Exporting Code from Webflow for External Hosting

Prepare Your Project for Export

Before exporting your project, ensure everything is set up correctly:

1. Review Design: Check all elements in your Webflow project to ensure links, animations, and interactions function as intended.
2. Disable Unused Features: Turn off any unnecessary features to avoid exporting redundant code.
3. Save Work: Click "Save" in the upper right corner to secure all updates.

Export Your Code

Once ready, follow these steps to export your project:

1. Go to Project Settings: Select your project in the Webflow dashboard and click the settings gear icon.
2. Navigate to Exports Tab: In Project Settings, find the Code Export tab.
3. Start Export: Click the Prepare ZIP button to compile project files.
4. Download ZIP File: After compilation, click Download ZIP to receive your .zip file with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images.

Review the Exported Code

Examine the downloaded .zip file:

1. Unzip the File: Extract the contents to a folder on your computer.
2. Explore Structure: Inside, you will find HTML files, a CSS folder, a JS folder, and an images folder.
3. Open HTML Files: Use a code editor to inspect the HTML and ensure everything looks correct.

Choose an External Hosting Provider

Decide on a hosting option based on your needs:

1. Shared Hosting: Affordable, suitable for smaller projects. Providers include Bluehost and SiteGround.
2. Cloud Hosting: Offers scalability and control. Consider Amazon Web Services or Digital Ocean.
3. Managed Hosting: Avoid server management with options like managed WordPress hosting or Netlify for static sites.

Upload Your Files to the Hosting Provider

After choosing a provider, upload your files:

1. Access Hosting Account: Log in to your hosting account and open the file manager.
2. Locate Main Directory: Typically named public_html or similar.
3. Upload Files: Transfer all contents of the exported folder, keeping the structure intact.
4. Test Site: Visit your domain to ensure everything functions properly, fixing any broken links or images as needed.

Set Up Custom Domain (if needed)

If your domain is registered separately, point it to your hosting server:

1. Update DNS Settings: At your domain registrar, change your nameservers to those given by your hosting provider.
2. Allow Propagation Time: DNS changes can take from a few minutes up to 48 hours to propagate.

Conclusion

By exporting your Webflow project and moving to external hosting, you gain more control and customization for your site. Carefully follow these steps, select a fitting hosting service, and keep monitoring your site's performance to ensure everything remains optimal for your audience. Enjoy the benefits and flexibility of managing your hosted website.