Whether you're a web design veteran or just getting started, finding the right tool for the job is essential. Fortunately, Webflow has two efficient modes for creating and managing a website without technical knowledge. 

With more creative freedom and without the hassle of coding and technicalities of web development, who wouldn’t want to opt for Webflow? Whether a novice web designer or an experienced web developer, you must first understand how the two modes function and choose the one that meets your requirements and skill.

So, without further ado, let’s start! 

What is Webflow Editor Mode? 

Webflow Editor mode is concerned with making edits to the content available on the website rather than creating a website. It has a simple interface so multiple users can work on it together, and all team members can make edits simultaneously. It is user-friendly and requires little to no training. This makes it perfect for a copywriter, designer, or SEO expert to manage the website.  

Webflow Editor screenshot
Source: Webflow

Unlike WordPress, Webflow Editor mode doesn’t change your website’s image or text format. The user has complete control over how they want their content to be displayed. Text or graphics can be added, deleted, and changed whenever the user wants.  

Webflow Editor screenshot
Source: Webflow

Another advantage of using Webflow editor is that it doesn’t require plug-ins for SEO functionality. You can use the vanilla interface on your website and improve your website’s ranking on the Google search engine. 

Webflow Editor screenshot
Source: Webflow

What is Webflow Designer Mode? 

Webflow Designer mode allows users to build the entire website, structure, design, and visuals without needing coding knowledge. It is user-friendly and offers a range of templates you can customize for your web design. It lets the users design the layout and add their desired graphics to the website. 

A brand new look for the Webflow Designer
Source: Webflow

The user in the Webflow Designer mode has complete control over all the details on the website. With a drag-and-drop interface, the user can add their desired visual elements to the website and customize it however they want. 

Overall, Webflow Designer is a convenient, time-saving, and user-friendly Webflow mode for building a website from scratch. The user doesn’t need to worry about coding since the platform handles that for the user. Suppose the user needs to make further changes in the layout and design. In that case, they need only very superficial knowledge of HTML and CSS to manipulate their UI's visuals and create a professional-looking website tailored to their taste. 

Even though Webflow can help a user create a simple website without coding, still, in the hands of an experienced web developer, this tool can take you to every horizon of creativity.

Webflow Designer vs. Webflow Editor Mode 

Designing the perfect website is no small feat and can be incredibly time-consuming. Fortunately, Webflow offers two different modes that can drastically reduce the time it takes to create a beautiful website. 

So, whether you're a novice web designer or an experienced web developer, read on to discover the difference between Webflow Editor and Webflow Designer mode: 

  • Main Focus

Webflow Designer mode is a tool that, as the name suggests, is concerned with web design. It helps the user create an entire website. Webflow Editor mode, on the other hand, is a CMS (content management system) that helps the user with all the content management, including publishing, editing, and modifying the web content.

  • Need for Technical Knowledge

Webflow Designer doesn’t require coding, and the user can easily create their website without being a coding expert. Still, it leaves room for coding if the user wants greater levels of customization in their website design. Whereas, Webflow editor mode does not let the user code since it only deals with the content on the site.

  • Ease of Use 

Both are user-friendly, but Webflow Designer works best when a professional web developer with CSS and HTML experience operates.

On the contrary, Webflow Editor does not require special technical skills and is comparatively easier for newbies.

  • Collaboration

Webflow Designer is not a collaborative tool; a single user is responsible for building and designing the website. Webflow Editor allows access to multiple users simultaneously for viewing, editing, and creating content on the website.

Features:  Webflow Editor vs  Designer 

Purpose: Content editing - Website Building 

Coding knowledge required: None - Optional

Collaboration: Yes - No

Templates: N/A - Available 

Customization Options : Limited - Full 

Why Should You Use a CMS? 

Developing a website is time-consuming and requires effort and, often, expert help. However, creating a website with a CMS is much simpler and faster. A user can develop the entire website without writing a line of code. There are a few common CMSs like WordPress, but they require a third-party website for SEO. However, that’s not the case with Webflow CMS.

What is Webflow CMS? 

In the Webflow CMS, there is no need for a plug-in, making the process even simpler. The Webflow platform helps you manage SEO right on the website without requiring an extra website. 

The platform helps the user manage SEO, thus providing a smooth and easygoing experience. Webflow’s visual Content Management System is accessible and user-friendly for everyone, including editors, developers, designers, brand strategists, and content creators. So, keep your work's nature and goals in mind before choosing Webflow Editor vs. Webflow Designer mode.

Webflow Editor vs. Designer: Making the Choice 

You must keep the following points in mind before choosing between Webflow Editor and Webflow Designer: 

  • What is your Goal?  

If you aim to create a website from scratch without coding, Webflow Designer mode should be your choice. Its user-friendly visual-based interface provides an easier and quicker way to create a website. The drag-and-drop mechanics let the user customize their web design using ready-made templates. 

However, suppose you know some coding or are willing to train. In that case, Webflow Designer can help you create a customized appearance for professional-looking websites with complete control over the website's structure, design, and other elements.

  • Do you need a CMS or a Web design platform? 

If you want a CMS to manage your website, the Webflow Editor better should be your first choice. It lets the user create content, add text and visuals, make edits, and publish it on the same page. You can preview the content before publishing to see how it would appear on the page and arrange it to appear as you want. 

  • Which Level of Creative Control Do You Desire? 

Webflow Editor offers complete control to the user over the appearance of their content, and the platform itself cannot change the format. It also allows multiple users to access the project simultaneously, which improves teamwork and efficiency since the content is being published, viewed, and edited, all in real-time, thus saving time and increasing the efficiency of the team’s website.

Thus, before opting for either Webflow design mode or Webflow editor mode, you should consider the differences and functions.

Final Verdict 

Webflow offers an easily accessible and efficient platform for web developers to create a website or manage content on their websites. It provides two different tools to fulfill different requirements of the user. When choosing which of these tools would be more suitable, You should remember your goals for the project, your skill set, and the level of customization you desire.

  • Webflow Editor mode allows the user to create, edit, and publish content, all at the same website and with little to no coding knowledge. 
  • Its user-friendly interface provides complete control to the user to make their content appear however they want it to.
  • It also makes multiple user access available through which a whole team can manage content simultaneously. 
  • The user cannot use coding in Webflow editor mode since it does not let you edit or change the website's structure. It is limited to content management. 

On the contrary, 

  • Webflow Designer mode allows users to build a website from square one. 
  • It is a visuals-based website creation tool that allows the user to design, structure, and format the website with little to no coding knowledge. 
  • Programming knowledge is not a prerequisite to using Webflow Designer mode, but for designing and customizing a professional website and total customization of web design, you may need professional help
  • Unlike the Editor mode, Webflow Designer is better suited to designers and developers. 

Hire 128 Digital to Design and Manage Your Webflow Website! 

By now, it should be clear that Webflow Editor and Designer Mode serve two different needs. If you want to manage your website better, then Webflow Editor is the best choice. On the other hand, if you need more control over your designs or want to customize everything in detail, then the Designer mode will suit your needs better. No matter which one you choose, with Webflow's powerful tools, you can create stunning websites that look great on any device.

128. Digital shapes website interfaces and experiences to boost conversion rates. Allow us to build something amazing for you. We’re the no-code creative agency you need! 

Camilo Mendez

"128.digital delivered the website, and we are happy with its final outcome. The vendor followed the project according to the plan and impressed us with their design, commitment, and quality service. They also ensured effective communication via Invision, ActiveCollab, and Google Chat."

10.11.2022
Product Manager, Crant
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