian MoiseiCristian Moisei, almost 7 years ago

        So the argument is 'it's not as bad as the others'? I'll pass.

        3 points
        • Mattan IngramMattan Ingram, almost 7 years ago

          That's not my argument at all. For it's purpose it is a really good tool.

          It's free to play around with, I don't know why so many people are judging it without even trying. I also prefer to hand code websites, but I'm not gonna crap on a remarkably well made product that can be really powerful in the hands of someone who may not even know how to code.

          That can't be said for things like Squarespace or other such sites which while "easier" to use are absurdly limited unless you are an actual developer.

          Furthermore it is the only WYSIWYG page builder I have seen with an actually capable and very customizable CMS without having to deal with millions of terribly coded plugins or limitations based on template.

          7 points
    • Razlan HanafiahRazlan Hanafiah, almost 7 years ago

      Pokemon GO is not available in your country yet?

      4 points
  • Andy HulmeAndy Hulme, almost 7 years ago

    I guess Webflow is the current 'cool thing to dis'? That's a shame, it's actually a decent product.

    I've been flirting with it since its early days and I often find myself going to it every now and again. Personally, I dip into it for smaller projects and have used it in an agency environment for prototyping.

    You need decent CSS knowledge as its pretty much a CSS GUI with some bootstrap-like components.

    You can export the html/css/js and edit at will - the code isn't all that bad however it isn't production ready - afaik if using CMS/Blog features you are pretty stuck within the Webflow environment, but I generally wouldn't use it for that.

    Not a power user by any means but i'd consider it part of my toolbox.

    1 point
  • Naweed Shams, over 6 years ago

    I converted to using Webflow since 2014, used to design with WordPress for 8 years prior to this. I build/design interactive production sites instead of prototypes, that says something about this incredible game changing tool. So much so that I'm opening the worlds first interactive web design physical store in London in early 2017.... bringing Webflow to life.

    0 points
  • Jacob JJacob J, almost 7 years ago

    Can I build something in webflow and export all the code to host on my own server?

    0 points