Can anyone advise on how to link an existing external database to a Webflow site?
TL;DR
- Use no-code tools like Wized, Zapier, or Make to connect Webflow with external databases via APIs.
- Set up your external database with a REST API and secure it with authentication.
- Display data in Webflow using Wized for real-time rendering or use custom JavaScript embeds with API calls.
- Sync external data to Webflow CMS with automation tools or scripts via the CMS API.
- Treat the external database as a backend (e.g., using Xano) and connect it to Webflow through APIs for dynamic content loading.
To connect an existing external database to a Webflow site, you’ll need to use third-party tools, APIs, or no-code platforms because Webflow doesn’t natively support external database integration. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Use a No-Code Tool Like Zapier, Make, or Wized
- Zapier or Make (Integromat) can help you trigger workflows between Webflow and your external database using APIs.
- Wized is a front-end logic layer that works with Webflow and directly connects to external APIs and databases to display dynamic content.
2. Set Up a REST API for Your Database
- Ensure your external database (e.g., Airtable, MySQL, Firebase, etc.) is exposed via a RESTful API.
- You’ll need endpoints (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) to perform the appropriate actions.
- Secure the API using authentication tokens or API keys.
3. Display External Data on Webflow Using Embed or Wized
- Use Wized to bind your Webflow elements to external API data. Wized allows real-time fetching and front-end rendering inside Webflow pages.
- Alternatively, use a custom JavaScript embed in a Webflow Embed block to fetch and render data using
fetch()with your API endpoint. Be cautious with exposing private keys client-side.
4. Update Webflow CMS from External Database
- If you want to sync your external database to Webflow CMS, use Zapier, Make, or custom scripts via Webflow’s CMS API.
- Example: Trigger a flow when a new row is added in Airtable → send it to Webflow CMS via API.
5. Use External Database as Backend Only
- You can keep your Webflow site static and use an external database + logic layer (like Xano) as your backend.
- Connect Xano or other BaaS platforms to Webflow via API or Wized to load data dynamically.
Summary
Webflow doesn't connect directly to external databases, but you can bridge the gap by using tools like Wized, Zapier, or custom JavaScript embeds to fetch API data and display it. For full CRUD interaction, Wized or a backend like Xano + API is the most robust solution.