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
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.
Simplified Frontend Code: Move data logic to the server-side, keeping your frontend cleaner.
Improved Security: Centralize authentication and API key management.
Better Maintainability: Avoid bloated APIs that try to serve all clients with a single response shape.
More Control: Implement caching, rate limiting, and A/B testing logic at the BFF level.
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.
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
While similar at a glance, BFF and API gateways serve different purposes:
| Feature | API Gateway | Backend for Frontend |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Route, secure, throttle | Tailor data for a specific UI |
| Logic Type | Generic | UI-specific |
| Who Owns It? | DevOps or Platform Team | Frontend/Fullstack Team |
| Use Cases | All clients | One client type |
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
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.
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