Webflow uses its own built-in CMS, designed specifically to integrate tightly with the Webflow Designer. Transitioning between design and CMS content is seamless, with no need for external platforms. Here's how it works and how it affects your design process.
1. Webflow’s Native CMS
- Webflow CMS is included with CMS and Business Site plans—no need for third-party tools like WordPress or Contentful.
- It allows you to create custom “Collections” (e.g., blog posts, team members, products) with fields like plain text, rich text, images, reference links, etc.
- The content structure is built natively within Webflow Designer, so it’s directly connected to visual templates.
2. Seamless Design-to-CMS Workflow
- Once a CMS Collection is created, you can bind each design element (e.g., image, heading, button) to its corresponding CMS field.
- Any changes in content (via CMS Editor or API) will automatically update the corresponding parts of the live design.
- Real content can be previewed in the Designer using “item preview” within CMS-bound elements.
3. Impact on Website Design
- The CMS doesn't limit your design—you still have full visual and layout control over how content is displayed.
- However, dynamic templates (e.g., blog post pages) are built with the CMS structure in mind, so content-driven designs depend on the schema you build.
- Repeating content sections (like blog grids or testimonial sliders) are powered entirely by CMS data, ensuring centralized updates.
4. When to Use an External CMS
- Webflow supports external content integrations via APIs or tools like Zapier/Make if needed.
- External CMSs can be used by pushing content into the Webflow CMS database.
- However, you cannot use a third-party CMS directly to power Webflow’s layout or native dynamic pages.
Summary
Webflow uses its own native CMS, designed for full compatibility with the visual Designer. Transitioning between design and content is seamless, with minimal impact on creative freedom. The CMS enhances scalability without compromising your visual control.