Lecture Notes: Building a Website in Framer

Introduction

• Presenter: Benjamin
• Objective: Guide on how to build a website from scratch in Framer.
• Outcome: Create a website together from a blank canvas, aiming for the same result as Benjamin.

Framer Interface Overview

Toolbar & Menus

• Main Menu: Contains various actions.
• Insert Panel: Used to insert pages, sections, menus, etc.
• Layout Tools: Includes text tool, CMS, and quick actions.

Panels & Tabs

• Pages Panel: Overview of all pages, create or rename pages.
• Layers Panel: Displays current page layers, breakpoints.
• Assets Panel: Houses components, styles, and code files.

Canvas & Localization

• Rename/move project via the center of the interface.
• Localization & Preview Buttons: Invite collaborators, publish site.

Property Panel

• Contextual: Changes based on selection.

Canvas Tools

• Switch Modes: Light/Dark mode.
• Zoom & Comment Tools: Useful shortcuts and tools for interaction.

Navigating the Canvas

• Pan Tool: Activated by spacebar for movement.
• Zooming: Use 'Z' for specific zoom, Command +/– for general zoom.

Creating the Website Layout

Setting Up

• Use layers panel, zoom, and pan to organize.
• Text Tool: Create headings and sublines.
• Customize text properties like alignment, font, size.

Adding Buttons

• Frame Tool (F): Draw frames, add text within them.
• Text Nesting: Automatic in frames for organization.
• Stack Layouts: Use for responsive button design.

Adding a Video

• Import via media insert, resize canvas for fitting.
• Customize video properties, maintain aspect ratio.

Making the Site Responsive

• Breakpoints: Add desktop, tablet, and phone breakpoints.
• Responsive Design: Ensure elements adapt to different screen sizes.
• Use stacks on pages for layout consistency.

Building the Navigation Bar

• Use fixed position for top bars.
• Add text for navigation links.
• Style links and use stacks for organization.

Components and Animation

• Creating Components: For reusable elements.
• Variants and Interactions: Create animations between states.

Final Design Tweaks

• Typography Changes: Adjust fonts, sizes, and styles.
• Shadows and Effects: Add depth and detail to elements.

Adding Animations and Effects

• Appear Effects: Use for dynamic loading.
• Staggered animations for a refined appearance.

Publishing the Website

• Preview and Publish: Check design and animations.
• URL Management: Re-publish for updates.
• Final Checks: Ensure no clipping or issues.

Conclusion

• Encouragement: Explore styles, effects, and have fun with Framer.
• Further Learning: Join the Framer community, access more tutorials.
• Engagement: Share your results, connect on Twitter.

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These notes summarize the process and key steps in creating a website using Framer, as presented by Benjamin in the lecture.