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?
- Create FAQs as CMS Collection Items and add fields like Category or Tags for filtering.
- Use third-party plugins like Jetboost or Finsweet CMS Filter to add dynamic, page-specific filtering without affecting global search.
- Maintain a separate global Site Search using Webflow’s native search feature for site-wide indexing.
- Design by placing a local filter above FAQs and a separate global search icon in the navbar or footer.
- Ensure all CMS items are loaded on the FAQ page for filtering plugins to work properly and watch out for potential performance issues.
You want visitors to add filters to your FAQ page dynamically (e.g., by typing or selecting options) without blocking your ability to keep a general site search working across all content. Here’s how you can approach it in Webflow:
1. Use Webflow CMS for FAQ Content
- Create your FAQs as CMS Collection Items.
- Add fields like Category, Tags, or Topics that can be referenced for filtering.
2. Implement Filtering with Third-Party Plugins
Webflow’s native capabilities for filtering are limited, but you can integrate third-party tools like:
- Jetboost: Offers a powerful, no-code filtering tool that works live on your page and supports CMS lists.
- Finsweet’s CMS Filter (Attributes library): Free and very customizable.
These allow you to create input fields, dropdowns, or checkboxes that filter the FAQ items based on user input.
Important: These filters operate only on the current page's visible CMS items — they do not impact Webflow’s global Site Search.
3. Maintain a Separate Global Site Search
- Use Webflow’s native Site Search feature by adding a Search Page with a Search Bar.
- This search will index your entire site based on page content or referenced CMS fields.
- Filters that you add to the FAQ page will not interfere with this broader search functionality.
In short:
- FAQ filters are page-specific, using client-side scripts or plugins.
- Global Site Search remains available through Webflow’s built-in search element.
4. Design Example Setup
- Place a Search Field above your FAQs that connects to the CMS list (through Jetboost/Finsweet) for real-time filtering.
- Add a Site Search icon in your top navbar or footer that directs visitors to the global Search Results page.
5. Things to Watch Out For
- Pagination: Some CMS filter plugins require all CMS items to be loaded on the page (no pagination) for filtering to work.
- Performance: If you have hundreds of FAQ entries, loading them all at once can slow down the page.
Summary
Yes, you can allow FAQ page visitors to dynamically filter FAQs with input fields (using Jetboost or Finsweet Attributes) while still keeping Webflow’s global Site Search intact. Set filters locally on the FAQ page and use Webflow’s search bar for broader site-wide searches.