Sliders can be implemented in various ways, including using libraries like Splide, Swiper, or even custom-coded solutions. However, in this article, we will focus on the simplest implementation using Webflow's native slider component.

Sliders are a popular and dynamic way to showcase content on a website, and Webflow’s native slider component provides a powerful tool for creating them. In this guide, we’ll explore how to develop three types of sliders using Webflow’s slider component: static, semi-dynamic, and fully dynamic sliders. Follow along for step-by-step instructions to implement each slider.

Static Slider

Steps:

Step 1: Add a Section and a Container

Start by adding a section to your Webflow project and placing a container inside it for layout consistency.

Step 2: Add a Slider Element

Drag a slider element into the container. This will include the slider, mask, slides, arrows, and pagination.

Step 3: Style the Slider

Give the slider a class .slider and style it with:

1height: auto;
2padding: 3.75rem;
3background: transparent;

Step 4: Style the Mask

Create a random div and give it a class .mask with the following styles:

1display: flex;
2gap: 1rem;
3overflow: auto;
4max-width: 55rem; //(the size of the first slide)

Delete the random div and apply the .mask class to the slider’s mask element.

Step 5: Style the Arrows

Assign a class .arrow-btn to both arrow buttons and add a combo class .is-prev to a button that should move the slider to the previous slide. Style .arrow-btn as follows:

1display: flex;
2justify-content: center;
3align-items: center;
4width: 3.125rem;
5height: 3.125rem;
6border-radius: 50%;
7border: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
8color: black;
9transition: all 300ms ease-out;
10top: -3.125rem;
11margin: 0rem;

Style the .arrow-btn.is-prev button:

1top: -3.125rem;
2right: 3.75rem;
3margin-left: auto;
4transform: rotate(180deg);

Step 6: Adjust Slider Settings

  1. In the slider settings, disable infinite repeat slides.
  2. Hide Pagination
    • Give the pagination element a class .display-none and style it to hide.

Step 7: Style the Slides

  • Create a random div, assign it a class .slide, and style it as:
1display: flex;
2gap: 3.125rem;
3padding: 1.5rem;
4width: 100%;
5background: #f5f5f5;
6flex-basis: auto;
7flex-shrink: 0;
8flex-grow: 0;
  • Delete the random div and assign the .slide class to the slide elements.‍

Step 8: Populate and Style the Slides

  • Add content to the first slide and style it as needed.

Step 9: Duplicate Slides

  • Copy the first slide as many times as necessary and replace the content in each duplicate.

Semi-Dynamic Slider

Building a static slider is a prerequisite to creating both semi-dynamic and dynamic sliders. Ensure you have a fully functional static slider before proceeding with the steps below.

Steps:

  1. Copy the Static Slider Section
    • Duplicate the section containing the static slider.
  2. Adjust Slides
    • Delete all but one slide and add a combo class to remove padding from the remaining slide.
  3. Add a Collection List
    • Add a collection list to the first slide with a limit set to 1 and start at 1.
  4. Style the Collection Items
    • Assign a class .slide to the collection item.
  5. Connect Content
    • Copy over content from the static slide and link it to dynamic fields within the CMS.
  6. Duplicate Slides
    • Copy the first slide and update the collection list to:
      • Limit: 1
      • Start at the next collection item (e.g., 2 for the second slide).
  7. Repeat for Additional Slides
    • Repeat the above steps for as many slides as required.

Dynamic Slider

A functional static slider is required before moving to a dynamic implementation. Complete the static slider setup and follow these steps for a fully dynamic slider.

Steps:

  1. Copy the Static Slider Section
    • Duplicate the section containing the static slider.
  2. Remove Extra Slides
    • Delete all but one slide and add a combo class to remove padding from the remaining slide.
  3. Add a Collection List
    • Place a collection list below the slider component and assign a class .slide to the collection items.
  4. Connect Content
    • Copy content from the static slide and link it to dynamic fields within the CMS.
  5. Integrate Finsweet’s CMS Slider Attributes
    • Open a new browser tab and navigate to Finsweet Attributes, searching for the CMS Slider solution.
  6. Embed the CDN Script
    • Copy the CDN script provided on Finsweet’s page and add it to the page’s head section in Webflow settings.
  7. Add Attributes
    • Add the following attributes:
      • fs-cmsslider-element="slider" to the slider element.
      • fs-cmsslider-element="list" to the collection list.
  8. Publish the Site
    • Publish your project and enjoy your fully dynamic slider.

Conclusion

Creating sliders in Webflow using the slider component is versatile and efficient. Whether you’re building a static, semi-dynamic, or fully dynamic slider, following these steps will help you craft engaging and interactive experiences for your website visitors.

For even more advanced sliders, consider exploring third-party libraries like Splide or Swiper, but Webflow’s native tools are powerful enough to meet basic needs. And if you can't seem to implement this or a more complex slider solution yourself, or team of Webflow development experts is here to help.