Why does the page design in Webflow look different from the exported production version?
TL;DR
- Manually add missing Webflow scripts and reconnect external assets like fonts.
- Ensure correct file paths and folder structure on your server to load assets properly.
- Replace Webflow-only features (like CMS or forms) with third-party solutions.
- Include the correct viewport meta tag and check for custom code or hosting issues.
Webflow designs can appear different after export due to missing assets, unlinked styles, or external hosting issues. Here's how to identify and fix the most common causes:
1. Missing Webflow Assets or Scripts
- When exporting, Webflow removes its proprietary scripts (e.g., page transitions, interactions, CMS functions).
- If your design depends on those features, the exported version won’t behave the same.
- Ensure you add these scripts manually if re-creating interactions with JavaScript or a framework.
2. Font Load Failures
- Custom fonts (e.g., Google Fonts or uploaded fonts) may not load correctly if:
- Font files weren’t exported properly.
- CDN links (like Google Fonts) are blocked or altered.
- Check in browser dev tools to confirm font URLs load as expected.
- Re-add font links in the
<head>section of your exported code if needed.
3. Relative vs Absolute Paths
- Exported assets (images, CSS, JS) use relative paths.
- Improper server configuration or file structure can make paths invalid.
- Ensure the folder structure on your server matches the Webflow export.
4. Webflow-Specific Features Not Supported Outside
- Components like CMS collections, forms, and memberships only work when hosted on Webflow.
- On export, CMS content becomes static HTML, and live updates stop.
- For form handling, you'll need to connect to a third-party submission handler (like Formspree or Zapier).
5. Viewport or Meta Tag Issues
- If your
<head>tag is missing Webflow’s viewport meta tag, designs may render improperly on mobile. - Ensure the tag
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">exists.
6. Custom Code Conflicts
- Any custom code added in the before
</head>or</body>areas in Webflow may not work as expected depending on your deployment. - Check for JavaScript errors in your browser console that might interfere with layout or styles.
7. Hosting Environment Differences
- Webflow optimizes serving assets (like images, fonts, and CSS).
- A slower or misconfigured server may delay loading or not render assets correctly.
- Test locally and on your production server to isolate discrepancies.
Summary
Design discrepancies between Webflow and exported versions are usually due to missing interactions, font issues, or incorrect file paths. Review your export configuration, reconnect external assets, and replicate any essential Webflow features with external tools or scripts as needed.