How to convert your Framer website into a native app
Framer allows you to design and build professional, dynamic, and high-performing websites without coding know-how or requirements. However, the modern user isn’t tied to a browser. They're on mobile.
And if your Framer site isn’t accessible as a native app, you're missing out on retention, engagement, and monetization.
With Median.co, you can convert your Framer website into a fully functional native iOS and Android app — complete with native capabilities — with little to no code.
What exactly is Framer?
Framer is a powerful web design platform that lets you create stunning websites without writing code. It combines the familiar feel of a design tool with advanced web capabilities, allowing you to build everything from portfolios and landing pages to complex websites with dynamic content.
What sets Framer apart is its modern infrastructure and focus on performance. Sites are pre-rendered for fast loading, include built-in privacy-first analytics, and feature automatic resource optimization.
Plus, you get access to high-performance animations and real-time collaboration tools that make working with teams seamless.
Framer’s hosting infrastructure is built for simplicity, performance, and reliability, leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) with CloudFront, S3, and large in-memory caches.
What are the key features of Framer?
Framer allows for wide-ranging creative support via a Figma-like design tool experience. It provides vector editing, styling, and typography features as a baseline, plus more powerful options.
Visual design capabilities
You can design and customize responsive websites with a familiar design tool interface without any coding experience necessary.
Advanced infrastructure allows for automatic image optimization, resource handling, and high-performance animations.
Flexible creative library
Framer provides access to a full library of pre-built, customizable components for faster design — as well as functionality for original designs.
Integrated CMS & hosting
Framer has a built-in content management system and high-performance hosting via AWS for reliable site delivery.
Performance optimization tools
You can use privacy-first analytics (without cookies) to develop on-the-go performance solutions through flexible publishing tools, including preview links, instant updates, and version control.
Why convert your Framer site into a native app?
Converting your Framer website into a native mobile app is the best way to give users a more seamless experience.
With a native app, you can achieve higher engagement rates and better performance than web apps. Some of the benefits of converting to a native app include:
- Native app features: With native apps, you can access device-specific features, such as push notifications, GPS, haptic feedback, and camera integration — features that aren’t possible with websites and web apps. These tools can significantly improve how users interact with your app, driving more engagement.
- App store presence: Native apps offer the opportunity to publish your app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where users can easily discover, download, and engage with your product. A spot in the app store is a major advantage for brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Offline access: One of the most significant benefits of native mobile apps is offline functionality. Unlike web apps, which require a constant internet connection, native apps store data locally and allow users to interact with the app even when offline.
- Improved user engagement and retention: Studies show that mobile apps have much higher engagement and retention rates compared to web apps. Apps can offer more personalized experiences with features like user notifications and reminders, all of which are highly effective for driving repeat usage.
How Median.co can help convert your Framer website into a native app
Median.co offers a simple and cost-effective solution to convert your Framer site into a native iOS and Android app.
Using Median’s App Studio, you can convert any website into a mobile app with native features such as push notifications, haptic feedback, and device-specific functionality like GPS and camera access.
Here are some key benefits of using Median.co:
- Extensive native plugin library: Median.co's App Studio includes a wide range of native plugins that allow you to easily add advanced native features to your app, such as push notifications, haptics, Face ID/Biometric login, and more — including SDK integrations for leading mobile vendors.
- Real-time app building: The platform lets you see real-time updates of your app as you customize it, ensuring you get the exact look and feel you want.
- Easy publishing: With Median.co’s publishing service, our team will submit your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store while you focus on bigger business projects.
With Median.co, the conversion process is streamlined, and you don’t need to be a developer to create a fully functional mobile app.
Want to know how it all works?
Get hands-on with Median’s comprehensive documentation, and build your app with ease.
How to convert your Framer site into a native app using Median.co
Ready to convert your Framer website into a native app? Get started with a step-by-step guide to using Median.co's App Studio.
Step 1: Build your app in the Median.co App Studio
Start by visiting https://median.co/app. Enter your Framer site’s URL as the "Website URL" and update your "App Name" as needed.
An email address is required for ongoing access to your app in the App Studio — you’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your account. To continue, click “Start Building my App!”
Step 2: Preview & test your new app
Median.co offers browser-based simulators to easily preview your app on iOS and Android devices without leaving your web browser.
As a starter, test that the basic functionality within your new app is performing as expected.
Step 3: Customize your app
In the Branding tab, you can upload an app icon and splash screen image or animation, and set theme colors to fully customize your app and align with your brand.
Additionally, you can explore options for Interface Settings, Link Handling, Website Overrides, and Permissions to tailor your app user experience to meet your requirements.
Native Navigation is where you can create a natural native app experience for your users, as well as finding help to meet Google and Apple design requirements.
Finally, you can explore Median’s Native Plugins to add advanced native features and integrations like push notifications, haptic feedback, and analytics to enhance user experience and maximize outcomes for your app.
Want to learn more about our plugins?
Launch a full-feature native app without native development!
Step 4: Test your app
Now that your app is customized, it’s crucial to test it on different devices before submitting it to the App Stores. Median.co offers:
- Browser-based simulators to help ensure everything is functioning properly.
- A convenient Public Sharing Link to provide access to stakeholders during testing.
- Functionality to easily test on physical devices (an Apple Developer account is required for iOS).
Step 5: Launch your app
Access the License tab to choose a license and annual plan that suits your needs. Median.co offers various tiers based on the functionality needed for your app.
Additionally, Median offers a service whereby our team will manage the publishing process to ensure your app is approved by the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Why native apps offer better business results
Converting your Framer site into a native mobile app is not just about better features — it's also about driving tangible business results. Here's how.
- Easier user acquisition: Having your app in the app stores gives your business more credibility. Customers are more likely to download an app that is easily accessible from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Plus, depending on your expected user base, you can serve app install ads to acquire new user app installations, leading to increased downloads and conversions.
- Engagement and retention: Native mobile apps have a higher retention rate than web apps. They provide a more personal and interactive experience through personalized push notifications powered by analytics that can be used to increase user retention. They also offer offline access and native device features, such as your app icon being present on user’s home screens, providing easy access to your app and ensuring users stay engaged longer.
- Better user experience: Native apps offer faster load times and smoother transitions compared to web apps, which can lead to greater customer satisfaction and higher reviews on app stores. They also offer an improved app navigation experience, boosting user satisfaction.
- Revenue generation: With access to in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscriptions, native apps provide more opportunities for monetization compared to traditional web apps.
Case Studies
Discover how Median empowers companies to speed mobile app development, engage users, and reduce expenses.
Conclusion
In a nutshell: Framer is an excellent resource to use when you’re building a new website. But with Median.co, you can take your brand even further by turning your Framer site into a powerful native app and giving your users the ability to engage with it anywhere, right on their device.
Median.co will get you to the App Store and Google Play, without any of the stress of dealing with teams of developers or infrastructure overhead.
Ready to get started ? Take the first steps with Median.co and find out firsthand what benefits you can enjoy with a native app today.
Frequently asked questions
Can you build a mobile app with Framer?
Framer is specifically designed for building powerful websites, but does not provide functionality for building mobile apps. Framer does provide tools to create mobile-optimized websites, but such sites won’t have native features like offline access, push notifications, haptics, and more. You will need to use an app development platform like Median.co to distribute to the app stores and utilize all the capabilities of a true mobile application.
Can you export your Framer website to HTML and host it yourself?
Framer does not offer HTML exporting functionality for self-hosting. However, you can design, manage, and publish your website directly from Framer. The platform allows for SEO, easy analytics integration, and Server-Side Rendering for improved performance.
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