Transforming Static Pages into Dynamic CMS Collections in Webflow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Webflow is a powerful tool that lets you build dynamic websites without writing a single line of code. But what happens when you want to take it a step further and turn your static pages into dynamic CMS collections? This is a common challenge faced by many Webflow users, and in this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to do it.

The Problem

As a Webflow user, you may have a section of your website that you want to turn into a CMS collection. Let's take an example from one of our users who wanted to transform a section of their website, specifically the "2019 Virtual Summits" section, into a CMS collection. They also wanted to maintain the alternating colors - white/gray - in the new collection. They had created the content, but they were unsure about the structure and design side of things.

The Solution

Transforming a static page into a CMS collection in Webflow is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here's a step-by-step guide that you can follow:

Step 1: Create a CMS Collection

Firstly, you need to create a CMS collection for your content. This is where you will add all the items that you want to feature in the collection.

Step 2: Turn Each Section into a Symbol

On the static page, turn each section that you want to include in the collection into a symbol. To do this, right-click the section and select "Create Symbol".

Step 3: Add the Symbols to the CMS Page

On the new CMS page, drag in each symbol that you created in the previous step. They should be added in the order that they appear on the static page.

Step 4: Unlink the Symbols from the CMS Page

Once you've added the symbols to the CMS page, you will need to unlink each section from its symbol. To do this, right-click the symbol and select "Unlink from Symbol".

Step 5: Cleanup

Finally, you can return to the static page and unlink each section from its symbol. Then, delete the symbols that you created for the migration. You're done!

Step 6: Review and Publish

Review your new CMS collection to ensure everything looks as expected. Make any necessary adjustments, then publish your site to make your new collection live. You have successfully transformed a static page into a dynamic CMS collection!

Important Note

Remember, the transformation process may require some adjustments depending on your specific use case and website design. The key is to test, tweak and optimize until you achieve your desired results. And don't forget, the Webflow University is a great resource if you need additional help.

Wrapping Up

With these steps, you can transform any static page into a dynamic CMS collection in Webflow. This allows you to maintain a consistent design while making your website more dynamic and easier to manage. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn as you go. Happy designing!

The Power of Conditional Visibility in Webflow

Here's a top-notch tip that can be a game-changer when working with static pages and CMS collections in Webflow. Harnessing the power of Webflow's 'Conditional Visibility' feature can truly elevate your design and functionality.

Let's say you're transforming a static page into a CMS collection but you've got some sections that only apply to certain entries in your collection. Instead of creating separate collection items or pages, you can use the 'Conditional Visibility' feature to control the display of those sections. This means you can have sections that only appear for certain items in your collection, providing a tailored user experience.

For example, in your '2019 Virtual Summits' section, you might have certain summits that include guest speakers. You could set a condition such that the 'Guest Speaker' section only appears for the summits that have this feature.

To do this, you simply need to select the section you want to control, go to the 'Settings' panel and choose 'Add Condition' under 'Conditional Visibility'. You can then set the conditions based on your CMS collection fields.

Remember, 'Conditional Visibility' is a powerful tool that can add a level of sophistication to your Webflow site, giving you the power to create dynamic, custom experiences for your visitors.