How can I prevent my Webflow website from moving on mobile from left to right and appearing incorrectly spaced? Thank you for any thoughts or suggestions!
TL;DR
- Identify and fix elements that overflow the viewport on mobile breakpoints.
- Apply overflow: hidden to top-level wrappers and ensure all layouts, images, and custom code are responsive and properly aligned.
- Use Webflow's preview, canvas resizing, and X-ray mode to detect layout issues and adjust styles accordingly.
Horizontal scroll and misaligned spacing issues on mobile in Webflow usually happen due to oversized elements or improper layout settings. Here’s how to fix it.
1. Check for Overflowing Elements
- Go to each breakpoint in the Webflow Designer, especially Tablet and below.
- Look for elements extending beyond the viewport (outside the page width).
- Select suspect elements and check their size under the Style panel.
2. Use Overflow Hidden on Wrapper
- Select your top-level wrapper (commonly named something like
body-wrapperormain). - In the Style panel, set Overflow: Hidden for that element.
- This prevents hidden elements (like animations or wide images) from spilling into horizontal scroll.
3. Inspect Fixed/Absolute Positioned Elements
- Check for elements with position: absolute or position: fixed.
- Make sure they are not positioned with large left/right/top/bottom values taking them outside the view.
- Use percentage or auto values where possible (e.g.,
left: 50%with appropriate transforms).
4. Use Webflow’s Preview and Width Tools
- In Designer, toggle preview mode on mobile breakpoints.
- Use Webflow’s Canvas Resizer (bottom-right corner) to simulate different screen widths.
- Spot elements causing horizontal scroll and adjust width/margin/padding.
5. Sanitize Custom Code
- If you’ve added any custom code (inside
<head>or<body>tags in Page Settings), make sure no element is being dynamically injected with fixed sizes wider than 100vw. - Scripts or embeds (like iframes or custom video players) are common culprits.
6. Audit Large Images, Grids, or Flex Children
- Ensure images are set to max-width: 100% so they don't overflow.
- For flexbox or grid layouts, make sure children wrap properly and don’t exceed the parent container.
- Avoid fixed widths (e.g.,
500px) on mobile—use responsive units like percentages orvw.
7. Use X-Ray Mode to Debug
- Turn on X-ray mode in Webflow (bottom toolbar) to see all layout boxes and detect what's sticking out visually.
Summary
To stop your Webflow site from sliding left/right on mobile, identify and fix overflow elements, apply overflow: hidden to key wrappers, and ensure all content is responsive within each breakpoint. Use preview tools and layout debugging features in Webflow for accuracy.