Reducing Unused CSS and JS for Webflow Sites

Step 1: Identify Unused CSS and JS

To begin cleaning up your Webflow site, you first need to pinpoint which CSS and JavaScript files are not in use. You can use tools like Google Chrome's DevTools for this task. Open your website in Chrome, right-click on the page, and select Inspect or press Ctrl + Shift + I. Go to the Coverage tab by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of the DevTools window, then select More tools and Coverage. Click the reload button in the Coverage panel to see which files are loaded and highlight the unused code. The coverage report will show the amount of code used versus unused, along with percentages for each file indicating how much CSS and JS is being utilized.

Step 2: Review Your Styles and Scripts

After identifying the unused CSS and JS, review your styles and scripts carefully. Make a list of the classes and IDs employed in your project and cross-reference this list with the unused code from the Coverage report. Remember that some code may appear unused but is necessary for specific interactions or other site parts. Double-check functional scripts and styles before deleting anything.

Step 3: Remove Unused CSS

To optimize your Webflow site, remove unused CSS directly in the Webflow Designer. Go to the Designer view of your project and click on the Style Manager on the right-side panel. Here, you will see all styles used across your project. You can filter for unused styles by checking the Show all styles option. Review the list of unused styles carefully, ensuring they are not needed for any interactions, pages, or components. If deemed unnecessary, delete them. After cleaning up your styles, republish your site to apply the changes.

Step 4: Optimize JavaScript

Optimizing JavaScript can significantly reduce page load time. Locate any custom JavaScript added to your project and identify scripts not needed for site functionality. Remove redundant scripts that you aren't using.

Step 5: Minify CSS and JS

After removing unused CSS and JS, minify the remaining code to enhance performance further. Use online tools like CSS Minifier or JavaScript Minifier to compress your code. Copy the minified code and replace the original code in your project. After making this change, verify that your website functions as intended to prevent unexpected errors.

Step 6: Test Your Site’s Performance

With your CSS and JS optimized, test your site’s performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or WebPageTest. Look for improvements in loading times and check for any further recommendations these tools may provide.

Conclusion

Regularly optimizing your Webflow site for unused CSS and JS can significantly enhance your site's speed and user experience. By following these steps, you streamline your website’s performance, creating a more engaging environment for visitors. Revisit your site’s styles and scripts periodically to maintain optimal performance and ensure your website remains efficient and user-friendly.