Is there a way to hide a download page or landing page behind a form in Webflow and prevent access to the page without form submission?
TL;DR
- Set up a form that redirects users to a gated page upon submission.
- Use URL parameters and JavaScript to restrict direct access to the gated page.
- Optionally, password-protect the page or use obscure URLs revealed only after submission.
- For secure gating, integrate Webflow with tools like Memberstack or Outseta.
You can restrict access to a download or landing page in Webflow by requiring users to first submit a form, but Webflow's native functionality doesn't include full access control. However, there are workarounds using form redirects, custom links, and gated URL logic.
1. Use Form Submission Redirect
- Create a Form Page first with a Webflow native form.
- In form settings, configure the Form Submission Success Redirect URL to go to your gated page (e.g.,
/download-success). - This ensures that only users who submit the form are automatically directed to the download page.
2. Prevent Direct URL Access with a Hidden Token
Although Webflow cannot fully restrict URL access, you can:
- Add a unique URL parameter to the redirect (e.g.,
/download-success?access=12345). - On the
/download-successpage, place a custom embed with JavaScript that checks for the required parameter and redirects to another page if it's missing. - Example: Use
window.locationlogic to test foraccess=12345and redirect otherwise.
This makes the page hard to access without form submission, although it's not totally secure—users could share the link.
3. Obscure the URL or Password-Protect the Page
- Alternatively, you can use Webflow’s Page Password Protection:
- Go to Page Settings for the download page.
- Enable Password Protection and set a password.
- After form submission, reveal the password via the success message.
Or:
- Obscure the download page URL (e.g.,
/dl-a38dk29) and only reveal it after the form is submitted.
4. Use Memberstack or Outseta for True Gating
- For stronger protection, integrate Webflow with a membership tool like Memberstack or Outseta.
- These allow true gated content logic (e.g., user must log in or complete a form to access certain pages).
- You can set access rules based on user attributes or tags.
Summary
You can simulate gated access by using form redirects and custom parameter checks or password protection, but Webflow alone doesn't offer secure gating. For stronger control, use an integration like Memberstack or Outseta.