Can I Use Vercel to Host My Framer Website? What to Know

Vercel and Framer are both excellent tools in the web development world. Framer helps you to design and prototype websites. Whereas Vercel offers a fast and reliable platform for hosting those sites. Together, they create an efficient solution for deploying modern websites.

If you’re wondering if you can use vercel to host framer websites, the answer is yes. By exporting your Framer project as static files, you can easily deploy them to Vercel. It offers fast load times and automatic scaling. You can even ensure high performance and smooth user experience and with minimal setup.

At Pentaclay, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their websites and development processes. Our expertise in web design and deployment, combined with powerful tools like Framer and Vercel, ensures your site reaches its full potential.

What is Vercel Actually? 

Vercel is a cloud platform that simplifies the process of building, deploying, and scaling modern web applications.  Built around serverless architecture, Vercel excels at hosting static websites and dynamic web apps.

If you’re a developer, especially one using frameworks like Next.js, Vercel streamlines your workflow with seamless Git integration for automatic deployments. 

The platform supports serverless functions and ensures fast global content delivery. With features like instant rollbacks and automatic scaling, Vercel ensures your site performs well even under high traffic. 

Can I Use Vercel To Host My Framer Website?

Yes, you can host a Framer website on Vercel. Vercel is an excellent choice for Framer projects, as it supports static websites, which is the output format when you export from Framer. 

The platform’s serverless architecture ensures that your site will scale efficiently without the need for manual server management. Vercel’s edge network guarantees fast global delivery, enhancing the user experience by reducing load times. 

By hosting on Vercel, you gain advanced features like automated deployments, instant rollbacks, and easy integration with Git. It gives you more control over your website’s performance and reliability.

How to Host Your Framer Website on Verce

Method 1: Direct Deployment

Export the Framer project as static code and deploy it directly to Vercel. This method requires no server-side processing and works well for simple static sites.

Step 1: Export Your Framer Project

First, you need to export your Framer project as static files. 

• Open your Framer project.

• Go to the project settings or the export option.

• Choose the "Export" or "Download" option to get the static files of your site.

• Download the zip file that contains all the necessary files.

Step 2: Create a Vercel Account

To begin hosting your Framer website, you’ll need to create a Vercel account. If you already have one, simply log in. Visit the Vercel website and sign up using your email address or GitHub account. 

After registration, verify your email if required. Once your account is set up, you’ll have full access to all of Vercel’s deployment and hosting features. You can easily manage and deploy your Framer projects.

Step 3: Set Up Your Project on Vercel

Once you have an account, you need to create a new project in Vercel to host your Framer website.

• After logging into Vercel, click on the "New Project" button.

• Select "Import Project" from your options.

• Instead of linking a Git repository, choose the "Upload" option to upload the exported files from Framer.

• Drag and drop the files or browse to select the static files (the zip you downloaded) and upload them.

• Give your project a name and choose the necessary settings.

Step 4: Deploy Your Framer Site

After setting up your project, you’ll move to the deployment stage. Once you’ve uploaded your Framer project files to Vercel, click the "Deploy" button to initiate the process. 

Vercel will automatically start processing the files and deploy your website. Once complete, Vercel will provide a unique URL where your live website can be viewed. 

If everything looks good, your Framer site will now be up and running on the web, ready for public access.

Step 5: Connect a Custom Domain (Optional)

To make your Framer website accessible through a custom domain, you can link it to your Vercel project. In the Vercel dashboard, navigate to your project settings and click on the "Domains" section. 

Add your custom domain (e.g., www.yoursite.com). Then, follow the instructions provided by Vercel to update the DNS settings at your domain registrar. This typically involves adding or modifying a few DNS records. 

Once the changes propagate, your Framer website will be live under your custom domain. You will get a professional and personalized web address.

Method 2: Reverse Proxy Hosting

For more advanced setups, use a reverse proxy to integrate Framer with Vercel. This method allows greater control over headers, caching, authentication, and routing. It’s useful for more complex sites or when hosting multiple sites on one domain.

Step 1: Understand Reverse Proxy Hosting

Reverse proxy hosting gives you more control over how your Framer website is delivered. It acts as an intermediary between the client (the user’s browser) and your Framer site. 

Instead of directly serving your site from Framer’s infrastructure, a reverse proxy can forward client requests to Vercel or another hosting provider. 

