How to Export Code from Webflow: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Webflow has redefined a powerful website-building platform that merges design, animation, and code without writing code. But for developers and freelancers who want more control over their hosting environment or need to integrate Webflow projects into larger systems, exporting code from Webflow becomes essential.

In this step-by-step guide, we will learn how to export code from Webflow. We will also cover what you can and can’t export, how to handle the exported files, and best practices for clean and optimized code.

Can You Export Code from Webflow?

Yes, Webflow does allow you to export your website’s front-end code, but only if you've purchased a paid plan.

When you export a Webflow project, Webflow provides you with the following:

• HTML files for each page
  
• CSS stylesheets
  
• JavaScript files (including interactions and animations)
  
• Image and font assets
  

This exported code is fully editable and can be hosted on any server of your choice.

Make sure to understand that not everything in Webflow is exportable. Here’s what you can’t export:

• CMS content: Webflow’s CMS database stays within the Webflow platform. The CMS Collections and dynamic content won’t function outside of Webflow hosting.
  
• eCommerce functionality: Product catalogs, cart/checkout functionality, and order processing remain within Webflow's hosted environment.
  
• Form processing: Although the form design is exported, Webflow’s built-in form submission handling won’t work on external hosting. You’ll need third-party services like Formspree or Zapier.
  

So while exporting is a powerful feature, it’s most useful for static or mostly static websites such as landing pages, portfolios, brochure sites, or static marketing websites.

How to Export Code from Webflow: Step-by-Step Guide

Exporting code from Webflow is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Log in to Your Webflow Dashboard

Go to Webflow and log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, you will see your Dashboard with all your projects.

2. Select the Project You Want to Export

Click on the Webflow project that you want to export. You’ll be taken to the Designer interface.

3. Open the Designer and Click the “Export Code” Icon

Inside the Designer interface, look for the Export Code icon located in the top-right corner of the interface, which looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward. Click on it to open the export options.

4. Choose “Prepare ZIP” to Download All Files

Click the "Prepare ZIP" button. Webflow will bundle all your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and assets into a ZIP file. This process usually takes a few seconds.

5. Save the ZIP File to Your Local Drive

Once the ZIP file is ready, download it to your computer. You now have full access to your website’s front-end code and can use it however you like.

What’s Inside the Exported ZIP File?

After downloading the ZIP file from Webflow, you’ll see a clean folder structure that looks something like this:

/index.html
/about.html
/contact.html
/css/
    styles.css
/js/
    webflow.js
    jquery.js
/images/
    logo.png
    hero-background.jpg

Folder Breakdown:

• HTML Files: Each page in your Webflow project is exported as a static HTML file.
  
• CSS Folder: Contains your global styles and responsive design rules.
  
• JS Folder: Includes Webflow’s own JavaScript logic (webflow.js) for animations, as well as dependencies like jQuery.
  
• Images Folder: Contains all image assets used in your project.
  

Best Practices for Clean Code Export

To ensure your exported code remains performant and maintainable, follow these best practices:

1. Minimize Custom Code Inside Webflow

While Webflow supports custom code blocks, overusing them can clutter your export and make maintenance harder. Use Webflow’s native design tools whenever possible, and keep custom scripts modular and organized.

2. Use Consistent Naming Conventions

Naming your classes consistently (e.g., btn-primary, hero-section, footer-links) improves code readability and makes collaboration easier for developers working with exported files.

Avoid using generic or auto-generated names like div-block-10.

3. Run Performance Tests After Hosting

Once you deploy your exported site, run it through tools like:

• Google PageSpeed Insights
  
• GTmetrix
  
• Lighthouse
  

Optimize images, minify scripts, and consider using a CDN to improve performance.

Recommended To Read: Learn to add Custom Code to Webflow site

Conclusion

Exporting code from the Webflow platform gives you the freedom and flexibility to host your website anywhere, integrate with custom backend systems, and tailor your development workflow exactly how you want.

By following the above step-by-step guide, you can confidently download your site’s HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and assets ready for deployment, collaboration, or customization. Still having trouble exporting the code from Webflow, contact theCSS Agency.

theCSS Agency specializes in helping SaaS, IT, and B2B companies build and launch Webflow websites that don’t just look good, they convert. Whether you want to self-host, integrate with APIs, or deploy a high-performing landing page, our expert Webflow developers ensure your code is clean, optimized, and aligned with your business goals.

FAQs

1) Can I export Webflow CMS content?

No. Webflow CMS content (Collections and dynamic data) cannot be exported. If your site relies on CMS data, you’ll need to recreate it manually or use an external headless CMS with custom development.

2) Do I need a paid plan to export code?

Yes. Code export is only available on paid site plans — it’s not accessible on the free Starter plan.

3) Can I edit the exported code in VS Code or other editors?

Absolutely. The exported code is standard HTML, CSS, and JS. You can open and modify it in any code editor like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Atom.

4) Is Webflow export SEO-friendly?

Yes. Webflow generates semantic HTML with proper tag hierarchy, meta tags, and image alt attributes, making the exported code SEO-ready. However, you should still manually review metadata and structure after export.