Is it possible to have visitors add filters to the FAQ page on my Webflow website using an input field or something similar, while still allowing for a general site search in the future?
TL;DR
- Create an FAQ Collection in Webflow CMS with categories or tags to enable filtering.
- Add UI elements like dropdowns or checkboxes and use Finsweet's CMS Filter for real-time FAQ filtering.
- Implement Webflow's native site search separately to allow full-site searches without impacting FAQ filters.
Yes, it's possible to allow visitors to filter FAQ items using inputs like dropdowns, checkboxes, or search fields on your Webflow FAQ page, while still supporting a general site-wide search feature.
1. Use Webflow CMS for FAQ Content
- Create an FAQ Collection in the CMS with fields like Question, Answer, and Category (or tags).
- This structure enables filtering based on categories or custom tags using Webflow’s Collection List and dynamic capabilities.
2. Build Filter UI with Native Elements
- Add dropdowns, checkboxes, or an input field on the FAQ page UI for users to interact with.
- These elements won’t filter content by default in Webflow—you’ll need custom filtering functionality.
3. Add CMS Filtering Using Third-Party Tools or Custom JS
- Use a tool like Finsweet's CMS Filter (https://www.finsweet.com/attributes/cms-filter) to:
- Filter FAQ items in real-time using input fields or category selectors.
- Retain fast and flexible front-end filtering without reloading the page.
- This tool works entirely on the user side and doesn’t interfere with Webflow’s site search indexing.
4. Enable Webflow Site Search Separately
- Webflow’s native site search (via the Search component) builds a searchable index of your site, including CMS content.
- Add a Search page using the Webflow Search Results Template and a Search input field (optional on the FAQ page or elsewhere).
- Site search is separate from the Finsweet filtering or custom scripts, so both can coexist.
5. Combine Both on the Same Page (Optional)
- You can use filtering interactions and include a Webflow site search form in the header or page.
- Ensure your custom filters only affect visible FAQ content—not interfere with site-wide search functions.
Summary
You can use tools like Finsweet CMS Filter to enable input-based filtering on your FAQ page while also using Webflow’s native site search separately. Both solutions can coexist effectively and serve different user needs.