How can I configure a large image to be in the foreground of my website homepage in Webflow, similar to an example I've seen, while still having a sidebar?
TL;DR
- Create a horizontal flex container with two divs: one fixed-width sidebar and one main content area.
- Add the image to the main area, position it absolutely with z-index control, and ensure responsiveness with appropriate sizing and object-fit settings.
To display a large image prominently in the foreground of your homepage in Webflow while retaining a visible sidebar (e.g., navigation or menu), you need to control layout structure and layering using containers, flexbox or grid, and z-index.
1. Set Up a Two-Part Layout
- Drag in a Section element for your homepage content.
- Inside that Section, add a Div Block and set its Display to Flex (horizontal layout). This will serve as your main layout wrapper.
- Inside the Flex Div, add two child Div Blocks:
- One for the Sidebar
- One for the Main Content/Image Area
2. Style the Sidebar
- Set a fixed width (e.g., 220px) for the Sidebar Div.
- Add your links, navigation items, or any text content.
- Set Display to Block and ensure height is 100vh if you want it full-height.
3. Add and Style the Foreground Image
- In the Main Content Div, drag in an Image element or use a Background Image on a Div Block, depending on if it’s decorative or essential.
- Set the container to Position: Relative and the image element (or background image Div) to Position: Absolute, anchored to top-left with 100% width and height if needed.
- Apply z-index: 1 or higher to the image so that it appears above the background but not above navigation content you want visible.
4. Adjust Layering with Z-Index
- Make sure the Sidebar has a higher z-index (e.g., 10) if you want it above the image.
- If the image is covering the sidebar, reduce its z-index or wrap it in a separate content container positioned only within the main area.
5. Set Image Responsiveness
- Use cover or contain for background image sizing, or set the image width to 100% and max-width: none if you’re using an image element.
- Add object-fit: cover and position the image as needed (if embedded in an img tag).
Summary
To keep a large image in the foreground while maintaining a visible sidebar, split your layout into a flex container with two sections, position your image in the main area, and control z-index and layering so your sidebar remains usable and visible.