Is there a way to use Webflow's CMS data in a form select field without third-party tools or integrations?
TL;DR
- Webflow doesn't support dynamically populating form select fields from CMS data.
- To simulate this, use a Collection List as a custom dropdown, a hidden input to store the value, and JavaScript to handle selection and submission.
You cannot use Webflow’s native CMS data to populate a form select field without using third-party tools or custom code, because Webflow's native form elements don't dynamically bind to CMS content.
1. Why CMS Fields Don't Link to Native Form Elements
- Webflow forms are static in the Designer.
- Select fields (dropdowns) in forms only allow manual entry of options inside the Designer.
- Webflow currently doesn’t offer dynamic CMS bindings inside native form select elements.
2. Workaround Using a Custom Select (Not Native Select Field)
- You can create a custom-styled dropdown using a Collection List.
- Each option can be a CMS item displayed as a clickable div or button.
- On click, use custom JavaScript to pass that selected value into a hidden input field inside a form.
- This method requires:
- CMS Collection List inside the form area
- Hidden input field for storing the selected value
- JavaScript to manage selects and value submission
3. Limitations Without Third-Party Tools
- Even this workaround involves custom code.
- You still can’t use a native
<select>field that auto-populates from CMS items without code. - No visual designer support for true dynamic select-population within forms.
Summary
Webflow doesn’t natively support injecting CMS data into form select fields. The only way around it—without third-party tools—is by using a Collection List and JavaScript to simulate a dropdown and pass the selected CMS item to a hidden input field.