Webflow doesn't natively support WebGL shaders, but designers and developers have successfully implemented WebGL or complex hover effects using custom code embeds and external JavaScript libraries like Three.js. If you're running into issues, here’s what to check:
1. Confirm WebGL Context Support
- Test in a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to ensure WebGL is enabled.
- Go to https://get.webgl.org to verify your device and browser support WebGL.
2. Use Custom Code Embed Properly
- Use a Custom Code Embed element inside a Webflow section or div where you want the effect to render.
- Place JavaScript and canvas elements inside this Embed element.
- If using Three.js or similar, include the external script link in your Embed or in the Page Settings > Before tag.
3. Load Scripts Correctly
- Make sure you're loading the external libraries before using them. For example, if using Three.js, load the CDN script first.
- Avoid putting JavaScript inside the
<head> unless you're only referencing libraries—put initializing code in Before for performance and reliability.
4. Verify Load Order
- Webflow loads scripts deferred, so inline scripts might run before DOM elements are fully available.
- Wrap your scripts in:
window.Webflow || (window.Webflow = []); followed bywindow.Webflow.push(function() { // your code here });- Or simply use
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {}).
5. Ensure Canvas Size and Placement
- WebGL renderers typically render into a canvas. Make sure your canvas element has:
- Proper width/height styling (e.g., 100% or fixed pixels),
- A defined container in Webflow with absolute/relative positioning.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not hosting GLSL files or shaders properly — you have to inline them as JS strings or load them via public URLs.
- Element IDs or classes not matching between Webflow and your JS code.
- Conflicting scripts — some Webflow interactions/scripts may override or conflict with your custom code.
7. Use Reliable Examples/Frameworks
- Look for Webflow projects using Three.js, Curtains.js, or Pixi.js, which are commonly used for WebGL hover and shader effects.
- Cloneable examples (on Webflow Showcase) can give you a solid base: search for “Three.js hover effect” or “shaders”.
Summary
To successfully implement a WebGL shader or hover effect in Webflow, ensure your browser supports WebGL, load external scripts properly, embed your canvas and shader code in the right place, and avoid load-order and styling conflicts. Using a working example as a base is often the fastest path.
