The short answer is no. You don’t need to learn to code to be a web designer in 2024. These days no-code tools such as Framer and Webflow have taken the web design world by storm. It’s empowered designers who previously had to hand off their beautiful designs to a developer, and given them the power to make their designs a reality. And it’s extended the functionality of no-code developers who were using traditional platforms like WordPress. No-code is more powerful than ever.

What are No Code Builders?

A no-code web design builder is any platform that does not require you to code in HTML, CSS or Javascript. The emphasis here is on ‘require’; as many of these platforms allow you to input custom-code to extend their functionality. 

With that being said, don’t be put off. Most of these platforms are easy to learn and easy to manage. However, they come in all different shapes and sizes - with some being simple drag and drop platforms with limited functionality and others being much more complex.

1. Framer

Framer is the new kid on the block with the company only focusing on becoming a no-code web development platform for the past couple of years. It’s super user friendly and easy to learn - but you’ll find that there won’t be a vast amount of tutorials for every little feature given how new it is. However, if you have experience with design softwares like Figma, you’ll feel right at home with Framer. The auto-layout functionality in Figma is the equivalent of ‘Stacks’ in Framer. The user interface and experience is so similar that sometimes you’ll forget which program you’re in (it’s happened to us). 

It’s perfect for creating marketing sites, blogs and agency sites. Framer has recently announced that their custom form functionality will be released very soon - which extends the functionality further. It’s probably not the best for very complex projects or ecommerce, but it’s just about perfect for everything else.

2. Webflow

Think of Webflow as the most powerful no-code software. Web designers will often refer to Webflow as a ‘low-code’ program because it allows you to input custom code to do basically whatever you want it to do. 

Compared to Framer, the learning curve is much steeper. And if you’re used to only using design softwares Webflow will feel a little daunting. With that being said, the Webflow has excellent tutorials that they produce to help you through it.

If you do decide to learn Webflow you’ll be able to undertake most web design projects going around.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is probably the most famous web builder on the internet these days. With it’s aggressive advertising campaigns (every second Youtuber is sponsored by them) you’ve probably heard of them. 

They have an incredibly easy to use and user-friendly interface. You can quite literally pick this up in minutes. Drag and drop your way to a full functional website. The customisation will be much more limited compared to Framer and Webflow. You won’t have full design control, but if you’re looking for an easy place to start Squarespace is the place.

4. Wix

Consider Wix to be an alternative to Squarespace. It’s user friendly and has more features, extensions and plugins compared to Squarespace. It’s still not completely customisable like Webflow and Framer but it offers a good alternative to those who just want to drag and drop.

5. ShowIt

Like Framer, ShowIt is another web builder that’s made for designers. You can build amazing and beautiful sites with relative ease on ShowIt. If you’re more on the creative side (think photographer) and less on the web development side, ShowIt might be the perfect solution for you. 

It has a seamless integration with WordPress, so if you need extended blogging capabilities this is your platform.