Is there a way to disable the functionality in Webflow that serves images from uploads-ssl.webflow.com instead of the local images/ directory? If not, can anyone verify the logic for how these files are stored on the Webflow CDN?

Yes, it is possible to disable the functionality that serves images from uploads-ssl.webflow.com in Webflow and instead use the local images/ directory.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

1. Go to your Webflow dashboard and select the project you want to work on.
2. In the Designer, click on the "Site Settings" icon located in the left sidebar.
3. In the Site Settings panel, navigate to the "Assets" tab.
4. Under the "Image CDN" section, you will find an option called "Server-side optimization". Toggle this option off.
5. Once you disable the server-side optimization, Webflow will serve the images from the local images/ directory instead of uploads-ssl.webflow.com.

It's important to note that by disabling the server-side optimization, images may not be optimized for performance and might take longer to load. However, this gives you more control over the hosting and distribution of your images.

Regarding the logic for how these files are stored on the Webflow CDN, when you upload an image to Webflow, it is automatically optimized and stored on the CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) to ensure fast and reliable delivery to visitors of your website. The actual logic for how these files are stored and distributed on the Webflow CDN is proprietary information and not publicly available.

However, it's worth mentioning that Webflow uses a distributed network of servers strategically placed around the globe to minimize latency and deliver content efficiently. By distributing copies of your images to these servers, Webflow ensures that they are readily available to be served from the closest server to your website's visitors, reducing loading times and improving user experience.

Webflow CDN also employs various caching techniques, including persistent caching and cache invalidation strategies, to optimize the delivery of your images while ensuring they are always up to date with any changes or updates you make in the Webflow Designer.

In summary, while you can disable the functionality to serve images from uploads-ssl.webflow.com and use the local images/ directory instead, it's important to weigh the trade-offs between control and performance optimization when deciding to do so.

Additional Questions:

1. How can I optimize images for faster loading in Webflow?
2. What are the benefits of using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) in Webflow?
3. Can I use a custom domain for my Webflow project?