What is causing unexpected margin and padding on multiple sections in my Webflow site?
TL;DR
- Check Webflow's global styles and base tags in the Style Manager for defaults on body, sections, or headings.
- Inspect parent/child elements and combo classes for inherited or conflicting spacing.
- Use the browser inspector and Webflow’s device preview to detect padding/margin from child elements or across breakpoints.
Unexpected margin and padding on multiple sections in your Webflow site is typically caused by default browser styles, global Webflow settings, or inherited class styles that are unintentionally applied.
1. Check for Global Styles or Base Tags
- Webflow applies default styles to certain base elements like
<body>,<section>, or<h1>-<h6>unless explicitly overridden. - Go to the Style Manager panel, check if you’ve modified the Body (All Pages) or Section tag, which applies changes to all instances.
- Also check All Section or All Div Block selectors listed under Selectors in Use.
2. Inspect Parent and Child Elements
- Use preview mode or browser inspector to examine whether the spacing is coming from the section, a child element, or a parent wrapper.
- Padding/margin from adjacent or nested elements can visually affect a section even if that section has no styles applied directly.
3. Review Combo Classes
- Combo classes can introduce styles that unexpectedly override base settings for multiple sections.
- Select one of the affected sections and see if it uses a combo class, and compare it with unstyled versions.
4. Check Inherited Typography Spacing
- Elements like paragraphs (p) and headings (h1-h6) have default top and bottom margins.
- If sections feel spaced out, it might be due to margin on inside elements like paragraph tags. Set margin to 0 or adjust as needed.
5. Mobile and Device-Specific Styles
- Spacing may look fine on desktop but problematic on tablet or mobile.
- Use Webflow’s device switcher to check for media-specific margin/padding defined on smaller breakpoints.
6. Webflow Containers and Grid Behavior
- If you are using container or grid layouts, these components may have default padding or alignment rules.
- Inspect the container class, and verify if horizontal padding or max-width is causing perceived “spacing.”
Summary
To resolve unexpected spacing in Webflow, check for global or base styles, inherited margins from child elements, or combo class overrides. Use the browser inspector and Webflow Style Manager to isolate the source of unwanted margin or padding.