To configure Webflow so that the preloader only appears during the first visit to the website, you can follow these steps:
1. Add the preloader to your Webflow project: Start by creating or designing your preloader animation in Webflow. You can use custom code, interactions, or a combination of both to create your desired preloader. Once you have designed it, add it to your project and make sure it is positioned correctly.
2. Set up the preloader on the homepage: Go to the homepage of your website in the Webflow Designer. Select the preloader element and set it to display on the page load. You can do this by selecting the element, going to the Element Settings panel, and enabling the "Display: Block" option.
3. Configure the preloader to only appear on the first visit: To ensure that the preloader appears only on the first visit to the website, you'll need to add some custom code. Webflow provides the ability to add custom code to your site through the site settings.
a. Go to the project settings by clicking on the gear icon in the left sidebar of the Webflow Designer.
b. In the project settings, select the "Custom Code" tab.
c. In the "Head Code" section, add the following JavaScript code:
```javascript
```
Modify the commented section in the above code to display the preloader element on the first visit. Make sure to replace `'preloader'` with the appropriate ID or class name of your preloader element.
4. Publish and test: Save your changes, publish your Webflow project, and test it in a browser. The preloader should only appear on the first visit to the website. On subsequent visits, it should be bypassed as the script checks for the `firstVisit` value in the browser's local storage.
By implementing this approach, you can create a custom workflow in Webflow where the preloader is only displayed upon the first visit to the website, providing a seamless and non-intrusive experience for subsequent visits.