How can I prevent text changes in Webflow's mobile version from affecting the desktop version and vice versa?

TL;DR

Text content changes apply to all breakpoints, while style changes cascade down from larger to smaller breakpoints.
To show different text per device, duplicate elements and use display settings to toggle visibility by breakpoint.

When editing text or styles in Webflow, it's essential to understand how Webflow’s responsive cascade works. Text content changes affect all breakpoints, but style changes cascade down—from desktop to mobile.

1. Understand Content vs. Style Behavior

Text Content (actual words in a text element): Changes apply across all breakpoints. If you change text on mobile, that change reflects on desktop.
Text Styles (font size, margin, alignment): Adjustments made on a larger breakpoint cascade down to smaller ones, but not up.

2. Use Style Overrides for Mobile

To change only the style (not content) for mobile views:
Select a mobile breakpoint (tablet, mobile landscape, or mobile portrait).
Adjust typography styles like font size, line height, or text alignment — these apply only at that breakpoint and downward.
Webflow visually indicates overridden styles with blue labels in the style panel.

3. Customize Text Per Breakpoint (Advanced Workaround)

To display different text content on mobile vs desktop, use this workaround:

Duplicate the Text Element within the same section or container.
Assign each version a class or combo class (e.g., .text-desktop, .text-mobile).
Use display settings in the Style panel:
Set .text-desktop to display:block on desktop, and display:none on mobile.
Set .text-mobile to display:none on desktop, and display:block on mobile.
This lets you manually manage text variation per device without affecting all breakpoints.

4. Keep Classes Organized

Use clear naming conventions when duplicating elements: e.g., .heading-desktop vs .heading-mobile.
Doing so will help avoid confusion and make responsive control easier.

Summary

Text content changes affect all breakpoints, but style changes cascade downward. To prevent text changes impacting other breakpoints, use duplicate elements with custom visibility settings so each version is shown only on its target device.

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