Backend for Frontend (BFF) is a design pattern where a custom backend service is built specifically for a particular frontend application or user interface. Instead of one generic backend serving all clients (web, mobile, tablet), each frontend gets its own dedicated backend layer. This BFF layer is responsible for:

• Aggregating APIs

• Transforming and filtering data

• Managing device- or platform-specific logic

• Enhancing performance and security

Why Use a BFF?

1. Frontend Optimisation: Every frontend has unique needs, mobile apps might want smaller payloads; desktop apps may display more detailed data. A BFF lets you tailor responses per channel.

2. Simplified Frontend Code: Move data logic to the server-side, keeping your frontend cleaner.

3. Improved Security: Centralize authentication and API key management.

4. Better Maintainability: Avoid bloated APIs that try to serve all clients with a single response shape.

5. More Control: Implement caching, rate limiting, and A/B testing logic at the BFF level.

BFF in eCommerce

In headless eCommerce, BFFs are extremely useful. A typical eCommerce site uses many APIs:

• Commerce engine (Shopify, commercetools, etc.)

• CMS

• Search engine

• Personalization engine

• PIM

A BFF can:

• Combine multiple APIs into one clean response

• Customize data per page or device

• Handle business logic (e.g., promo rules, inventory fallback)

• Deliver faster page loads with optimized queries

For example, your mobile app may require lighter image formats and fewer product attributes than the desktop storefront. A BFF helps serve only what’s needed.

When to Introduce a BFF

You should consider introducing a BFF if:

• Your frontend relies on multiple third-party APIs

• You’re building platform-specific interfaces (web, iOS, Android)

• You need to manage session-specific personalization

• You want to experiment with features without affecting core APIs

• Your frontend team is blocked by backend response limitations

BFF vs. API Gateway

While similar at a glance, BFF and API gateways serve different purposes:

BFF in a Composable Architecture

In composable commerce, the frontend is decoupled and often built with modern frameworks like Next.js or Nuxt. These UIs rely on APIs for everything, from catalog data to content, pricing, and recommendations.

A BFF in this context:

• Acts as the glue between the frontend and the API ecosystem

• Keeps the frontend lightweight and fast

• Encapsulates transformations and business logic

• Enables fast iteration and testing without backend regression

How Laioutr Integrates With BFF

Laioutr is designed to work seamlessly with (or without) a BFF layer:

• Use Laioutr's component-based builder to create pages

• Connect to any BFF via GraphQL or REST

• Allow BFF-managed content, prices, or personalization to feed frontend components

• Orchestrate storefront data visually while your BFF handles logic

For teams who want to centralise logic but empower marketers with frontend control, Laioutr + BFF is the ideal combo.

Final Thoughts

Backend for Frontend (BFF) is a powerful pattern for managing complex frontend needs in a scalable, modular way. Especially in headless and composable setups, a BFF simplifies development, improves performance, and enhances frontend agility.

If you're building modern eCommerce storefronts, consider pairing your BFF with Laioutr — the frontend management platform designed for composable commerce.

👉 Want to see how Laioutr works with your BFF? Book a demo