When will Webflow update the "Select Field" component to allow for a placeholder with different colors before and after selection, without the need for a label above the field?
TL;DR
- Webflow doesn't support styled placeholders or label-free Select Fields without custom code.
- Use a disabled, selected first option as a placeholder and apply custom CSS for styling, as browser support and Webflow's built-in controls are limited.
Webflow currently does not support custom placeholder styling (e.g., different colors before and after selection) or label-free configurations for the native Select Field without custom code or creative workarounds.
1. Current Limitations
- Webflow's Select Field component doesn't offer an option to add a true placeholder. Instead, designers typically use the first
<option>as a workaround. - Styling the first option (used as a placeholder) differently from selected options is not fully supported across all browsers (especially Safari).
- There's no built-in control for changing the color of the placeholder or selected text dynamically.
- Webflow requires a label for accessibility, and removing it is not directly possible through the UI without affecting semantics or interaction.
2. Workaround Approach
To achieve placeholder behavior with styling differences:
- Set the first
<option>as disabled and selected, so it appears as a placeholder (e.g., “Select an option...”). - Example: Add an option like "— Select an Option —" with the settings:
Selected: On, Disabled: On. - Target the select field via custom CSS in the Page Settings > Custom Code or on the Site Settings level to apply color changes:
- Use pseudoselectors like
:invalidor:not(:placeholder-shown)may help, but support varies. - This still requires CSS overrides, as Webflow's designer does not expose all control for
selectstyling.
3. Upcoming Feature Status
- Webflow has not officially announced a timeline for updating advanced Select Field logic or styling.
- Feature requests around placeholder text for select fields, custom dropdown styles, and conditional styling are active on the Webflow Forums and Wishlist.
- You can track feature requests via Webflow’s Wishlist or the Webflow Forum.
Summary
Webflow currently does not support styled placeholders in the Select Field or dynamic color changes based on selection without code. To simulate this behavior, you’ll need to use disabled preset options combined with custom CSS. There is no announced timeline for this feature improvement.