Differences Between Google Web Designer vs Webflow [2022 Updates]

When it comes to choosing between Google Web Designer and Webflow, web designers and animators have different tastes. While the “Google Web Designer vs Webflow” debate is a heated debate among web designers and animators, there are certain factors that will help you decide which one is best for you. 

When comparing Google Web Designer vs Webflow, there are several aspects to consider. There are many different options for both developers and users of website builders. Though, in most cases, Web Designers typically prefer Webflow, whereas Animators traditionally favor Google Web. Frankly, our extensive experience with using both platforms allows us to use either. 

Our preference is usually determined by the client’s project specifications. It is worth mentioning though, we have found some stark differences that make each platform rather unique and better for specific individual tasks.

The Two Systems At A Glance

The differences between these two systems aren’t simply due to technical details, but also owing to the user’s preferences. We have read through a lot of professional and satisfied client reviews about the aspects that set them apart from one another, here’s what we found.

Google Web Designer

• Ideal for: Making moving graphics
• There is no cost associated with using this service.
• Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux are all supported.

When you’re just getting started, a website design software program is probably not something you want to spend a lot of money on while you’re learning. For people who are just getting started, Google Web Designer would be a wonderful resource especially if your site is designed specifically for use with Google Ads. This option is currently free and runs on HTML5, one of the simplest programming languages to learn. Users may create their websites with the Google Web Designer platform without any prior coding knowledge or experience.

Google Web Designer Code For Beginners

To use or edit the code, open the code editor to see the pre-generated HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript code.  If you want to add custom code, test out code to understand a bit more about how coding works the code editor is there for your convenience.

Google Web Designer is easy to use but poses some restrictions. You can only make graphic design components, not entire web pages. The platform does offer only a finite number of transitions and animations at your disposal and to prototype interactions, you’ll need to open many tabs for each “scene,” which makes it more challenging to acquire a holistic picture of the whole project.

Overall, if your goal is to acquire some hands-on experience with web design, Google Web Designer is a great tool to try. Here’s our list of Pros and Cons:

Pros

• You can make a great HTML5 design with the help of Google’s site designer. Using a simple drag-and-drop interface, everything is streamlined and clear.
• The user interface is distinctive from other Google offerings, which is a good thing. Lacking in the necessity for familiarity with HTML or JavaScript (though knowing them helps get better ad-hoc results).
• An excellent replacement for embedded GIFs

Cons

• Not suitable for complicated web design tasks.
• Still in Beta form
• Impractical for large-scale campaigns and optimization

Webflow

• Ideal for creating professional-quality websites in design and development.
• Pricing: From $0 to $35 Monthly
• Web-Based Accessible

Webflow is a strong supporter of the “no-code movement”. For this reason, the website builder and web design software it integrates well with everything you’ll ever need to make beautiful, completely responsive, and consistent website designs. Like, Google Web Designer You don’t need to know how to code to use the clever, easy interface because it’s compatible with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in their native forms.

Webflow For Beginner And Seasoned Developers

Even though the platform is beginner friendly, there are components that seasoned coders may also appreciate. One component that is worth mentioning is the option to drop in custom code wherever it’s necessary when your site design requires functionality that Webflow doesn’t currently support.

Beginners will love that Webflow provides a library of over a hundred responsive web design templates for those new to web design or seeking design inspiration. It also covers you if you don’t know JavaScript but want to design element interactions. With Webflow, you can create engaging user experiences without writing a single line of code.

Webflow’s Collaboration Features

For your convenience, Webflow generates all the necessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files for you to hand off to your development team when you’re ready to export your design. This is wonderful news for teams of web developers since it allows for any necessary customizations to be made before handing up control.

Furthermore, Webflow has you covered if you need website design software that includes web hosting and a full-featured content management system. If you decide to use a different CMS the platform gives you access to professionals whom you may pay to move your site to other website builders, including Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, and WordPress.

Pros

• The program is incredibly effective, and the various integrations are first-rate. Allows for an infinite variety of outcomes.
• This is the tool for you if you’re a designer who wants to bring your website to life.
• Easily digestible instructional material with the help of an excellent knowledge base and a very active & supportive community.
• If you’re looking for a reliable tool to help you switch from WordPress to Webflow, look no further.

Cons

• Webflow’s websites are written in JavaScript. A Webflow-built site would be inaccessible to visitors if JavaScript were blocked on their end, and they were unwilling to enable it specifically for the site they wanted to view.
• Webflow pre-configures for four screen sizes (desktop, laptop, mobile landscape & mobile portrait). Being unable to customize media queries can restrict your options. If your layout doesn’t work inside those four constraints, you’ll need to export and write the code yourself.

Design vs. Animation: Choose the right platform for you

So, what’s the verdict? In our “Google Web Designer vs Webflow” debate, who comes out on top? As with most things in life, it depends. If you’re looking for a more user-friendly interface and want more control over your design, go with Webflow. However, if you’re an animator looking to create sophisticated animations and need precise coding controls, then Google Web Designer is the better option. Whichever platform you choose, make sure to test it out first to see if it fits your needs and skill level.