Can custom content like buttons, custom components, image grids, etc., be placed within Rich Text elements in the Webflow CMS for a blog-like website? How can this limitation be overcome for a more flexible design and layout?

Webflow’s Rich Text element from the CMS does not natively support inserting custom components like buttons, image grids, or interactive elements. However, there are reliable methods to work around this limitation for more flexible layouts in a blog-style CMS.

1. Use Rich Text with Custom Embed Code

• Add Embed code blocks inside the Rich Text directly using Webflow’s CMS Editor (on Collection items).
• From the CMS Editor, click the "plus" icon inside a Rich Text field to add a custom Embed.
• Use simple HTML snippets (e.g., for buttons or layouts), but you won't be able to directly reference Webflow components inside this embed.
• Note: Styling embed content must be done with custom CSS classes or inline styles.

2. Connect Multiple CMS Fields Instead of One Rich Text Block

• Break your page into multiple CMS fields: e.g., one for Intro, another for Image Grid, a third for Body text, etc.
• In the Designer, drag in standard elements (like Buttons, Image Blocks, Custom Components, or Sliders) and bind them to the appropriate field.
• This gives full control over layout and styling, bypassing the limitations of the Rich Text element.

3. Use Webflow Components and Conditional Visibility

• Create Reusable Components (like a “Call to Action” block).
• Use Conditional Visibility to show specific blocks only if their corresponding CMS field is set (e.g., “Show CTA button if 'Show CTA' toggle is ON”).
• This lets you build rich pages using a CMS collection without relying solely on Rich Text for all content.

4. Use the Finsweet Attributes "Add to RTE" Script

• Install Finsweet's Attributes for Rich Text.
• This allows you to inject Webflow components like buttons, sliders, and custom layouts into Rich Text fields using Attributes.
• You set an attribute on the target component (like fs-richtext-element="my-button") and reference them inside the CMS Rich Text via custom shortcodes.

Summary

Webflow Rich Text fields in the CMS do not directly support custom elements like buttons or grids. To overcome this, either (1) use embed code blocks in the Editor, (2) break content into multiple CMS fields and build the layout with Webflow elements, (3) use components with conditional visibility, or (4) enhance Rich Text using third-party tools like Finsweet Attributes.