Framer makes it possible to launch a polished website without writing code, and a template gets you most of the way there on day one. If you have never used Framer before, the interface can feel unfamiliar at first. This beginner's guide explains how to get a template into your project and turn it into your own site, step by step.

What is a Framer template?

A Framer template is a ready-made website project. It includes pages, layouts, styles, components and sometimes CMS collections, all already designed and responsive. Instead of starting from a blank canvas, you copy the project into your account and replace the content with your own.

Step 1: Get the template into your account

After you purchase a template, you receive a link to remix it. Open the link while signed in to Framer and choose to remix the project. This creates your own editable copy, so changes never affect the original.

Give the project a clear name and open it in the editor.

Step 2: Learn the layout of the editor

• Canvas: the middle area where you see your pages at different breakpoints, such as Desktop and Phone.

• Layers panel (left): the structure of each page, with sections, stacks and elements.

• Pages panel: all pages, including CMS pages that use dynamic slugs.

• Properties panel (right): size, layout, colors and effects for the selected element.

• Assets panel: your colors, text styles and components in one place.

Spend ten minutes just clicking around. Select a section, look at how it is built and notice that most layouts use stacks, which are Framer's version of flexible rows and columns.

Step 3: Update colors and text styles first

Open the Assets panel and look at the color styles and text styles. A well-made template uses them everywhere, so changing a style updates the whole site.

• Set your brand colors in the color styles.

• Change fonts in the text styles for headings and body text.

• Keep to two typefaces for a clean look.

Step 4: Replace the content

Double-click any text to edit it. To replace an image, select it and choose a new image in the fill settings. Work from the top of the home page to the bottom, then continue to other pages.

Many templates use components for repeating elements like buttons, cards and the header. Editing the main component updates every instance. Use component properties, when available, to change text or links on a single instance.

Step 5: Edit the CMS

If the template has a blog or collection, open the CMS from the menu. Each collection holds items such as posts or projects, with fields like title, image, category and content.

• Edit or delete the sample items.

• Add your own, and fill in every field the layout uses.

• Check the CMS pages, because they are generated from the collection, and test one with a long title.

Step 6: Check every breakpoint

Switch between Desktop, Tablet and Phone. Look for text that wraps oddly, images that crop badly and sections that feel cramped. Your content is rarely the same length as the placeholder text, so a quick review prevents surprises on mobile.

Step 7: Set up SEO and social sharing

Open the site settings and fill in the title, description and social preview image. Do the same in page settings for important pages. A clear title and description improve how your site appears in search and in link previews on social media.

Step 8: Preview, publish and connect a domain

Use the preview button to test the site like a visitor. When it looks right, publish. Framer gives you a free subdomain to start. To use your own domain, choose a paid plan, add the domain in the hosting settings and update the DNS records at your registrar.

Plans differ in pages, CMS limits and bandwidth, so check the current limits for the size of site you plan to build.

Beginner mistakes to avoid

• Uploading huge images or videos: they use bandwidth and slow the site. Compress media first.

• Detaching components too early: you lose the ability to update them everywhere.

• Ignoring the Phone breakpoint: always review it before publishing.

• Leaving placeholder content: search for sample text before you go live.

• Forgetting redirects and links: test every button and menu item.

A quick launch checklist

• Template remixed into your account

• Brand colors and text styles set

• All text and images replaced

• CMS items edited

• Desktop, tablet and phone reviewed

• SEO and social preview filled in

• Links tested

• Published and domain connected

Pick a template that is easy to customize

A good template keeps styles in one place, uses components sensibly and looks great on every screen. That is what makes your first project feel easy instead of overwhelming. Browse our Framer templates, choose one that fits your idea and launch your site this weekend.