Why use Hostgrid with Framer?
Framer makes it easy to design and publish beautiful websites, but connecting a custom domain normally requires upgrading to a paid site plan. Hostgrid offers a simple alternative for builders who want to use their own domain without committing to a monthly subscription.
- Avoid upgrading Framer plans just to connect a custom domain
- Works with your existing Framer site, including staging sites
- Automatic SSL certificates with no manual setup
- Manage multiple domains and projects from one dashboard
- No changes to your Framer site content or publishing workflow
This allows you to launch and test projects on your own domain while continuing to build your site inside Framer.
How to Use Custom Domains with Framer
Setting up a custom domain for your Framer site using Hostgrid is quick and straightforward.
Add your Framer site
In Hostgrid, enter the URL of your Framer site (for example,
yourproject.framer.website).Add your domain
Attach the domain you want visitors to access (for example,
yourdomain.comorsite.yourdomain.com).Follow the DNS setup instructions
Hostgrid will provide the DNS records required to verify your domain ownership. Add these records in your domain registrar or DNS provider.
Automatic verification and SSL activation
Once DNS is detected, Hostgrid automatically verifies the configuration and activates your domain with SSL.
Hostgrid makes connecting custom domains easy. The Individual Starter plan starts at $20/year — see pricing for more.
After activation, visitors can access your Framer site directly through your custom domain.
Hostgrid vs Upgrading Framer Plans
If your primary goal is simply to connect a custom domain, upgrading a Framer site plan may not always be necessary.
| Option | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Framer Site Plan | 💳 About $60/year to enable custom domains 🔒 Limited to one domain per site 📦 Locked into Framer site pricing |
| Use Hostgrid | 💰 $20/year to connect your domain 🌐 Works with any platform, not just Framer 🔐 Automatic SSL and DNS verification 📊 Manage multiple domains from one dashboard |
Hostgrid gives you flexibility. If your project later moves to another platform, your domain setup stays consistent.
Who Should Use Hostgrid
Individuals / Indie Builders
Many indie builders use Framer to quickly design landing pages, experiments, and MVP projects. However, Framer requires a paid site plan before a custom domain can be connected.
For builders who are still testing ideas, paying a monthly subscription just to connect a domain may not make sense.
Hostgrid offers a lightweight workaround:
- Continue using your Framer staging site
- Connect your own domain
- Launch your project publicly for $20/year
For builders who are comfortable leaving Framer branding visible, this makes it easy to test projects on a real domain while continuing to iterate inside Framer.
Hostgrid’s Individual Starter plan starts at $20/year — ideal for indie builders and experimental projects. See /pricing/ for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom domain with a Framer free plan?
Normally, Framer requires a paid site plan before a custom domain can be connected. Hostgrid provides a way to connect your own domain to your Framer site without upgrading your Framer plan. However, Framer branding will still appear on free plans.
Does Hostgrid provide SSL certificates?
Yes. Hostgrid automatically provisions and renews SSL certificates for every connected domain. This means your Framer site will load securely over HTTPS without any manual certificate management.
Does Hostgrid modify my Framer site?
No. Hostgrid does not change or modify your Framer site content. Your Framer site continues running exactly as it normally would. Hostgrid only connects your domain and handles SSL and DNS verification.
Can I connect an apex domain like mydomain.com?
Yes. Apex (root) domains such as mydomain.com are supported. Hostgrid will guide you through the exact DNS setup during configuration.
Can I connect multiple domains to the same Framer site?
Yes. Hostgrid allows you to manage multiple domains or subdomains connected to your Framer site from one dashboard.
This is useful for:
- marketing domains
- project variations
- client-specific domains
Can I connect a subdomain like app.mydomain.com?
Yes. Subdomains such as:
app.yourdomain.comwww.yourdomain.comproject.yourdomain.com
are fully supported.
Will upgrading my Framer plan remove branding?
Yes. On paid Framer site plans, Framer branding is removed and custom domains are supported directly inside Framer. Hostgrid does not remove Framer branding — it only connects your custom domain.
What if I move my site away from Framer later?
Your domain setup remains intact. You can update the destination site in Hostgrid and keep using the same domain without changing your DNS configuration again.