Can Webflow's interface be used to link buttons to filter and sort collection lists, similar to how the Isotope plugin allows for filtering and sorting?
TL;DR
- Webflow offers static filtering via Collection List Settings, but lacks interactive, button-triggered filtering/sorting.
- You can mimic filtering by toggling pre-filtered Collection Lists with interactions, though it's limited.
- Use Jetboost for no-code, real-time filtering, searching, and sorting.
- Alternatively, use custom JavaScript with Isotope for full control, though it requires coding and higher maintenance.
Webflow's native interface supports basic filtering of Collection Lists, but it does not offer out-of-the-box dynamic filtering and sorting triggered by buttons like Isotope. Here's how you can achieve similar functionality and your options.
1. What Webflow Offers by Default
- Static filtering/sorting can be applied in the Collection List Settings using filters, sort orders, and conditional visibility.
- Webflow CMS Filters are set at design time—not interactively by end users.
- No native button-triggered filtering/sorting exists in the Webflow Designer.
2. Workarounds Using Webflow Native Capabilities
- Use multiple Collection Lists, each pre-filtered differently using Designer filters (e.g., a “Featured” version and an “All” version).
- Show/hide Collection Lists using interaction-based button clicks. Example:
- Button 1 shows Collection List A and hides Collection List B.
- Button 2 does the reverse.
This mimics a filter behavior but is limited and not scalable for large datasets or dynamic filtering by user input.
3. Advanced Filtering & Sorting Using Jetboost
- Jetboost.io is a no-code, Webflow-compatible third-party tool.
- It enables real-time filtering, search, and sorting on Webflow Collection Lists using buttons or dropdown menus.
- Supports:
- Multi-filtering (e.g., category + tag).
- Live search filtering.
- Sort by fields (e.g., date, name).
- Fully integrates into the Webflow visual interface using custom attributes.
4. Custom JavaScript with Tools Like Isotope
- If you’re comfortable with code, you can manually integrate Isotope or similar libraries via custom code embeds.
- Process involves:
- Adding
custom attributesorclassesto elements. - Writing JavaScript inside Page Settings > Footer.
- Ensuring CMS items load before the filter logic applies (often requiring
DOMContentLoadedorWebflow.push()logic). - Maintenance is more complex and not supported directly by Webflow.
Summary
Webflow alone doesn’t support interactive, button-triggered filtering and sorting like Isotope. However, you can replicate this behavior using either Jetboost (no-code solution) or custom JavaScript with Isotope. For most users seeking ease of use and scalability, Jetboost is the recommended approach.