What is the proper way to use combo classes in Webflow to apply multiple modifiers without repeating styles, especially when dealing with classes like "button big primary"?
TL;DR
- Use a base class (e.g.,
button) combined with standalone utility classes (e.g.,primary,big) instead of chaining them into a single combo class. - Create reusable utility classes manually (e.g.,
button-primary,button-large) to maintain modular, clean, and efficient styling.
To efficiently use combo classes in Webflow like "button big primary" without repeating styles, follow a utility-first mindset and apply modifiers correctly without nesting unnecessary combo classes.
1. Understand What Combo Classes Are
- Combo Classes in Webflow add modifications to a base class without altering the base itself.
- For example, "button" is your base class, and “big” or “primary” are modifiers used to tweak appearance or layout.
- In Webflow, a combo class modifies only the base class directly before it — they are not cumulative like chained utility classes.
2. Avoid Stacking Multiple Combo Classes
- Webflow’s combo class system doesn’t support multiple independently defined class modifiers like "button big primary" where all three are separate. That actually creates one long combo class, not separate styles.
- Avoid creating a new combo class like “button big primary”, as it treats the entire phrase as a single unique class combo, which leads to repetition.
3. Use Base Class With Utility-Style Separate Classes
- Instead of creating combo chains, apply the base class ("button") and then add separate standalone utility classes like:
buttonbig(custom utility class)primary(modifier for color or purpose)- These three classes act independently and can be reused across different components.
4. Create Global Utility Classes Manually
- Webflow doesn’t have a built-in utility class system like Tailwind, but you can create global classes to reuse:
- Create a class named big that increases padding or font-size.
- Create primary to apply primary color styles.
- Apply them individually to elements that need them. This avoids duplicate styling and keeps class logic clean.
5. Best Practice for Button Styling Example
- Create a base “button” class with shared padding, border-radius, etc.
- Create separate utility classes like:
button-primaryfor background color and hover effects.button-largefor size/padding.- On your element, apply both:
button, thenbutton-primary, thenbutton-large.
Summary
To effectively use combo classes in Webflow for items like “button big primary,” use a base class + standalone utility classes instead of chaining modifiers into one combo class. This approach keeps your styles modular, reusable, and avoids unnecessary repetition.