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What Framer's CMS?
Learn how Framer’s CMS works, what databases and collections are, and how they compare to spreadsheets. Discover how to use predefined fields, add records, and explore practical use cases like blogs, menus, and testimonials. Perfect for beginners looking to structure dynamic content!
Understanding Framer's CMS: Databases, Collections, and Use Cases
A CMS (Content Management System) in Framer allows you to store and manage dynamic content without modifying the design manually. It acts as a database, helping you efficiently handle structured information like blog posts, menus, testimonials, and more.
What is a Database?
A database is a structured collection of data that can be accessed, managed, and updated easily. In the context of Framer, the CMS acts as a lightweight database where you can store different types of content for your website.
What are Collections in Framer?
A collection in Framer CMS is like a table in a spreadsheet or a sheet in Google Sheets. It stores multiple records (rows) under predefined fields (columns), making it easy to organize data.
Comparison to Spreadsheets
If you’re familiar with spreadsheets, here’s a simple analogy:
Spreadsheets | Framer CMS |
|---|---|
A sheet (table) | A collection |
A row | A record |
A column | A field |
Each collection consists of multiple fields (similar to columns) that define what type of content each record will hold. For example, a blog collection might have fields like "Title," "Author," "Date," and "Content."
Predefined Fields in Framer CMS
Framer provides predefined field types to structure your content efficiently:
Text: For titles, descriptions, and simple text content.
Rich Text: For paragraphs, formatted text, and detailed content.
Image: To upload and display images.
Video: To embed video links.
Boolean: True/false values (e.g., "Featured Post: Yes/No").
Link: For external or internal URLs.
Number: Useful for pricing, quantities, or numerical data.
Date: To store and display dates dynamically.
How to Use Framer CMS
1. Creating a Collection
Go to the CMS panel in Framer.
Click New Collection and name it (e.g., "Blog Posts").
Add fields based on the content type (e.g., Title, Author, Image, etc.).
2. Adding Records
Open your collection.
Click Add Record and fill in the fields.
Save the record, and it will dynamically appear where linked in your design.
3. Linking CMS Data to Your Design
Select a text or image element.
In the data binding panel, choose the CMS collection and field.
The element will now pull dynamic data from the CMS.
Common Use Cases for Framer CMS
Here are some practical applications of CMS collections in Framer:
Blogs – Store and display blog posts dynamically.
Menus – Ideal for restaurant or service-based websites listing items.
Testimonials – Easily manage and showcase customer reviews.
Portfolios – Showcase projects with images, descriptions, and links.
Team Members – Display profiles with names, roles, and photos.
FAQs – Store frequently asked questions and answers for easy updates.
Conclusion
Framer’s CMS makes it easy to manage dynamic content without manually updating your design. By structuring data into collections and fields, you can create scalable websites that are easy to update. Whether you're running a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, using the CMS helps streamline content management while keeping your site fresh and dynamic.