Is it possible to design the front-end of a web application using Webflow and the back-end with Ruby on Rails? Has anyone successfully implemented this approach before?
TL;DR
- Export HTML, CSS, JS, and assets from Webflow and integrate them into Rails views or layouts.
- Use Webflow CMS API if needed, and connect Rails back-end logic via routes, controllers, and AJAX or standard form submissions.
Yes, it is possible to design the front-end of a web application using Webflow and connect it to a Ruby on Rails back-end. This approach has been successfully implemented by many developers and agencies for modern web apps and marketing sites.
1. Export Front-End Code from Webflow
- Use Webflow’s Code Export feature if you’re building a static front-end.
- You can download the generated HTML, CSS, JS, and assets and then integrate them into your Rails views (typically
.html.erbfiles). - Note: Webflow exports static content, so dynamic behavior must be linked through custom JS or server-side Rails code.
2. Use Webflow as a CMS (Optional)
- If you're using Webflow’s CMS hosting, you can expose content via the Webflow CMS API.
- Your Rails app can pull data from Webflow’s CMS via HTTP requests (RESTful API) for dynamic rendering or synchronization.
3. Integrate with Rails Views or Layouts
- Place Webflow-exported assets into your Rails project under
app/assets, and use partials or custom layout templates for integration. - Be aware that you might need to adjust paths for assets (e.g., images, CSS files) to follow the Rails asset pipeline.
4. Make Rails Handle Back-End Logic
- Use Rails controllers and routes to handle forms, user authentication, payment processing, etc.
- You can make Webflow forms submit directly to Rails endpoints (using
action=andmethod=), or use AJAX/Fetch API to connect front-end interactions with Rails logic.
5. Authentication and Dynamic Behavior
- For SPA-like behavior, use Turbo/Hotwire (built into Rails 7) or plug in Vue/React where needed in the Rails app.
- If your Webflow site is deployed separately, you’ll need to handle CORS and secure API communication between domains.
6. Real-World Usage
- Many startups use Webflow for marketing or landing pages, then link to a Rails-powered app under a subdomain or subdirectory (e.g.,
yourapp.comfor app,www.yourapp.comfor static/front-facing site). - Agencies often use Webflow to rapidly prototype UIs, then pass front-end code to back-end teams for integration.
Summary
Yes, building the front-end in Webflow and the back-end with Ruby on Rails is a proven setup. You can export assets or integrate via APIs, depending on your needs. The approach is best suited for hybrid setups involving static pages, CMS content, and dynamic back-end features.