How to Add Custom Code to Webflow? Step by Step Guide

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

Webflow gives you the power to build fully responsive, visually stunning websites—without writing a single line of code. But for developers, marketers, and power users who want more flexibility, Webflow also allows you to add custom code to enhance functionality, integrate third-party tools, and fine-tune your website experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to add custom code to your Webflow project, and the right direction for implementing it in your own projects. 

What is 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, such as using Webflow add custom CSS, can drastically increase the flexibility of your design, allowing you to introduce unique features and tailored experiences.

For example, a webflow add 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, such as Webflow custom CSS, could be used to create a unique hover effect not available within Webflow's default design options.

Other than that, a Webflow 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 make a website with Webflow custom code. The first method allows you to add code globally to all pages, while the second method, Webflow add custom CSS, 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 webflow HTML embed element in Webflow Designer.

• Drag and drop the HTML Embed element onto the body of your page.
• Add custom CSS in Webflow, 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 of how to add custom code in webflow:

• Always use the custom code Webflow 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 webflow 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, including techniques like 'webflow add 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 webflow 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 Webflow 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. 

Conclusion

Incorporating webflow custom code 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 about webflow add custom code. There are also many online communities where you can get help and support from other developers.

Webflow Resources:

1. How to add slider in Webflow?‍
2. How to create pop-up in Webflow?‍
3. How to export code from Webflow?‍
4. How to clone a Webflow website?‍
5. How to connect Webflow to a domain?‍
6. How to install GTM in Webflow?‍
7. How to install google analytics in Webflow?

FAQs

1) Can I add custom code to Webflow without coding knowledge?

Webflow allows you to insert custom code using simple copy-paste methods. You don’t need advanced coding skills.

2) Where can I add custom code in Webflow?

You can add custom code in Webflow in three main places:

• Site-wide: In Project Settings > Custom Code (for code that should appear on all pages).
• Page-specific: In Page Settings > Custom Code (for code that applies to a single page).
• Inside elements: Using the Embed component in the Designer to place code directly into the layout

3) Is adding custom code in Webflow safe?

Yes, as long as you’re using secure and trusted code. Avoid using scripts from unreliable sources. Webflow also supports SSL and site backups, helping you keep your project safe.

4) Do I need a paid plan to use custom code in Webflow?

Yes, adding custom code to Webflow requires a paid site plan. Free plans allow you to design and prototype, but custom code is only available on published sites with a premium hosting plan.

5) Can I use custom code in Webflow CMS or eCommerce pages?

Absolutely. You can use custom code across CMS templates and eCommerce product pages.