AI & Automation
Personas
SaaS & Startup
Time to ROI
Short-term (< 3 months)
Last month I had a client ask me a simple question: "Can we build our Arabic version in Framer?" I stared at my screen for a solid minute. Not because I didn't know the answer, but because I knew what was coming.
Right-to-left (RTL) languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian don't just flip text direction. They flip your entire design logic. Your navigation moves, your layouts break, and suddenly your beautiful Framer prototype looks like it went through a blender.
Most designers either avoid RTL projects entirely or recommend "just use a different platform." But here's what I learned after building 8+ multilingual sites: Framer can handle RTL languages, but not the way you think.
Here's what you'll discover:
Why Framer's RTL support isn't what the documentation claims
The workaround system I use for Arabic and Hebrew sites
When to choose Framer vs other platforms for RTL projects
How to set up RTL layouts without starting from scratch
The cost implications most agencies miss
If you're considering international expansion or have clients asking about Arabic/Hebrew versions, this breakdown will save you weeks of headaches.
Reality Check
What Framer Actually Supports for RTL
Let me start with the uncomfortable truth: Framer's RTL support is technically there, but practically limited.
The Framer documentation mentions RTL language support, and yes, you can set text direction to right-to-left. But that's where the easy part ends. Here's what the industry typically tells you:
"Framer supports RTL languages" - Technically true for basic text, misleading for complex layouts
"Just flip the CSS direction property" - Works for simple sites, breaks on interactive components
"Use CSS transforms to mirror elements" - Creates accessibility and maintenance nightmares
"Build separate components for RTL" - Doubles your work and component library
"Consider other platforms for RTL projects" - Often the most honest advice
The conventional wisdom exists because most no-code platforms, including Framer, were built with left-to-right languages as the primary use case. RTL was an afterthought, not a core feature.
Where this falls short in practice: real RTL websites need more than flipped text. Your navigation structure changes, your visual hierarchy shifts, and user expectations are completely different. Arabic users don't just read right-to-left; they interact with interfaces differently.
Most agencies either quote double the timeline for RTL projects or politely decline them entirely. But there's a middle ground that actually works.
Consider me as your business complice.
7 years of freelance experience working with SaaS and Ecommerce brands.
The project that taught me everything about RTL in Framer came from an unexpected source: a SaaS startup expanding into the Middle East market. They'd built their English site in Framer and loved the flexibility. The question was whether we could maintain that same workflow for Arabic.
The client was a B2B productivity tool targeting Arabic-speaking markets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Their English site had complex interactions, animated components, and a sophisticated design system. They needed the Arabic version to feel native, not like a mirrored afterthought.
My first approach was textbook: I tried to use Framer's built-in RTL text direction and CSS transforms to flip layouts. It was a disaster. Navigation animations broke, text overlapped in weird ways, and interactive components behaved unpredictably. The site looked functional in the designer but completely broken on mobile.
The core problem became clear: Framer's component system wasn't designed for directional variants. Unlike platforms like Webflow that have mature internationalization features, Framer treats RTL as a CSS property rather than a fundamental layout consideration.
I spent two weeks trying to force Framer's existing tools to work. CSS hacks, custom code injections, component overrides - nothing felt sustainable. The client was patient, but I could see their confidence dropping with each broken demo.
That's when I realized I was solving the wrong problem. Instead of trying to make Framer behave like a traditional CMS, I needed to work with its strengths while acknowledging its limitations.
Here's my playbook
What I ended up doing and the results.
Here's the system I developed after that painful first project - what I now call the "Framer RTL Hybrid Approach." It's not perfect, but it's the most reliable method I've found for delivering RTL sites in Framer without losing your sanity.
Step 1: Audit and Decision Framework
Before touching Framer, I evaluate every RTL project using these criteria:
Animation complexity: Simple hover states? Framer works. Complex scroll-triggered animations? Consider alternatives.
Component count: Under 20 components? Manageable. Over 50? You'll hate your life.
Content management needs: Static content? Fine. Dynamic CMS with frequent updates? Think twice.
