How to Export from Webflow: A Complete Guide

Exporting your website from Webflow can be a crucial step when you want to move your project to another platform or host it independently. Many users face challenges understanding how to export their designs and code effectively from Webflow.

This article explains how to export from Webflow clearly and simply. You will learn the exact steps to export your site’s HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and assets, along with tips to avoid common problems during the process.

What is Export from Webflow and why is it important?

Export from Webflow means downloading your website’s code and assets so you can use them outside the Webflow platform. This is important if you want to host your site elsewhere or customize the code further.

Not all Webflow projects can be exported, so understanding the export feature helps you plan your workflow better.

• Code ownership: Exporting gives you full control over your website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files for use on any server or platform.

• Hosting flexibility: You can choose to host your exported site anywhere, not just on Webflow’s hosting service.

• Customization options: Exported code allows developers to add custom features or integrate with other tools beyond Webflow’s capabilities.

• Backup purposes: Exporting your site creates a backup of your design and code outside the Webflow environment.

Knowing how export works helps you decide if Webflow fits your project needs and how to manage your website’s lifecycle.

How do you export your website from Webflow?

Exporting your website from Webflow is straightforward but requires a paid account. The export feature is not available on the free plan.

Once you have the right plan, you can export your site’s code in a few clicks from the Webflow Designer or Dashboard.

• Access the Designer: Open your project in Webflow Designer where you created your website.

• Locate export option: Click the export icon (a box with an arrow) in the top right corner of the Designer interface.

• Download files: Click the “Prepare ZIP” button to generate a ZIP file containing HTML, CSS, JS, and assets.

• Save locally: Download and save the ZIP file to your computer for further use or hosting.

Following these steps ensures you get a complete copy of your website’s front-end code ready for deployment.

What files are included when you export from Webflow?

When you export your site from Webflow, you receive a ZIP archive containing all the necessary files to run your website independently.

Understanding what files are included helps you know what you can do with the exported package.

• HTML files: These files represent the structure of each page in your Webflow project.

• CSS files: Stylesheets that control the look and feel of your website, including fonts, colors, and layouts.

• JavaScript files: Scripts that add interactivity and animations to your site.

• Assets folder: Contains images, videos, fonts, and other media used in your design.

Note that Webflow does not export server-side code or CMS content, so dynamic content managed through Webflow CMS will not be included.

Can you export CMS content from Webflow?

Webflow’s CMS content is dynamic and stored on Webflow’s servers, so it cannot be exported directly with your site’s code.

However, there are ways to export CMS data separately for use outside Webflow.

• CSV export: You can export CMS collections as CSV files for use in spreadsheets or other platforms.

• API access: Webflow provides an API to programmatically access CMS content for custom integrations.

• Manual copy: Copy and paste content manually if you have small amounts of data.

• Third-party tools: Use external tools that connect to Webflow CMS to export or sync content.

While the site’s design code can be exported, CMS content requires separate handling to migrate or back up.

What are common issues when exporting from Webflow?

Exporting from Webflow usually works well, but some users face challenges that can disrupt their workflow.

Knowing these common issues helps you avoid or fix them quickly.

• Missing export option: The export button is unavailable on free plans, so upgrading is necessary to export code.

• Broken links: Relative URLs in exported files may not work if you change hosting structure without updating paths.

• Unsupported features: Webflow interactions or CMS-driven content may not function outside Webflow without extra coding.

• Asset loading errors: Images or fonts might fail to load if asset paths are incorrect after export.

Testing your exported site locally or on a staging server helps identify and fix these issues before going live.

How do you host your exported Webflow site?

After exporting your Webflow site, you need to upload the files to a web server or hosting service to make it accessible online.

Choosing the right hosting depends on your needs and technical skills.

• Static hosting providers: Services like Netlify or Vercel offer easy deployment for static sites with continuous integration options.

• Traditional web hosts: Use shared hosting or VPS providers where you upload files via FTP or control panels.

• Cloud storage hosting: Platforms like AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage can host static sites with proper configuration.

• Local testing: Use local servers like XAMPP or live-server to preview your exported site before publishing.

Make sure to configure your domain and SSL certificates properly to ensure your site is secure and accessible.

What are the limitations of exporting from Webflow?

While exporting from Webflow is powerful, there are important limitations to keep in mind when planning your project.

These limitations affect what you can do with your exported site.

• No server-side code: Webflow exports only front-end code; backend logic or database features are not included.

• CMS content exclusion: Dynamic content from Webflow CMS is not part of the export and requires separate handling.

• Interactions constraints: Complex Webflow animations may need adjustments to work perfectly outside the platform.

• License restrictions: Exported code is for your use only and cannot be resold or redistributed without permission.

Understanding these limits helps you decide if exporting fits your project goals or if staying on Webflow hosting is better.

Conclusion

Exporting from Webflow lets you take full control of your website’s design and code by downloading it for use outside the platform. This is useful for hosting flexibility, backups, and custom development.

However, exporting has limits such as no CMS content export and no backend code. Knowing how to export, what files you get, and common issues helps you manage your Webflow projects effectively and choose the best hosting options.

FAQs about Export from Webflow

Can I export my Webflow site on the free plan?

No, exporting your site’s code requires a paid Webflow account. The free plan does not include the export feature.

Does exporting from Webflow include CMS content?

No, CMS content is stored on Webflow servers and is not part of the exported code. You must export CMS data separately as CSV or via API.

Can I host my exported Webflow site anywhere?

Yes, once exported, you can host your site on any static hosting provider or server that supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

Will Webflow interactions work after export?

Basic interactions usually work, but complex animations may need manual adjustments to function correctly outside Webflow.

How do I fix broken image links after export?

Ensure that asset paths are correct relative to your hosting structure and upload all asset files included in the export package.