Insights and Inspiration – The Hostnicker Blog
July 2, 2024
Step 1: Prepare Your Webflow Project
Ensure your project is complete and in a publishable state. This means reviewing all pages, checking for broken links, and updating content as necessary. Keep in mind that you cannot edit your design in Webflow once exported.
Step 2: Access Your Webflow Dashboard
Sign in to your Webflow account and access your dashboard. Locate the specific project you wish to export from the list of your projects. Click on the project name to enter the project settings.
Step 3: Open Project Settings
Within the project dashboard, click on the settings icon (usually a gear symbol) to open project settings. Here, you will find numerous options such as SEO settings, custom code, hosting, and more.
Step 4: Access the Export Option
Within project settings, find the section labeled Export Code. This feature allows you to download the HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images for your site. Note that this option is not available on Webflow's free plan, so ensure you are on a paid plan.
Step 5: Download Your Site Files
Locate the Export button under the Export Code section. Click it to initiate the download, which generates a ZIP file with your site's files. After downloading, open the ZIP file to access:
- HTML files for each site page
- CSS files for site styling
- JavaScript files for interactive components
- Images and other assets from your project
Step 6: Understand What is Not Included
Not all site elements are exported. Here's what's not included:
- CMS content: Webflow's CMS data will not be exported. You will need to recreate this data manually or use a third-party tool for export.
- Interactions: Basic JavaScript animations are included, but complex interactions may need adjustments.
- Forms: Form data and submissions within Webflow will not export. You will need to set up forms on your new platform.
- Ecommerce data: Product data and payment integrations in ecommerce stores will not be included.
Step 7: Backup and Post-Export Actions
Extract the ZIP file contents and create a backup in a secure location to retain your site's design and assets. If migrating to a new platform, set up your new site using these exported files. Be prepared for potential additional setup due to excluded data, ensuring a smooth transition to your new host.