Budget reality: RTL in Framer takes 60-80% longer than standard builds.
Step 2: The Dual-Component System
Instead of trying to make one component work for both directions, I create dedicated RTL variants. This sounds like double work, but it's actually faster than debugging broken CSS hacks.
For each major component, I build:
Original LTR version
RTL variant with proper text direction and flipped layouts
Shared styling variables to maintain consistency
Step 3: Smart Layout Strategy
Here's the breakthrough insight: don't fight Framer's grid system. Instead of flipping existing layouts, I rebuild them with RTL-first thinking:
Use Framer's auto-layout in reverse order
Build navigation from scratch rather than mirroring
Design icon placement with RTL in mind from the start
Step 4: Content Strategy Workaround
Since Framer's CMS doesn't handle RTL gracefully, I implement a hybrid approach:
Use external translation tools (like Google Sheets or Airtable)
Import translated content through Framer's API
Maintain separate page structures for each language
Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance
RTL sites break in unexpected ways. My testing checklist includes:
Text overflow with longer Arabic phrases
Mobile responsive behavior
Form submission and user interactions
Cross-browser compatibility (especially Safari)
The key insight: treat RTL as a separate product, not a feature toggle. This mindset shift eliminates most technical headaches and delivers better user experiences.
Design System
Create dedicated RTL component variants instead of trying to flip existing ones. Maintain consistency through shared styling variables.
Layout Strategy
Build RTL layouts from scratch using Framer's auto-layout in reverse order. Don't fight the grid system - work with it.
Content Management
Use external translation tools and import through Framer's API rather than relying on built-in CMS features.
Testing Protocol
Implement comprehensive RTL testing including text overflow, mobile behavior, and cross-browser compatibility checks.
The results from this approach have been consistently positive across 8+ RTL projects. Here's what I've seen:
Timeline Impact: RTL projects now take 60-80% longer than LTR builds, compared to the 200-300% I was seeing with the CSS hack approach. Still significant, but predictable and budgetable.
Client Satisfaction: Every RTL site delivered using this system has passed user testing with native Arabic speakers. The "it feels natural" feedback is what you're aiming for.
Maintenance Reality: Updates take longer since you're maintaining dual component systems, but it's manageable with proper documentation.
Performance Metrics: Load times remain consistent with LTR versions, and mobile performance doesn't suffer from CSS transform overhead.
The unexpected outcome: this process has made me better at building LTR sites too. Thinking about layout flexibility and component variants upfront improves overall design system architecture.
What I've learned and the mistakes I've made.
Sharing so you don't make them.
Here are the key lessons learned from building RTL sites in Framer:
Set expectations early: RTL projects cost more and take longer. Price accordingly and communicate this upfront.
Audit before committing: Some projects genuinely work better on other platforms. Be honest about Framer's limitations.
Think RTL-first: If you know RTL is coming, design the original with that in mind. It saves massive refactoring later.
Component discipline matters: Clean, well-organized component libraries are essential. RTL exposes every shortcut you've taken.
User testing is non-negotiable: Your assumptions about RTL usability are probably wrong. Test with native speakers early and often.
Documentation saves sanity: Document your RTL conventions obsessively. Future you will thank present you.
When in doubt, choose simplicity: Complex animations and interactions break first in RTL. Sometimes the best design is the simplest one.
Most importantly: RTL support isn't just about language - it's about cultural understanding. Arabic and Hebrew users have different expectations for navigation, visual hierarchy, and interaction patterns.
How you can adapt this to your Business
My playbook, condensed for your use case.
For your SaaS / Startup
For SaaS companies considering Framer for RTL markets:
Budget 60-80% extra development time for RTL versions
Plan dual-component architecture from the start if international expansion is on the roadmap
Consider user testing with native speakers during the design phase, not just at launch
For your Ecommerce store
For e-commerce stores targeting RTL markets:
Test checkout flows extensively - payment and shipping forms behave differently in RTL
Product gallery layouts need complete redesign, not just mirroring
Consider Shopify for RTL e-commerce if Framer's limitations outweigh its benefits