Why doesn't the Webflow CMS update API automatically update images without having to manually refresh the page?
TL;DR
- Append a unique timestamp or version number to filenames before uploading to bypass caching.
- Implement a JavaScript page refresh or modify the image URL with a
?v=[timestamp]query parameter to force updates. - Test on a private browser window or clear cache using browser developer tools if updates are delayed due to Webflow’s CDN.
Webflow's CMS API doesn't automatically refresh images because Webflow caches assets for performance reasons. When updating images via the API, the previous cached version may still be displayed until the page is manually refreshed. Here’s how you can address this issue:
1. Use a Unique Filename for Each Upload
- Webflow may serve cached versions of an image if the filename remains the same.
- Solution: Append a unique timestamp or version number to the filename before uploading.
2. Manually Refresh the Page After an Update
- After updating an image via the API, Webflow does not trigger a page reload.
- Solution: Implement a JavaScript page refresh or a function to force the browser to reload the image dynamically.
3. Use a Cache-Busting Query Parameter
- If reloading the entire page is not ideal, modify the image URL to bypass the cache.
- Solution: Append a query parameter like
?v=[timestamp]to the image URL, ensuring the browser fetches the latest version.
4. Work with Webflow’s Asset CDN
- Images are stored on Webflow's CDN, which may delay updates.
- Solution: Test on a private browser window or force a full cache clear from the browser developer tools.
Summary
Webflow’s CMS API does not automatically refresh images due to caching. To ensure updated images appear correctly, append unique filenames, implement cache-busting techniques, or manually refresh the page.