This method is useful when you need advanced features like custom caching, security headers, or authentication. You will get greater flexibility for complex or multi-site setups.

Step 2: Set Up a Reverse Proxy on Vercel

To start using reverse proxy hosting, you’ll need to configure Vercel (or another hosting platform like Cloudflare or AWS) as a reverse proxy for your Framer site.

• Create a new project in Vercel (if not already set up).

• In the project settings, configure it to act as a reverse proxy.

• Set up the proxy rules to point to your Framer site as the "origin."

• Apply any custom configurations, such as caching, security headers, or routing.

Step 3: Customize Routing and Caching

Reverse proxy hosting offers the flexibility to define how your content is delivered. You can customize routing rules to direct different paths or subdomains to different Framer sites or other web applications. 

For example, you could route /products to one Framer site and /blog to another, all while maintaining a unified domain. Additionally, you can set custom caching rules to enhance performance, especially for high-traffic or static pages. 

Step 4: Test the Configuration

After configuring your reverse proxy, it's essential to test the setup thoroughly. Visit your site to check that it’s being served correctly through the proxy and that your routing rules are functioning as expected. 

Monitor for performance issues like slow load times or improper redirects. Test different paths or subdomains to ensure they route correctly to their respective projects. If any issues arise, adjust your configuration settings, such as cache settings or routing rules, to resolve them. 

Step 5: Benefits of Reverse Proxy Hosting

Reverse proxy hosting gives you flexibility and control. It allows you to:

• Host multiple Framer websites on a single domain with custom subdomains or paths.
  Apply advanced authentication or tracking before the content is served.

• Use custom caching behavior to improve website performance and reliability.

Advantages of Hosting Framer Websites on Vercel

Hosting your Framer website on Vercel provides several advantages tailored to both your website’s performance and ease of management:

• Instant Updates: Vercel deploys updates automatically, so any changes you make are live in seconds. This ensures you can push new features or fixes quickly without delays.

• Fast Load Times Worldwide: With Vercel’s edge network, your content is cached globally, guaranteeing fast load speeds for visitors, no matter where they’re located.

• Handles Traffic Spikes: Vercel scales your site automatically to accommodate higher traffic. You won’t need to worry about downtime or performance issues during peak visits.

• Strong Security: Vercel automatically provides SSL certificates for secure connections. The platform also includes security measures like rate limiting to protect against potential attacks.

• Dynamic Features Without Complexity: Vercel’s serverless functions allow you to integrate dynamic features such as contact forms or data fetching, without managing traditional server infrastructure.

Key Considerations for Hosting a Framer Website on Vercel

• Ensure that your Framer website is optimized for static deployment, as Vercel handles static sites efficiently. 

• If using a custom domain, ensure proper DNS configuration and SSL certificate setup to avoid security issues 

• Pay attention to the file structure when exporting from Framer. Ensure all necessary assets (images, CSS, JS) are correctly included

•  Use Vercel's built-in analytics to monitor website performance. This will help identify any issues, such as slow loading times or resource-heavy components.

• If using serverless functions, make sure to configure them properly in Vercel. They can enhance dynamic content handling 

• Regularly use Git integration for version control and automatic deployments. This ensures smoother updates and rollback capabilities if needed.

In Closing 

Hosting your Framer website on Vercel provides a fast, reliable solution for scaling and performance. The integration of Framer’s design capabilities with Vercel’s hosting platform ensures a seamless deployment process, improving your site's speed and reliability. 

With automatic scaling and enhanced security, Vercel helps deliver an optimal user experience. At Pentaclay, we specialize in optimizing website deployment and performance. Let us help you make the most of these powerful tools to bring your website vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I use Vercel for dynamic content with Framer?

Answer: Yes, you can integrate dynamic content using Vercel’s serverless functions. While Framer is ideal for static sites, Vercel allows you to add serverless features like forms or data fetching without needing traditional backend management.

Question:  Do I need a custom domain to host on Vercel?

Answer: No, you don’t need a custom domain to host your Framer website on Vercel. Vercel provides a default URL for your site. However, you can easily connect a custom domain for a professional touch.

Question: Is Vercel free to use for hosting Framer sites?

Answer: Vercel offers a free plan that is ideal for smaller websites and personal projects. For larger, more complex sites, or enterprise-level needs, you may want to explore their paid plans, which offer advanced features and scaling options.