How can I sort a CMS collection with multi-reference fields in Webflow? The option to sort seems to be missing.

In Webflow, sorting a CMS collection with multi-reference fields can be achieved using a workaround. Unfortunately, the native sorting option in Webflow CMS is not available for multi-reference fields at the moment.

However, you can still achieve the desired sorting effect by leveraging custom code and utilizing the Webflow CMS API. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:

Step 1: Configure the multi-reference field
Ensure that you have properly set up the multi-reference field in your CMS collection. Make sure it relates to the correct collection(s) and is properly connected to your reference items.

Step 2: Add a new field for sorting
Create a new field in your CMS collection specifically for sorting purposes. This field can be a number or even a date/time field. Let's call it "Sort Order."

Step 3: Assign sort values to each reference item
Manually assign sort values to each reference item based on the desired order. For example, if you have five reference items and you want them to appear in a specific order, assign sort values of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to ensure the items display in the correct sequence.

Step 4: Associate the sort values to the multi-reference field
In each CMS item that references multiple items, add the corresponding sort values to the multi-reference field. For instance, if Item A references Item 1, Item 2, and Item 3, make sure to associate the sort values of Item 1, Item 2, and Item 3 to Item A through the multi-reference field.

Step 5: Retrieve and sort CMS items via API
Using the Webflow CMS API, retrieve the CMS items on your website. Then, sort the fetched items based on the associated sort values.

You can use JavaScript frameworks, such as jQuery, to handle the API calls and sorting logic. Here's a basic example:

```javascript
$.ajax({
url: 'https://api.webflow.com/collections/your-collection/items?api_version=1.0.0&access_token=your-access-token',
method: 'GET',
success: function(response) {
// Once you have the collection items, sort them based on the "Sort Order" field
var sortedItems = response.items.sort(function(a, b) {
return a.fields['Sort Order'] - b.fields['Sort Order'];
});

// Use the sorted items to populate your website// You can loop through the sortedItems array and display the relevant data

},
error: function(error) {
console.log(error);
}
});
```

Remember to replace `'your-collection'` with the slug of your collection, and `'your-access-token'` with your actual Webflow CMS API access token.

By implementing this custom code solution, you will be able to achieve sorting based on the multi-reference field in your CMS collection within Webflow.