Can I use Webflow to create a modern design for my dynamic website built with Django, and then export the project as a static file?
TL;DR
- Design the front-end in Webflow, export static HTML/CSS/JS assets, and integrate them into your Django project.
- Manually convert exported HTML to Django templates using template tags and static references for dynamic content integration.
Yes, you can use Webflow to design a modern static front-end for your dynamic website, export the static assets, and then integrate them into your Django project. However, there are key limitations and steps to consider.
1. Export Options from Webflow
- Webflow allows exporting only static assets (HTML, CSS, JS, images).
- CMS content and interactions tied to Webflow CMS will not export — only static content is included.
- To export, go to Project Settings > Export Code (for paid accounts only).
2. Design in Webflow, Functionality in Django
- Webflow is ideal for designing high-quality UI/UX front-end layouts.
- After export, you'll receive the index.html (and other page files), along with CSS, JS, and assets folders.
- You'll need to manually integrate the exported HTML into your Django templates and modify them to use Django’s templating syntax (e.g.,
{% static %},{% block content %}, etc.).
3. Replace Static Elements with Django Logic
- Replace navbars, dynamic content blocks, forms, and other interactive elements with their Django equivalents.
- If your site uses dynamic data, you need to insert context variables and Django template logic into the exported HTML files.
- Use the Django static files system to serve CSS/JS/images correctly by referencing them with
{% static 'path/to/file.css' %}.
4. CSS and JS Compatibility
- Webflow exports standard CSS and JavaScript files, including Webflow-specific scripts.
- These scripts may use Webflow classes and IDs, so avoid renaming these unless you update the associated styling.
- Optional: remove or replace Webflow's Webflow.js if not needed, especially if it conflicts with your functionality.
5. Responsive Design and Hosting Considerations
- Webflow's designs are fully responsive and mobile-friendly.
- After integration, your Django app will serve the design just like any static front-end, hosted on your own server (not Webflow’s hosting).
Summary
You can use Webflow to design a static front-end, export the assets, and integrate the HTML/CSS into your Django project manually. You'll need to adapt Webflow’s static files to work with Django's template system and dynamic backend.