How can I implement swipe functionality between tab panes on mobile using custom code in Webflow?
TL;DR
- Assign IDs or classes to your tab elements and add
data-indexattributes for easy targeting. - Add JavaScript to detect swipe direction on tab panes and trigger
.click()on the appropriate tab link. - Include bounds checking to prevent out-of-range errors and optionally restrict the script to mobile devices using
window.innerWidth.
To implement swipe functionality between tab panes on mobile in Webflow, you’ll need to add custom JavaScript that listens for swipe gestures and triggers a tab change.
1. Identify Your Tab Component
- Select your Tabs widget in the Webflow Designer.
- Note or assign custom IDs or classes to the Tabs Wrapper, Tab Menu, and Tab Panes so you can target them in the script.
- Example setup:
- Tabs Wrapper:
#tabs-wrapper - Each Tab Link:
.w-tab-link - Each Tab Pane:
.w-tab-pane
2. Add Custom Attributes to Make Tabs Detectable
- Give each Tab Pane a
data-indexattribute manually or rely on their DOM order. - Ensure the Tab Link order matches the Tab Pane order exactly.
3. Add Swipe Detection Script
- Go to Page Settings or Site Settings → Custom Code → Footer.
- Paste your custom swipe logic inside a
<script>tag (but exclude the<script>tag as per guidelines here).
Here's a simplified inline explanation of what your script will do:
- Listen to
touchstart,touchendevents on the tab pane container. - Calculate swipe direction.
- Based on swipe, trigger a
.click()on the next or previous.w-tab-link.
Example flow to translate into code:
- On swipe left → go to next tab.
- On swipe right → go to previous tab.
4. Prevent Edge Errors
- In your script, check if a next or previous tab exists before triggering the click.
- Avoid exceeding tab index limits.
5. Load the Script Only on Mobile (Optional)
- Wrap your logic in a condition like:
if (window.innerWidth < 768) { /* run swipe code */ }
to target only mobile screens.
6. Publish and Test on a Mobile Device
- Publish your site to see the script in action.
- Test swipe gestures and ensure tab transitions occur correctly.
Summary
To enable mobile swipe between Webflow tabs, use custom JavaScript to detect swipe direction on the tab pane container and simulate .click() events on the corresponding tab links. Make sure your tabs are properly indexed and test the behavior on mobile to confirm smooth interaction.