Does the responsive image function of Webflow still work if the code is exported instead of using the Webflow server services?
TL;DR
- Webflow generates multiple image variants and serves them via its CDN, but exporting the code removes this functionality.
- The
srcsetattribute remains, but only original images are exported, requiring manual resizing and updating. - To retain responsiveness, manually create image variants, modify
srcsetattributes, and use an external CDN if necessary.
Webflow’s responsive image functionality generates multiple image variants for different screen sizes. However, if you export the code, some aspects of this feature may no longer work as they do on Webflow's servers.
1. How Webflow’s Responsive Image Feature Works
- Webflow automatically creates resized versions of images and serves them via its CDN (Content Delivery Network).
- The
<img>tag is updated with asrcsetattribute, which tells browsers to load the most appropriate image size.
2. What Happens When You Export the Code?
- The
srcsetattribute remains intact in the exported code, meaning browsers can still choose from available image sizes. - However, Webflow’s CDN-hosted images are not included, so only the original images are exported.
- You must manually create and upload responsive image versions if you move the site to another server.
3. How to Ensure Responsive Images Work After Export
- Manually Generate Image Variants: Use tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh to create multiple sizes.
- Modify the
srcsetAttribute: Update image paths to point to the correct versions on your new server. - Use an External CDN: Store images on a CDN like Cloudinary and update image URLs accordingly.
Summary
Webflow’s responsive image feature does not fully work after code export because Webflow’s CDN is no longer available. To maintain responsiveness, you must manually create different image sizes, update srcset attributes, and use an external CDN if needed.