Can I send a custom embedded form submission with form tags and an external form action to the Webflow backend?
TL;DR
- Webflow only processes form submissions made through its built-in form component without a custom
actionattribute. - To use custom forms, route submissions to external services like Zapier, Formspree, or implement JavaScript/API workarounds, as these won't be handled by Webflow’s backend.
You cannot send a custom embedded form with an external action attribute to the Webflow backend (also known as Webflow's native form handling system).
1. How Webflow Form Submissions Work
- Webflow forms rely on Webflow’s internal system to process submissions.
- Each form must have the
actionattribute generated by Webflow, and must not include a custom form action URL if you want it to submit into the Webflow Forms tab. - Forms must also include Webflow-specific hidden fields injected by Webflow when you use the built-in form element.
2. Why External Forms Don't Work with Webflow Backend
- If you embed a custom form using code (e.g., using a raw
<form>tag in an Embed element), you bypass Webflow’s form engine. - Since Webflow doesn't detect or rewrite custom forms with its hidden submission fields, those forms won't send data to your Webflow’s Forms section or trigger Webflow form submission behaviors (like success messages or email notifications).
- Additionally, using a custom
actionattribute prevents the form from posting to Webflow servers.
3. Alternative Solutions
If you need a custom form or want to integrate with an external service, consider these options:
- Use Webflow's built-in form element and style it as needed. This ensures full compatibility.
- Use a custom form and send the data to:
- Zapier, Make (Integromat), or Webhooks for custom workflows
- Third-party form processors like Formspree, Basin, or Netlify Forms
- If you must post to Webflow and need custom behavior, use JavaScript to intercept the form submission, insert the required
_wf_form_idand other hidden fields, and send an XHR request to Webflow’s submission endpoint—but note that this is not officially supported and could break if Webflow changes their API.
Summary
You cannot use a custom embedded form with an external action and expect it to submit to the Webflow backend. To use Webflow's form handling, you must use the built-in form component without overriding its action. For full customization, use external processors or integrate via JavaScript and APIs.