If I unlink a symbol in Webflow, will the remaining instances of that symbol on other pages still exist as a symbol? I have a footer as a symbol that I need to copy, unlink, and create a new version for a different language as a new symbol. I want the original linked footers to remain as the original symbol while creating a new symbol from one of them.

You're working with a symbol in Webflow and want to create a localized version without affecting the original symbol. Here's how Webflow handles this:

1. What Happens When You Unlink a Symbol

• Unlinking a symbol converts that specific instance of the symbol into regular elements.
• Other instances of that symbol on your site remain symbols and are unaffected.
• The original symbol itself still exists in the Symbols panel unless you manually delete it there.

2. How to Create a New Symbol for a Different Language

• Go to a page where the original footer symbol is placed.
• Unlink the symbol on that page (right-click and choose Unlink Instance).
• The content becomes editable and disconnects from the original symbol.
• Make your language-specific edits to this unlinked component.
• Once edits are complete, select the entire footer section, then click Create Symbol.
• Name this new symbol (e.g., Footer - Spanish) to distinguish it from the original one.

3. Best Practices for Managing Multi-language Footers with Symbols

• Never delete the original symbol if you still need it on other pages.
• You can now place the appropriate footer symbol (original or translated) on each page as needed.
• To simplify symbol management, use folder or naming conventions, especially if you’ll make multiple language versions.

Summary

Unlinking a symbol affects only that instance—other symbol instances remain linked and intact. To create a new language version, unlink one instance, modify it, and save it as a new symbol with a unique name.