How can I use arrow keys to change slides in Webflow using key codes?
TL;DR
- Assign a unique ID or class (e.g.,
main-slider) to the Webflow Slider. - Add custom JavaScript before the
</body>tag that listens for keydown events, checks for key codes 37 (left) and 39 (right), and triggers.w-slider-arrow-leftor.w-slider-arrow-rightaccordingly.
You can use custom JavaScript with key codes to enable slide navigation using the left (←) and right (→) arrow keys in a Webflow Slider.
1. Identify the Key Codes
- Left Arrow Key has a key code of 37.
- Right Arrow Key has a key code of 39.
2. Target the Webflow Slider
- In your Webflow project, give the Slider component a unique ID or class name (e.g.,
main-slider). - This is necessary to programmatically control it via JavaScript.
3. Add Custom Code to Control Slides
- In Page Settings > Before </body> tag, add this within a
<script>block (avoid including<script>here per guidelines, just refer to the location).
- Recommended logic:
- Detect
keydownevent. - Check if key code matches left (37) or right (39).
- Use Webflow’s built-in jQuery slider controls:
$('#main-slider').slick('slickNext')or- use Webflow's built-in methods like
.trigger('tap')on the native arrow buttons.
- Use Webflow’s structure:
- Select
.w-slider-arrow-leftand.w-slider-arrow-rightinside your slider container. - Example logic:
- For left key (37):
$('#main-slider .w-slider-arrow-left').trigger('tap') - For right key (39):
$('#main-slider .w-slider-arrow-right').trigger('tap')
- For left key (37):
4. Full Logic (JavaScript Overview)
- In basic terms, the JS should:
- Listen for keydown events
- Match the key code
- Trigger the corresponding slider arrow button (.w-slider-arrow-left or .w-slider-arrow-right)
5. Publish and Test
- Publish your site to a staging or live domain.
- Use your keyboard’s arrow keys to ensure slides move accordingly.
Summary
To enable arrow key slide navigation in Webflow, detect key codes 37 and 39, then trigger the native slider arrows (.w-slider-arrow-left and .w-slider-arrow-right) using custom JavaScript placed before the </body> tag.