Learn to add Custom Code to Webflow Website

Webflow, a robust website builder and CMS, empowers individuals and businesses to design and launch professional websites without writing a single line of code. 

However, for those who wish to go the extra mile and harness the full potential of this platform, the use of webflow custom code becomes a powerful tool. 

In this blog, we will dive into three key tips for effectively utilizing custom code in Webflow.  

These tips will help you to understand how webflow custom code works, how to use it effectively, and the right direction for implementing it in your own projects. 

Understanding Custom Code in Webflow

Custom code is any code that is added to a Webflow project outside of the visual editor. It refers to HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code added to introduce functionality or design elements not traditionally a part of the Webflow system. 

Incorporating custom code can drastically increase the flexibility of your design, allowing you to introduce unique features and tailored experiences.

For example, a custom JavaScript code can help create interactive elements, like a pop-up modal, which elevates user engagement on your website. Similarly, a piece of CSS could be used to create a unique hover effect not available within Webflow's default design options.

Other than that, a custom code can be used to:

• Integrate with third-party services
• Create custom forms
• Track user behavior
• Add advanced JS animations to your website
• And much more

How to add Custom Code to Webflow?

There are two methods to add custom code in Webflow. The first method allows you to add code globally to all pages, while the second method allows you to add code on a per-page basis.

Method 1: Adding Custom Code Globally

• Open the Site Settings in Webflow.
• Navigate to the Custom Code section.
• Add your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to the Header or Footer sections.

Method 2: Adding Custom Code to Specific Pages

• Open the Page Settings for the desired page.
• Navigate to the "Inside Head Tag" or "Before Body Tag" section.
• Add your Custom code (CSS and JavaScript code) to the respective sections.

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And, you can also use the Embed HTML element in Webflow Designer.

• Drag and drop the HTML Embed element onto the body of your page.
• Add your Custom CSS, HTML, and JavaScript code within that element.

Best Practices for Using Custom Code in Webflow

While using custom code in Webflow unlocks exciting opportunities, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure compatibility with Webflow's visual editor and to maintain the overall performance of your site.

Here are some best practices for using custom code in Webflow:

• Always use the custom code section provided in the project settings or page settings area of your Webflow dashboard. 
• Test your code in a Webflow.io subdomain before deploying it on your live site. This can prevent unforeseen issues.
• Make sure your custom code is clean and optimized. Inefficient code can slow down your site and impact user experience and SEO.
• Use comments to explain what your code is doing. This will make it easier for you to understand your code in the future, and it will also make it easier for other developers to work on your project.

Common mistakes to avoid include not closing tags, using incorrect syntax, or adding too much custom code which could impact site performance.

Examples of Custom Code Use Cases in Webflow

Several successful Webflow websites have made optimal use of custom code to enhance their online presence. Let's look at a couple of inspiring examples.

On the above website, custom JavaScript code is used to convert Webflow CMS collection items into a dynamic slider. This was done so as to promote better visitor engagement on the website. 

Another excellent example is the following site, where we made a custom form with HTML code, without using any custom CSS code.

Here are a few examples of how custom code can be used:

• Creating custom forms: You can use custom code to create custom forms. This could include things like adding validation rules. 
• Integrating with third-party services: You can use custom code to integrate with third-party services. This could include things like CRM Integration, adding a social media feed to your website, or integrating with a payment processing service,  or integrating with a third-party service like Hubspot, Mailchimp.
• Adding JS animations: You can use custom code to add custom JS animations to include complexity to your website. 
• Tracking user behavior: You can use custom code to track user behavior on your website through hotjar or microsoft clarity. This could include things like tracking how many pages users visit, or what they click on.

In addition, we have a ready blog if you want to add an exit intent popup using JavaScript on your Webflow website. 

Of course, the possibilities are endless. Don’t just stick with the examples.

Conclusion

Incorporating custom code in Webflow is a game-changer. It empowers you to step beyond the constraints of templated design and create a website truly reflective of your brand and vision. 

By understanding what custom code is, following best practices when using it, and drawing inspiration from successful use cases, you can significantly enhance your Webflow website. 

If you are new to coding, there are many resources available to help you learn. There are also many online communities where you can get help and support from other developers.

So, why wait? Start experimenting with custom code on your Webflow project today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.

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