Framer vs Big Cartel (2024 Comparison)
Framer offers advanced design capabilities and robust animation tools, making it ideal for professional designers looking to create interactive prototypes.
- Advanced design capabilities
- Robust animation tools
- Great for prototyping
- Steep learning curve
- Not e-commerce focused
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$5 per site per month
Big Cartel provides a user-friendly interface and essential e-commerce features, perfect for small businesses and artists looking to sell products online.
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable for small businesses
- Good e-commerce features
- Limited design flexibility
- Basic animation tools
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$12 per monthWhat is Framer?
Framer is a powerful design tool that allows you to create interactive prototypes and animations with ease. It is particularly beneficial for designers who want to bring their ideas to life without writing code. Framer's intuitive interface and robust features make it a favorite among creative professionals. Whether you're working on a web design project or a mobile app, Framer provides the flexibility and tools you need to create stunning visuals and user experiences.
What is Big Cartel?
Big Cartel is a user-friendly e-commerce platform designed for artists and small business owners. It allows you to set up an online store quickly and easily, without the need for technical expertise. With Big Cartel, you can customize your store's appearance, manage inventory, and process payments seamlessly. It's an ideal solution for those looking to sell unique products online, offering a straightforward and affordable way to reach customers and grow your business.
Pros and Cons of Framer vs Big Cartel
Pros & Cons of Framer
- Framer offers a wide range of design tools that allow for intricate and detailed designs, making it a favorite among professional designers.
- The animation tools in Framer are top-notch, allowing for smooth and complex animations that enhance the user experience.
- Framer excels in prototyping, providing tools that make it easy to create interactive and dynamic prototypes for testing and feedback.
- Framer can be challenging to learn initially, especially for those new to design tools, but the effort is worth it for the capabilities it offers.
- While Framer offers some basic e-commerce features, it is not primarily designed for online selling, which may limit its use for e-commerce businesses.
Pros & Cons of Big Cartel
- Big Cartel's interface is straightforward and easy to navigate, making it ideal for those who want to set up an online store quickly.
- Big Cartel offers affordable pricing plans that cater to small businesses and artists, providing a cost-effective way to sell products online.
- Big Cartel provides essential e-commerce features, including inventory management and payment processing, making it a solid choice for online sellers.
- Big Cartel's design options are more limited compared to other platforms, which may not satisfy those looking for extensive customization.
- The animation tools in Big Cartel are basic, as the platform is more focused on e-commerce rather than design and animation.
Framer vs Big Cartel: At A Glance
Framer vs Big Cartel: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Interactive Prototyping
Framer shines in interactive prototyping, offering a range of tools that allow you to create dynamic and engaging designs. I found it incredibly useful for testing user interactions and getting a feel for the final product. Big Cartel, while not focused on prototyping, provides basic customization options for online stores. If you're looking to create detailed prototypes, Framer is the clear winner.
Customizable Templates
Both Framer and Big Cartel offer customizable templates, but Framer's are more geared towards design flexibility and creativity. I enjoyed the freedom Framer provides in tweaking every aspect of a design. Big Cartel's templates are simpler, catering to those who want a quick setup. If you value design customization, Framer is the better choice.
Animation Tools
Framer's animation tools are top-notch, allowing for smooth and intricate animations that bring designs to life. I was impressed by how easy it was to create complex animations without coding. Big Cartel doesn't focus on animations, as it's more of an e-commerce platform. For animation needs, Framer is unmatched.
E-commerce Features
Big Cartel excels in e-commerce features, providing everything you need to run an online store, from inventory management to payment processing. Framer, while not primarily an e-commerce tool, offers some basic features. If your focus is on selling products online, Big Cartel is the better option.
User Interface
Framer's user interface is sleek and intuitive, designed for designers who want to focus on creativity. I found it easy to navigate once I got the hang of it. Big Cartel's interface is straightforward, perfect for those who want simplicity. If you prefer a more design-centric interface, Framer is the way to go.
Collaboration Tools
Framer offers robust collaboration tools, making it easy to work with teams and share designs. I appreciated the ability to get feedback and make changes in real-time. Big Cartel's collaboration features are limited, as it's more focused on individual store management. For team collaboration, Framer is the superior choice.
Pricing Comparison of Framer and Big Cartel
To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of Framer and Big Cartel. This comparison will highlight the best option for your design or e-commerce needs.
Framer Pricing Plans
- Hosted on Framer domain with branding.
- Includes Framer banner on site.
- No cost for unlimited time usage.
- Perfect for experimenting and learning.
- Home and 404 pages for better navigation.
- 50 form submissions for user interaction.
- 1,000 visitors per month for small traffic.
- Affordable for simple site needs.
- Password protection for secure access.
- 2 CMS collections for content management.
- 500 form submissions for more engagement.
- 10,000 visitors per month for growing sites.
- Analytics and cookies for data insights.
- Staging environment for testing changes.
- 10 CMS collections for advanced management.
- 2.5K form submissions for high interaction.
- Custom hosting for tailored solutions.
- Uptime guarantee for reliability.
- Dedicated infrastructure for performance.
- Launch support for smooth deployment.
Big Cartel Pricing Plans
- Manage your business and sell online with card and PayPal acceptance.
- Mobile apps available for iOS and Android for easy management.
- Import products from Etsy, Squarespace, and Shopify seamlessly.
- Customize your store with free, SEO-optimized templates.
- Offer discounts and run promotions to boost sales.
- Unlimited label printing with up to 90% off shipping.
- Advanced template customization for a unique store look.
- Track performance with Google Analytics integration.
- Prioritized support and abandoned cart recovery for better service.
- Ads with audience targeting for Google, Facebook, and more.
- Advanced Google Analytics reporting for detailed insights.
- Manage inventory with bulk editing and tracking features.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly evaluate each design and e-commerce tool, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user feedback and testing features, we ensure our recommendations meet diverse needs. Each factor is weighted to provide a reliable final rating, helping you choose the best tool for your requirements.
Framer or Big Cartel: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Framer If You Need ...
- Advanced design capabilities
If you are a professional designer looking for a tool with advanced design capabilities and robust animation tools, Framer is the ideal choice. It offers a wide range of features that allow for intricate and detailed designs, making it a favorite among creative professionals.
- Great for prototyping
If you need a tool that excels in prototyping, Framer is the way to go. It provides tools that make it easy to create interactive and dynamic prototypes for testing and feedback, ensuring your designs are user-friendly and effective.
Choose Big Cartel If You Need ...
- User-friendly interface
If you are a small business owner or artist looking for a user-friendly e-commerce platform, Big Cartel is the perfect choice. Its straightforward interface makes it easy to set up an online store quickly, without the need for technical expertise.
- Affordable for small businesses
If you are looking for an affordable e-commerce solution, Big Cartel offers pricing plans that cater to small businesses and artists. It provides a cost-effective way to sell products online, with essential features like inventory management and payment processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for professional designers?
Is Big Cartel suitable for small businesses?
Can Framer be used for e-commerce?
What are the main differences between Framer and Big Cartel?
Which tool offers better customer support?
Are there any security concerns with these tools?
Martin Lunendonk
Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.
