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How can I create a header in Webflow that changes text every few seconds, similar to this resource I found? I've run into some issues when cloning it, as it becomes a text rather than a header and requires rebuilding the entire element. Additionally, the rebuilt version doesn't display the same way, with the text pushing down the next element. Can you provide guidance on achieving this effect?

TL;DR
  • Use a heading element with absolutely-positioned text spans inside a fixed-height, overflow-hidden wrapper.
  • Animate the text using Webflow’s looping interactions to fade in/out, ensuring no layout shift occurs.

To create a dynamic, auto-changing header in Webflow without breaking your layout, you’ll need to use a combination of structured elements, Webflow interactions, and optional custom code. The issue you're facing—where cloned components turn into unformatted text and affect layout—is common when the structure and styling aren’t preserved properly.

1. Structure Your Header Properly

  • Use a Heading Element (like H1, H2, etc.) as the wrapper for accessibility and SEO.
  • Inside this heading, add a Span or a Text Block for each text variation you want to cycle through.
  • Group all the alternating text elements inside a wrapper div with position: relative and overflow: hidden.

2. Style the Text Layers

  • Each changing text (within span/div) should have position: absolute and be stacked in the same space.
  • Set top/left to 0 and width: 100% so each text sits in the same position within the header.
  • Assign display: block or flex and align your text as needed.

3. Create the Looping Animation

  • Use Webflow Interactions (Timeline) to fade text layers in and out sequentially.
  • Use the Loop checkbox with delays between each step.
  • Example timeline:
  • Text 1: Opacity to 100% → wait 2s → Opacity to 0%
  • Text 2: Opacity to 100% → wait 2s → Opacity to 0%
  • Repeat and enable loop

4. Fix Layout Shifting

  • The "pushing down" issue happens when the container resizes to match each text element separately.
  • Fix it by:
  • Giving the text wrapper a fixed height equal to the tallest text.
  • Setting overflow: hidden on the wrapper.
  • Ensuring all positioned texts are absolutely placed to avoid reflow.

5. (Optional) Use Custom Code for More Control

If you need more complex transitions (sliding, typing, etc.), add this inside a <script> tag in the Before Tag in Page Settings:

  • Target your text spans with class names
  • Use setInterval() with simple opacity toggles or classList.toggle()
  • Use loading="lazy" only for images—not needed here

Be sure the elements are fully loaded if using custom code—delay execution till Webflow.ready() or use DOMContentLoaded.

Summary

To build a rotating text header in Webflow, use an H1 element with absolutely-positioned text children inside a fixed-height wrapper. Animate the text with Webflow animations to fade in/out per interval, and prevent layout shifting by fixing the container’s height and hiding overflow. Avoid copying free clones unless the structure matches your semantic needs.

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