Is there a way in Webflow to override the CMS content in a symbol, so that the same symbol can display different content?
TL;DR
- Use Webflow Components (if available) to define custom properties and bind CMS content for dynamic overrides.
- Alternatively, use CMS Collection Pages for limited dynamic content in Symbols or embed dynamic elements manually, though this loses Symbol reusability.
- As a last resort, duplicate and unlink Symbols for static overrides without CMS binding.
Webflow Symbols are designed for reusable components, but by default, they don't support dynamic CMS content overrides. However, there are workarounds depending on your project setup.
1. Use Component Properties in Webflow Components (Beta)
- Webflow Components (formerly Symbols 2.0, currently in Beta or limited release) allow you to define custom properties (like text, image, or link fields) when defining the component.
- You can then bind collection content to those properties when placing the component inside a CMS Collection Page or a Collection List.
- If your account has access to Webflow Components, this offers the best way to reuse a component and override its content with CMS data.
- To check access, click Symbols > Convert to Component or create a new component and look for Properties settings in the right panel.
2. Use Symbols + CMS Collection Pages (Limited)
- If you're placing a Symbol on a CMS Collection Page, you can include CMS-bound elements inside the Symbol, but they will only pull content based on the context of that Collection Page.
- This doesn’t allow per-instance overrides outside of Collection Pages or Lists.
3. Use Embeds with Dynamic CMS Data
- Inside a CMS Collection List or Collection Page, you can use HTML Embeds or Dynamic Elements to recreate parts of a Symbol manually.
- This allows dynamic content, but you'll lose the centralized editing benefits of Symbols.
4. Duplicate Symbols with Manual Overrides (Not Dynamic)
- If you want differing static content across pages, you can duplicate a Symbol, then “Unlink” or Detach it and manually change its content.
- However, this breaks the connection, so editing one won’t affect others.
Summary
Webflow does not let you override CMS content in classic Symbols, but Webflow Components (if available in your workspace) do support content overrides via properties, including CMS bindings. Otherwise, use CMS Collection Pages or recreate components manually with dynamic content.