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Deploy guide

Host a Framer site on DigitalOcean App Platform

A managed platform on DigitalOcean that serves static sites from a Git repo or a direct upload, on predictable flat pricing.

Deploy method
doctl CLI, or connect a Git repository
Build step
None needed
Config file
app.yaml

Deploy it

Unzip the export first, so the commands below run from inside the folder that contains index.html.

DigitalOcean App Platform — deploy
doctl apps create --spec app.yaml
# or push to the connected repo and let it redeploy

Without the terminal: cloud.digitalocean.com/apps → Create App → Resource type: Static Site

The app.yaml you need

Declare the site as a static resource with no build command.

app.yaml
name: my-framer-site
static_sites:
  - name: web
    source_dir: /
    index_document: index.html
    error_document: 404.html
The thing that breaks on DigitalOcean App Platform
App Platform assumes a build step and will look for one. A raw export has none, so you must explicitly leave the build command empty — if you let it autodetect, it fails the deploy looking for a package.json.

Custom domain

Settings → Domains, then either delegate the domain to DigitalOcean DNS or add the CNAME they display.

What it costs

App Platform includes a starter allowance for static sites; beyond that it is flat monthly pricing rather than per-request billing.

Best fit
People who already run droplets and want the marketing site on the same bill.

Before you move the domain

  1. 1. Deploy to the host's own subdomain and open every page from the nav.
  2. 2. Visit a URL that does not exist and confirm you get a real 404, not a 200.
  3. 3. Submit any form on the site — exported forms post nowhere until you rewire them.
  4. 4. Only then move DNS, and keep the Framer plan active for one more cycle as a rollback.

Questions

Can I host a Framer site on DigitalOcean App Platform for free?

App Platform includes a starter allowance for static sites; beyond that it is flat monthly pricing rather than per-request billing.

Do I need a build step to deploy a Framer export to DigitalOcean App Platform?

No. A Framer export is already built output, so the build command stays empty. DigitalOcean App Platform serves the files as they are.

How do I point my own domain at DigitalOcean App Platform?

Settings → Domains, then either delegate the domain to DigitalOcean DNS or add the CNAME they display.

What usually goes wrong when deploying a Framer export to DigitalOcean App Platform?

App Platform assumes a build step and will look for one. A raw export has none, so you must explicitly leave the build command empty — if you let it autodetect, it fails the deploy looking for a package.json.